Playground Surfacing Safety: Shock Pads & Fall Protection Explained

Every year in the UK, around 40,000 children end up in hospital after playground injuries, many from falls off equipment. While play should always involve some risk, the right surface makes all the difference. Shock pads under artificial grass create a cushioned, Critical Fall Height (CFH) certified layer that protects children, athletes, and the public from serious injury. In this guide, we’ll explain why shock pads matter, how they compare with other playground surfacing options, and when they’re essential for compliance.

🏞 What Is Playground Safety Surfacing?

Playground safety surfacing is designed to absorb impact from falls and reduce injury risk. Options include bark, rubber mulch, wetpour, and artificial grass with shock pads. In the UK, surfacing is tested against BS EN 1177:2018 standards, which measure the Critical Fall Height (CFH) of a surface – the maximum fall from which a child can land without life-threatening injury.

🛡 Why Shock Pads Matter for Fall Protection

Shock pads are impact-absorbing underlays installed beneath artificial grass. They provide:

• Critical Fall Height compliance – certified protection up to 2.5m depending on thickness
• Softer landings for children in schools, nurseries, and play parks
• Joint protection for athletes on sports pitches and MUGAs
• Durability – extending turf lifespan by reducing wear

⚖ Shock Pads vs Other Playground Surfaces

How do shock pads under turf stack up against other safety surfacing?

• Bark / Loose Fill: Cheap, natural look but scatters easily, requires topping up, and is not wheelchair accessible.
• Rubber Mulch: Good shock absorption but environmental and chemical concerns; can heat up in summer.
• Wetpour: Seamless and colourful, but expensive to repair and can become very hot.
• Artificial Grass + Shock Pads: Natural look, all-weather usability, fully CFH certified, long lifespan, accessible for wheelchairs and prams.

✅ When You Must Use Shock Pads

Shock pads aren’t optional in certain situations – they’re essential for compliance and safety:

• Schools & Nurseries: Required beneath climbing frames, slides, and raised equipment to meet BS EN 1177.
• Sports Pitches & MUGAs: Reduce joint strain and impact injuries in football, rugby, hockey, and training grounds.
• Public Play Areas: Councils and architects specify shock pads for compliance and accessibility.
• SEN & Therapeutic Spaces: Softer foam options create calming, impact-absorbing play environments.

💷 Costs & Options

AGAG installs shock pads in different thicknesses to suit your project:

• 25mm Shock Pad – up to 1.3m CFH, from ~£12.50/m², best for schools, playgrounds, general sports use
• 45mm Shock Pad – up to 2.5m CFH, from ~£19.50/m², best for climbing frames, high fall zones, SEN settings

Installed systems start from £45+VAT per m² including turf. All projects are backed by our 10-year turf guarantee and 3-year groundwork guarantee.

🔎 Myths & Misconceptions

There’s a lot of confusion around shock pads. Here are the facts:

• “They’re always needed.” → False. Domestic lawns often don’t need them, but they’re non-negotiable for schools and playgrounds.
• “They trap pet urine.” → Not true for quality pads. Our systems include drainage grooves for quick runoff and hygiene.
• “It’s just an upsell.” → Wrong. Shock pads are specified by Ofsted, councils, and BS EN 1177 standards for compliance.

❓ FAQs: Playground Surfacing & Shock Pads

Still got questions about shock pads and playground surfacing? You’re not alone. Here are the answers to the most common things schools, councils, and parents ask us about safety flooring, compliance, and long-term performance.

Do schools legally need shock pads?

If equipment is over 600mm high, yes – BS EN 1177 requires CFH-tested safety flooring beneath it.

Can shock pads be installed on concrete?

Yes. Our drainage shock pads are designed for hard bases like tarmac or concrete.

What thickness shock pad do I need?

25mm for up to 1.3m fall zones, 45mm for up to 2.5m. We’ll carry out a site survey to confirm.

How long do shock pads last?

Typically 8–10 years, matching the lifespan of high-quality artificial turf.