EN 12572-3:2017

Overview

EN 12572-3:2017 - Artificial climbing structures. Part 3: Safety requirements and test methods for climbing holds - is a CEN European Standard that specifies safety, ergonomic and mechanical test requirements for removable climbing holds and large volumes used on artificial climbing structures (ACS) and bouldering walls. It covers material safety, size classification, conditioning and laboratory test methods to verify fixation strength and structural integrity. The standard does not apply to ice climbing, dry tooling or playground equipment.

Key Topics

• Scope and applicability
  • Applies to holds mounted with bolts, screws, etc., including large three‑dimensional volumes designed for use without extra holds.
  • Excludes ice climbing, dry tooling and playground equipment.
• Size classification
  • Hold sizes from XS to Macro are defined by average projected diameter (major and minor axis averaged) - ranges (e.g. XS up to 50 mm; Macro > 550 mm).
• Material and chemical safety
  • Prohibits dangerous substances and references Council Directive 1907/2006 (REACH). Examples of prohibited materials include asbestos, lead and PCBs.
• Ergonomics and entrapment
  • Surfaces must be free of accessible sharp edges (radius < 0.5 mm prohibited) and burrs.
  • No pointed holds < 15 mm diameter that protrude > 40 mm; gaps of 8–25 mm with depth > 15 mm that can entrap are restricted unless specifically designed.
• Mechanical performance and tests
  • Conditioning: five temperature cycles (1 h at −30 °C then 1 h at +70 °C), after 10 min water immersion; holds > 100 g are tested.
  • Resistance to fixation force: three‑point bend test with specified distances (D) and forces by size (S and smaller 2 kN; M 5 kN; L and bigger 8 kN).
  • Structural integrity in use: a 2.4 kN load applied in the most unfavourable direction for 1 minute (holds and volumes).
  • Dimension ratio: design requirement to protect the ACS panel and insert; standard details the geometric relationship (d1, d2, d3).
• Volumes
  • Must be fixed with multiple fixation points, transfer loads efficiently to the ACS, and conform to ACS surface requirements.
• Marking and manufacturer information
  • Holds ≥ 100 g must be marked with manufacturer logo and product ID.
  • Manufacturer must supply fixing type, max tightening torque, recommended use, maintenance, repair, disposal and compliance info.

Applications

• Product design and development of climbing holds and volumes.
• Type testing and quality control in manufacturing.
• Safety verification for indoor climbing gyms, bouldering facilities and ACS installers.
• Procurement and regulatory compliance documentation for facility operators and testing laboratories.
• Route setters and facility managers assessing hold selection, fixation and maintenance practices.

Related Standards

• EN 12572-1: Safety requirements and test methods for ACS with protection points
• EN 12572-2: Safety requirements and test methods for bouldering walls
• REACH / Council Directive 1907/2006 (chemical restrictions)

Keywords: EN 12572-3:2017, climbing holds, artificial climbing structures, safety requirements, test methods, bouldering walls, structural integrity, fixation force, size classification.