All About
Trampoline
Safety for Kids
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Trampoline Safety For Kids
Carl Walker
Trampolines are safe for recreational use if proper adult
supervision is present, and adherence to strict safety rules is
maintained - this is the opinion of most trampoline
manufacturers and supporters. The American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP) and other organizations such as the Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC) do not think so.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) states that
95,000 hospital emergency room-treated injuries in 1998 were
associated with trampolines. 75 were kids under the age of 15.
Then in 2002, the CPSC again estimated that 60,000
trampoline-related emergency room-treated injuries were kids
between the ages of 5 and 14. Since 1990, the CPSC has received
six reported deaths involving the seemingly harmless trampoline.
According to the CPSC, most of the trampoline associated
injuries were sustained at private homes. The injuries and
deaths were caused by:
1. Colliding with another person while jumping on the
trampoline.
2. Landing improperly while jumping or doing stunts on the
trampoline.
3. Falling or jumping off the trampoline.
4. Falling on the trampoline springs or frame.
The majority of injuries caused by using trampolines include
sprains, fractures, scrapes, bruises and cuts, and serious
injuries to the head and neck which can cause paralysis and
death. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP),
disastrous cervical spine injuries are rare, but head and neck
injuries constitute a considerable number of the more serious
injuries requiring hospitalization.
These are the recommendations laid out by the AAP:
1. The trampoline should not be used at home, inside or
outside.
2. The trampoline should not be part of routine physical
education classes in schools.
3. The trampoline has no place in outdoor playgrounds and
should never be regarded as play equipment.
These are the safety guidelines issued by the AAP organization
if trampolines are to be used:
1. Steel frame and springs should be covered with a safety pad.
2. Impact-absorbing safety surface material for impact areas
3. Maintenance and repair for tears, rust, and detachments.
4. Safety harnesses and spotting belts
5. Setting the trampoline in a pit so the mat is at ground
level should be considered.
6. Ladders may provide unintended access to the trampoline by
small children and should not be used.
7. Only one person should use the trampoline at a time.
8. In supervised settings, the user of the trampoline should be
at the center of the mat. The user of the trampoline should not
attempt maneuvers beyond capability or training, thereby
putting them at risk for injury.
9. Personnel trained in trampoline safety and competent
spotters should be present whenever the trampoline is in use.
10. Even in supervised training programs, the use of
trampolines for children younger than 6 years of age should be
prohibited.
11. The trampoline must be secured and not accessible when not
in use.
The CPSC also issued additional safety measures while using the
trampoline which include:
1. Somersaults should not be attempted because landing on the
head or neck can cause paralysis.
2. Trampolines should not be used without shock-absorbing pads
that completely cover the springs, hooks, and frames.
3. Trampolines should be laced away from structures, trees, and
other play areas.
4. Trampoline enclosures should be considered which can help
prevent injuries from falls off trampolines.
About The Author:
http://trampolineshq.com/ Trampolines HQ
offers articles and tips about trampolines and trampolining.
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