Understanding EN1177 Certification: Why It Matters for Gym Rubber floor Safety?
If gym floors are not safe enough, one fall could lead to serious injury. Many don’t realize that there’s a global standard to prevent that — EN1177.
EN1177 certification is a European safety standard that measures a floor’s shock-absorption performance by calculating its “critical fall height” to reduce injury risks in gyms and playgrounds.
If you are a gym owner or procurement officer, you should never ignore this. Let’s break down what EN1177 actually means, why it matters for gym flooring, and how it connects to your business decisions.
What is EN1177 Certification?
If a customer falls and hits the ground, the injury depends on how the floor absorbs the impact. EN1177 was designed to deal with this exact problem.
EN1177 is a European standard that tests the shock absorption of surfacing materials by determining their Critical Fall Height (CFH). This height shows the maximum fall that won’t cause serious head injury.
What does Critical Fall Height mean?
EN1177 certification is based on one key metric: Critical Fall Height (CFH). Here’s how it works:
- CFH is the height from which a person can fall without suffering a critical head injury.
- Testing involves dropping a headform sensor onto the flooring from various heights.
- The point where the measured Head Injury Criterion (HIC) score exceeds 1000 becomes the floor’s CFH.
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| HIC | A score that predicts head injury risk. Below 1000 is safe. |
| CFH | Maximum fall height where HIC stays below 1000. |
| EN1177 | Certification based on these results. |
So when you see “EN1177 Certified” on a rubber tile or EPDM granule product, it means that material passed real-world impact tests. This is especially important in gyms and playgrounds where falls happen.
Why Does EN1177 Matter for Gym Flooring?
You might think safety standards are only for playgrounds. But gym flooring faces the same risk — especially in heavy lifting zones.
EN1177-certified flooring protects gym users from injury by ensuring shock absorption meets European safety standards. It’s not just for kids — it’s for everyone.
Why is EN1177 better than just “shock absorption” marketing claims?
Anyone can claim their floors are “shock-absorbing.” But only EN1177 certification proves it through lab tests. That’s why many of our clients, like Sean from Spain or Mark from Australia, specifically request this certification before signing deals.
Here’s how it directly affects your decision-making:
1. Preventing Injuries and Lawsuits
- A certified floor can reduce liability.
- EN1177 certification helps prove that you’ve taken action to prevent injuries.
2. Winning Government or School Tenders
- Many public projects in Europe, Australia, and the Middle East require EN1177.
- Certification gives your product a competitive edge in bids.
3. Trustworthy Marketing
- It’s easier to build brand trust when your brochure or Alibaba listing shows EN1177 certification.
- It’s not just a spec. It’s a safety promise.
| Risk Area | Floor Type | Should Be EN1177 Certified? |
|---|---|---|
| Weight zone | Rubber tile (20mm–50mm) | Yes |
| Cardio/yoga area | Rubber roll (4mm–12mm) | Optional but better |
| Playground | EPDM granules (10–15mm) | Absolutely yes |
Which Lanhefloor Products Are EN1177 Certified?
All of our main gym and outdoor flooring products can be made EN1177 compliant. This is part of our promise at Lanhefloor — factory-direct supply, safety-first production.
At Lanhefloor, our composite tiles, tiny granule tiles, EPDM playground flooring, and square outdoor tiles have passed EN1177 testing for fall height safety.
Product Breakdown: What We Offer with EN1177
Gym Rubber Tiles (Indoor Heavy Zones)
| Product Type | EN1177 Status | Thickness Options | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite Tile | ✅ Yes | 15–50mm | Premium gyms |
| Tiny Granule Tile | ✅ Yes | 15–50mm | Weightlifting zones |
| Interlocking Tile | ✅ Yes | 10–25mm | Functional training zones |
- Why it works: These tiles absorb drops from heavy weights or even people during dynamic exercises.
Rubber Rolls (Indoor Light Zones)
| Product Type | EN1177 Status | Thickness Options | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber Roll | ❌ Optional | 3–12mm | Yoga/cardio/stretch zones |
- Why it’s optional: Rolls are used in non-fall areas, but for clients like Sean, having this certification still gives peace of mind.
Outdoor Tiles & EPDM Granules (Playgrounds, Parks)
| Product Type | EN1177 Status | Thickness | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square Rubber Tile | ✅ Yes | 25mm+ | Playgrounds/schools |
| EPDM Granules | ✅ Yes | 10–15mm | Outdoor safety flooring |
These materials are tested specifically for children’s safety, but the same certification ensures quality and impact performance even for adult use in outdoor fitness spaces.
How to Verify a Supplier’s EN1177 Certification?
In this industry, we know some suppliers might say they’re certified but offer no real documents. At Lanhefloor, we always provide copies of the original test reports and can verify via third-party labs.
To verify EN1177, always ask for official test reports showing HIC results and fall height limits from accredited labs.
Common Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Certificate is older than 5 years with no update
- No lab name or test method mentioned
- Same document used for different products (cut-and-paste)
- Certification from unknown or non-EU labs
We provide EN1177 reports alongside CE certification. These are necessary for distributors in Canada or EU importers to pass customs and audits.
Bonus: EN1177 + CE = Safer, Legally Compliant Flooring
While EN1177 focuses on fall height, CE covers general product safety. We have both. That’s how we support our clients in Australia, Japan, Spain, and beyond.
Conclusion
EN1177 is not just a number — it’s your protection against injuries, lawsuits, and lost contracts.