NSW Calls for review of safety requirements on trampolines

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The NSW Government is calling for a review of existing safety standards for trampolines after the NSW Product Safety Committee found unacceptable hazards and dangers associated with some products in the domestic market.

Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge today said more than 120,000 trampolines were sold nationally every year, with the supply and availability of trampolines significantly increasing over the past few years.

Ms Judge said she had written to Standards Australia seeking a review of the current standard, AS 4989-2006 and the development of requirements for safety net enclosures and the integrity of frames.

“As well as a review of the scope of the standard, I have also sought a review of existing requirements in relation to soft edge systems and warning requirements,” she said.

“A new, national product safety framework will commence on 1 January next year, as part of a single national consumer law agreed to by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).  I have therefore requested the Commonwealth consider adopting the NSW Committee’s recommendations at the national level.”

Ms Judge said while reliable national injury figures linked to domestic trampolines were not available, indicative statistics from health sources in NSW, Queensland and Victoria suggested that in these states alone, nearly 3000 children per year were reported to be injured.”

“While most injuries were linked to falls from trampolines, up to 30 percent of injuries related to falls on the trampoline, on areas such as the frame and springs,” she said.

"The Children’s Hospital Westmead reported that from 2001 – 2006 trampolines were the single largest cause of fractures of the upper limbs among children.

“The NSW Injury Risk Management Research Centre found that between 2002 and 2008, there were 3684 trampoline related, hospitalised injuries in NSW, with the injured aged up to 14 years.

“Injuries to the elbow, forearm, shoulder and upper arm, head and knee and lower leg were the most common requiring hospitalisation.”

Ms Judge said national and international data showed trampoline injuries were increasing.

“While the NSW recommendations are being considered, I recommend parents refer to NSW Fair Trading’s trampoline safety tips, including advice on buying a new trampoline, what to check on existing trampolines, placement, access via ladders, age appropriate use and general safety,” she said.

“Go to: www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au  or call Fair Trading on 13 32 20 for advice.”

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