Playground impact tester reduces brain injuries

Even more alarming is the fact that annually nearly 21,000 playground incidents result in traumatic brain injuries to children aged 14 and younger, according to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Diversified Technical Systems (DTS) have introduced the HeadSAFE Impact Tester in an effort to help reduce playground head injuries. Designed specifically for testing recreational surfaces, the portable headform (simulating a child's head) is dropped from designated heights and the data is used to calculate the potential for head injury from various surfaces. Engineered for field inspectors and surface manufacturers, HeadSAFE features a built-in data logger with internal accelerometers that are DC-response and ranged for surface testing.

HeadSAFE records XYZ impact data with a detailed date and time stamped history. As there are no cables or wires, set up is quick and easy, plus it delivers true free-flight test dynamics for reliable and repeatable test data. The intuitive software makes it easy to set-up test parameters, adjust viewing options and calculate Head Injury Criterion (HIC).

Up to 2000 events can be stored in the 1GB flash memory, which can be downloaded at any time for analysis. HeadSAFE also generates custom lab or inspector surface field reports on the spot and is both US ASTM F1292-13 and European EN 1177 compliant.

Director of Sales for DTS, a global manufacturer of miniature rugged data recorders and sensors, Hans Hellsund said: "Knowing that DTS plays a role in making playgrounds and kids safer is important."

Hellsund added: "For over 26 years all of our work has been focused on helping keep people safer, whether it's with auto manufacturers, crash test dummies or soldier protection.”