Climbing has arrived in school sports: According to the German Alpine Club (DAV), there are around 2,500 small climbing facilities in schools and daycare centers in Germany. Anyone who Climbing wall for the school plans are based on the DGUV Information 202-018 „"Climbing in daycare centers and schools" (as of June 2023). This guide summarizes the most important regulations for bouldering walls.
- Fall height: The free fall height should not exceed 3.0 m.
- Falling space: At least 2.0 m in front of the wall (up to 3.0 m wall height), otherwise 2.5 m.
- Fall protection: From a free fall height of 0.6 m across the entire impact area.
- Standards: DIN EN 12572-2 for the wall, DIN EN 12572-3 for handles – no DIY.
- Test: Visual inspection before each use, main inspection at least annually.
Height and fall space
The DGUV recommends a [something] for bouldering walls Free fall height of no more than 3.0 m. This can be achieved by ensuring that the last row of steps is no more than 3.0 m above the impact surface or by marking the maximum footfall height.
| Wall height | Impact area in front of the wall | laterally |
|---|---|---|
| up to 3.0 m | at least 2.0 m | at least 50 % of the wall height |
| over 3.0 m | at least 2.5 m | at least 1.5 m |
According to the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), the lateral dimensions apply if lateral climbing is not possible and the overhang does not exceed 10°. The impact area must be free of obstacles.
Fall protection
For free fall heights exceeding 0.6 m, fall protection across the entire impact area is required. Indoors, suitable mats are used: they need a continuous, closed surface, must lie flush, and be secured against slipping. For details, the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) refers to DGUV Information 202-035 "Mats in Physical Education." Separate requirements apply to exterior walls – more information can be found in [link/reference missing]. Climbing wall in the garden.
Clearly mark the maximum number of footholds, for example with a colored line. Children often like to climb "just one more move" – a clear boundary on the wall is easier than any explanation.
Standards and handles
Erect, test and mark according to DIN EN 12572-2.
According to DIN EN 12572-3 by a specialist company – according to DGUV „not a DIY project“.
If the wall is combined with playground equipment, DIN EN 1176 also applies.
Impact protection in sports halls according to DIN 18032-1 up to 2 m height.
Supervision and examination
The DGUV distinguishes between two forms of supervision in bouldering: under control (close to the body and ready for intervention) and under supervision (within sight and shouting range). In practice, according to the DGUV, it has proven effective for one instructor to supervise a maximum of 15 climbers; country-specific regulations also apply.
| Test | When | Notice |
|---|---|---|
| Visual inspection | before each use | Documentation recommended |
| Functional test | every 1–3 months or as per manufacturer's instructions | with expertise, documented |
| Main examination | at least once a year | Experts, e.g., specialist companies, document |
Similar requirements apply to daycare centers – see Climbing wall in the daycare center. The contribution is worthwhile for clubs. Climbing wall for sports clubs.
A climbing wall for your school?
RX Climbing Holds designs and builds climbing walls for children and schools and supplies holds manufactured in-house in Miesbach. Send us photos and dimensions of your space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high can a climbing wall be in a school?
According to DGUV Information 202-018, the free fall height should not exceed 3.0 m – for example, by ensuring that the last row of steps is no more than 3.0 m above the impact surface or by marking the maximum foot step height.
How large does the fall zone in front of the bouldering wall need to be?
For walls up to 3.0 m high, at least 2.0 m in front of the wall; for higher walls, at least 2.5 m. The impact area must be free of obstacles.
How often does a school climbing wall need to be inspected?
According to DGUV: visual inspection before each use, functional test every 1 to 3 months or according to manufacturer's specifications and at least one main inspection per year by qualified persons – each documented.
Are schools allowed to build their own handles?
No. Handles and steps should be supplied by a specialist company according to DIN EN 12572-3 – the DGUV explicitly states „no DIY“.
Note: The relevant regulations are the current DGUV Information 202-018, the aforementioned standards and the requirements of the respective federal state.
About the author: Raul Ortiz has been climbing since 2006, develops and casts climbing holds and fibreglass volumes with RX Climbing Holds in Miesbach, and regularly sets boulder and rope routes in climbing gyms in Upper Bavaria. More about us
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