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SPARK by Action Trampoline Climbing Bar
Safety Information
Trampolines are great fun, encourage the development of gross motor skills; provide
opportunities for physical activity and present users with manageable challenges to find and
test their limits. However, like many physical activities, trampoline use involves potential risk of
injury, particularly if the equipment is used improperly.
Injury surveillance and hospital admissions data shows that trampolines feature frequently in
injury presentations and admissions. Children under 14 years of age account for about 90% of
all trampoline-related injuries. 28% of the trampoline-related injuries were sustained by children
under five years of age and more than a third of the injuries related to multi-users. (Victorian
Injury Surveillance Unit—Hazard 75, Autumn 2013, pg. 3.)
The following points are important to note:
• Injury data indicates that people can be severely injured if they land on an unprotected
trampoline frame or springs or if they fall from the trampoline. Impact attenuation systems
such as pads are intended to minimize the risk of injury and enclosures are intended to stop
people falling off the trampoline.
• Ensure pads (where they are required) and enclosures are attached to the trampoline before
use.
• The risk of injury increases when more than one person at a time bounces on a trampoline.
Smaller children are at increased risk when jumping with adults and/or larger children, for
example, a ‘double bounce’ dramatically increases the energy transferred to the smaller body
and children’s legs have been broken and severe spinal injuries have occurred as a result.
• Ensure only one person at a time bounces on the trampoline.
• Children are often unable to identify hazards and do not have a well-developed ability to
assess risk and may, if left unsupervised, be at more risk of injury.
• Always supervise children while they are using the trampoline.
• Over-confidence can lead to injury.
• Learn fundamental bounces first before trying more complex manoeuvres.
• Inappropriate clothing can cause injury.
• Clothing should allow plenty of body movement without flapping loosely and becoming a
distraction to the jumper.
• Wear clothing free of drawstrings, hooks, loops or anything that could get caught while
using the trampoline and result in entanglement or strangulation. Buckles, jewellery and
belts should not be worn, as these may damage the trampoline mat or cause injury to the
jumper if they become caught in the fabric of the trampoline. Shoes should be removed as
they may damage the bed and increase the risk of injury.
• Better design, good construction and improved safety features go a long way toward
minimizing the hazards associated with trampoline use; however, trampolines need to
be used, cared for and maintained appropriately to ensure the benefits of these features
continue throughout the life of the product.
