It is important that every school day is safe!

It's the end of September, which means the initial euphoria of starting the new school year has subsided, and schoolchildren are now busy finishing their assignments, preparing for field trips and tests. As a family, everyone has settled into the working week routine without thinking about a hidden world that makes the days spent at school and learning itself safe and fun. This is the world of standards.

When we talk about the classroom, it is important to mention that standard SRPS EN 1729-2:2023, Furniture - Chairs and tables for educational institutions - Part 2: Safety requirements and test methods ensures that school chairs and desks are designed to fit children of different ages while meeting strict safety requirements. Whiteboards are no exception: thanks to SRPS EN 14434:2024, Writing boards for educational institutions - Ergonomic, technical and safety requirements and their test methods, writing boards and interactive displays are ergonomic and safe to use. Lighting is also important, and standard SRPS EN 12464-1:2021, Light and lighting - Lighting of work places - Part 1: Indoor work places ensures that classrooms and hallways are bright enough to facilitate learning without eye strain.

Technology is an indispensable part of teaching. Thanks to standards such as SRPS EN 62368-1:2015, Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1: Safety requirements, audiovisual and IT equipment in schools can be used without health risks. In science laboratories, where various devices are used, conditions must be created to keep students safe from electric shock or injury when handling lab equipment. Standard SRPS EN IEC 61010-2-130:2021, Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use - Part 2-130: Particular requirements for equipment intended to be used in educational establishments by children, establishes special requirements regarding how children aged 3 to 16, under the supervision of responsible staff, can safely use equipment in educational institutions.

Even physical education classes are standardized, ensuring comprehensive care for children's safety. Thanks to SRPS EN 12503-1:2013, Sports mats - Part 1: Gymnastic mats, safety requirements, gymnastic mats absorb impacts and prevent slipping, allowing children to move and exercise in a safe environment. And when they go out into the schoolyard, the safety of equipment and surfaces is taken care of by standard SRPS EN 1176-1:2024, Playground equipment and surfacing - Part 1: General safety requirements and test methods.

No one goes to school without a snack. Standard SRPS EN 1186-1:2008, Materials and articles in contact with foodstuffs - Plastics - Part 1: Guide to the selection of conditions and test methods for overall migration ensures that the plastic used in lunchboxes and food containers does not release harmful substances into the food, keeping the snack fresh and safe.

Even the most ordinary notebook is “shaped” by standards. SRPS EN ISO 536:2020, Paper and board – Determination of grammage determines the quality of the paper, while SRPS ISO 2758:2015, Paper — Determination of bursting strength guarantees its durability – meaning it can withstand writing, erasing, and daily handling. And paper sizes, such as A4 format, are defined by standards. SRPS EN ISO 216:2007, Writing paper and certain classes of printed matter — Trimmed sizes — A and B series, and indication of machine direction defines the sizes of paper format series.

For the youngest students, finger paints must be completely safe – that's why SRPS EN 71-7:2020, Safety of toys – Part 7: Finger paints – Requirements and test methods is in place, guaranteeing non-toxic materials. Children's clothing is carefully regulated. According to SRPS EN 14682:2016, Safety of children's clothing – Cords and drawstrings on children's clothing – Specifications, children's clothing is designed not to have hazardous cords or drawstrings around the neck. And for those who cycle to school, standard SRPS EN ISO 8098:2023, Cycles – Safety requirements for bicycles for young children ensures that bicycles meet safety requirements.

From the classroom to the playground, from the school notebook to the snack – standards quietly but thoroughly shape the daily life of students. Thanks to them, children can focus on what is most important to them – learning and play – while teachers and parents can rest assured knowing that safety is built into every segment of the school day.