Trampoline Safety Association
From LoveToKnow Safety
The American Society for Testing and Materials is a good place to start gathering information about the trampoline safety association. Founded in 1898, ASTM International sets the safety standards on a host of products.
Trampoline Safety Association and the ASTM
Founded in the United States by a group of scientists and engineers, the organization was first led by Charles Benjamin Dudley. With its primary goal of developing a set of safety standards that keep the public at large safe, the group’s first mission was to address the rail breaks in the then booming railroad industry.
Today the ASTM supports thousands of international committees, while the organization itself maintains no less than 12,000 standards. Their annual book alone holds more than seventy-seven volumes.
The Standards
The standards that are complied have a direct bearing on the trampoline safety association. Thus, trampolines that bear its approval meet the following criteria:
- Standard specification: This category defines the requirements that must be met in order to be satisfied by the subject.
- Standard test method: Defining the way the test is performed, the result of the standard test method is then used to access the compliance of the subject in regards to the standard specification.
- Standard practice defines a sequence of operations but does not produce a result.
- Terminology standard: Here is found definitions of the terms used in the other standards. This process is a rigorous one and as such, the ASTM test is used around the world, even in places where ASTM specifications are not required.
Taking Necessary Precautions
There’s no doubt trampolines are great fun for children and adults, but with that fun comes the specter of danger. The Consumer Product Safety Commission complies a comprehensive list that shows the most common forms of danger by way of trampoline. They are the following:
| Danger | Description |
| Falling or jumping off the trampoline | Falling or jumping off a trampoline accounts for nearly 80 percent of hospitalizations needing surgery or overnight observation, but 35 to 50 percent of all emergency patients were treated and released. Scarily enough, five of six deaths since 1990 occurred as a result of fall-off accidents. |
| Falling off the trampoline springs or frame | In order to prevent an injury like this, look for a trampoline netting that:
A good trampoline netting to try is offered by the ASTM-approved JumpSport. |
| Colliding with one or more persons on the trampoline | First, follow the only one-jumper-at-a-time rule. If this proves impossible, look for a trampoline that has a large base. Furthermore, since most jumpers tend to jump in the center of the mat, invest in a trampoline netting. Doing this will allow the jumpers to feel secure enough to jump all the areas of the mat. |
| Landing awkwardly while doing jumps or stunts | As children become more adept at their landings, it’s only natural for them to want to engage in riskier behavior. Discourage this by purchasing a GamePak, Basketball Goal or Big Top Tent (all items available at JumpSport). This way, the play is challenging but not dangerous. |
Stay Safe Tips
Reading a list of possible trampoline dangers can make the calmest of parents a bit antsy. To alleviate your concerns, the ASTM and the trampoline safety association have put together a list of easy steps you can take right now in order to rest easy. Taking the following steps can also prevent some of the more serious injuries of sprains, fractures, scrapes, bruises and cuts. Therefore:
- Allow only one person on the trampoline at a time.
- Do not allow somersaults.
- The trampoline should not be used without shock-absorbing pads that completely cover the springs, hooks and frame.
- Place your trampoline away from structures and other play areas. Further, use a shock-absorbent material on the surrounding ground of the trampoline is encouraged.
- Do not use a ladder with a trampoline. Further, no child under the age of six should use a regular-sized trampoline.
- Secure the trampoline to prevent unauthorized and unintended use.
- Always supervise children who use the trampoline.
Following these quick and easy steps will ensure that you and your family have a great and safe time on your trampoline!
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Comments
Hi John,
This link takes you to the list of ASTM labs worldwide where you can perform a search based on country and item to be tested. - Charlote Gerber, Safety Editor
-- Contributed by: Charlotte GerberHi John,
I'll research this and get back to you shortly.
-- Contributed by: Charlotte GerberCan you advise a testing lab either in the US or Europe or Asia, or all, who can test trampolines to the ASTM required standards?
-- Contributed by: John Luzzi