FEPI, the Federation of the European Play industry (www.fepi-play.org) represents in Brussels the interests of the most responsible manufacturers and distributors of both outdoor and indoor play equipment and safety surfacing. The products can range from inflatable structures to traditional slides, swings and everything in between. FEPI is composed of 14 companies located in 11 European countries and 6 national federations who represent over 180 companies.
Their primary purposes are to:
- Continuously inform on enacted or intended European Legislation
- Participate in raising the awareness of the importance of children’s play and physical activity
- Promote EN1176 and EN1177 outside of Europe
- Participate in the establishment of minimal European requirements for the inspection and maintenance of playgrounds
Play Rights and Values Committee – Reply to the EU Green Paper published in December 2005 “promoting healthy diets and physical activity: “a European dimension for the prevention of overweight, obesity and chronic diseases”:
First Priority – allocate more space for play and sports areas
Second Priority – increase neighbourhood safety
Third Priority – increase budgets for play and sports area maintenance
Fourth Priority – create a partnership between local authorities, local communities and playground designers and manufacturers
Play Statistics Committee – A first European wide market analysis will be carried out among all FEPI members to collate, in the 5 hereafter domains, statistical results for 2005:
- Play equipment
- Safety surfacing
- Installation
- Maintenance
- Number of direct employees
Plus a statistical fact sheet on playground accidents of children (0-14years).
Play Techno-Research Committee - Collaborate with CEN, Harmonise national requirement concerning inspection and playground maintenance and to promote EN1176 and EN1177 outside of Europe.
In summary, FEPI is going from strength to strength. The Play Industry has an organisation which is recognised and respected by both the EU Parliament and Commission, and the voice of the industry is being heard.