What is this BS EN 12572-3 - Climbing holds of Artificial climbing structures about?

BS EN 12572-3 discusses artificial climbing structures (ACS) with a focus on safety requirements and test methods for climbing holds. BS EN 12572-3 is the third part of the BS EN 12572 multi-series on artificial climbing structures that specifies the safety requirements and test methods for climbing holds.

BS EN 12572-3 applies to climbing holds, which are used for the natural progression of the climber, i.e., without the use of artificial means (e.g., ice axes, crampons, hooks, nuts) on ACS and bouldering walls. Climbing holds are designed to be mounted on the ACS with bolts, screws, etc. Climbing holds include large volumes or features that are designed for use without additional climbing holds being attached to them. The main fixation points for climbing holds forms part of the existing layout of the ACS and are considered in EN 12572-1 and EN 12572-2.

Note: BS EN 12572-3 does not apply to ice climbing, dry tooling, and playground equipment.

Who is BS EN 12572-3 - Climbing holds of Artificial climbing structures for?

BS EN 12572-3 on climbing holds for Artificial climbing structures is useful for:

Artificial climbing structures constructors
Adventure parks
Instructors of adventure parks
Climbing gear manufacturers

Why should you use BS EN 12572-3 - Climbing holds of Artificial climbing structures?

The working group recognizes that there is a potential danger to ACS users from being struck by falling pieces of climbing holds that break whilst in use on an ACS. Some propriety systems within climbing holds have been developed by manufacturers in response to this problem but the systems have not been perfected and further development work is required. BS EN 12572-3 aims to develop a system that would prevent 'large' pieces of a broken hold that could cause serious injury to ACS users, from being able to 'break-off' and fall from the ACS.

BS EN 12572-3 discusses a test rig which is a system that is capable of delivering a pushing force by means of a rounded, rubber-coated tip measuring between 10 mm and 15 mm DIA, this is attached to the load cell giving a resulting force.

BS EN 12572-3 discusses ergonomic requirements, resistance to fixation force, resistance to breakage in use dimension ratio volumes, and test methods.

What’s changed since the last update?

BS EN 12572-3:2017 supersedes EN 12572-3:2008, which is withdrawn. BS EN 12572-3:2017 includes some technical changes with respect to EN 12572-3:2008.

These include:

Size classification and hold size has been added
Safety requirements and test methods has been modified
Setup for test the structural integrity have been added

BS EN 12572-3:2017

Artificial climbing structures - Safety requirements and test methods for climbing holds

Current, Under Review

Published:

31 Jan 2017