Issue Date:  -  Friday, 7 December 2001

Trampolines are not toys.

The Department of Consumer and Employment Protection has warned parents to consider the safety of their children before buying a trampoline this Christmas.

Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said statistics from Princess Margaret Hospital's emergency department, compiled by KIDSAFE WA, showed an alarmingly high level of limb fractures and head injuries to children using trampolines.

"The number of children requiring treatment following trampoline accidents is approximately 150 per year," Mr Walker said.

"In the 11 months to November 2000, 133 trampoline related injuries were recorded through the Emergency Department at Princess Margaret Hospital, mostly to children under 15 in their home yard or garden."

"It is of great concern that trampolines are causing such a high number of injuries," Mr Walker said.

"It is of more concern that these statistics only represent one hospital and therefore a small proportion of cases throughout Western Australia."

"Trampolines can be great fun, but parents need to consider safety issues if they decide to buy one, then make sure the whole family abides by some sensible rules on safe usage," he said.

An Australian Standard that sets out specifications for components, assembly and use of consumer trampolines and specific requirements for areas where impact energy attenuation is necessary is being developed by Standards Australia. It is anticipated this standard will be in place by June 2002.

Mr Walker said Consumer Protection has referred the matter to the WA Consumer Product Safety Committee and requested that they investigate the safety aspects of trampolines and their usage.

The Department will be seeking the cooperation of manufactures and retailers in providing information on the correct usage of trampolines at the point of sale.

The Department in partnership with Kidsafe WA has issued the following advice when buying and installing a trampoline:

· Make sure you also buy good quality safety pads to cover steel frames and springs
· Make sure that the surface under and around the trampoline (the safe fall zone) is soft. Sand or other cushioning material helps to reduce injuries.
· The safe fall zone should be at least two metres wide on all four sides of the trampoline
· The safe fall zone should also be free from hazards (fence, clothesline trees, toys, overhead wires etc)
· Regularly check the trampoline to make sure that the mat does not have holes, the frame is not bent, the springs are securely attached, and the leg braces are securely locked, and the safety pads are still in position and in good repair

The following advice applies to using a trampoline:

· Children under six need adult supervision at all times
· Older children need strict guidelines on proper use
· Only one person at a time should use the trampoline
· Keep toddlers away from the trampoline when it is being used, they may go underneath it
· Bounce only near the centre of the mat and step on and off the trampoline rather than jump
· Don't allow people to sit or lean on the frame when the trampoline is in use as this can limit the frame's natural flexibility and warp it
· If your children want to try risky moves like somersaults, take them to a gymnasium where they can be taught and supervised by trained professionals
· Wear clothes loose enough to allow freedom of movement, but not so loose that the flapping is distracting

Media Contact
Kelly Oversby