Running a trampoline park, it can feel like you’re walking a tightrope between making sure your customers are safe and making sure they have a good time. On one hand, you want to have cool stuff that will attract families and kids of all ages, but on the other hand, you better make sure people don’t get hurt. Think about the worst-case scenario: injuries, lawsuits, or even getting shut down because you’re not following the rules. Those things scare the heck out of you. But when you understand and implement the proper safety measures and industry standards, you can operate your trampoline park with confidence and provide a fun, safe environment for everyone.
What does it take to run a safe trampoline park? There are two things you must do to run a successful and safe trampoline park: First, the trampoline park must be built to meet the relevant international safety standards. Second, everyone who visits your park (customers) must follow the rules you set for safety.
Let’s break down both aspects and talk about the specific safety standards and the operational protocols you need to have in place.
International Safety Standards for Trampoline Parks
To keep your trampoline park safe, you have to know that different countries have different safety standards that you have to follow. Here are some of the popular international safety standards that are out there:
1. ASTM F2970-22 (USA)
The ASTM F2970-22 standard is widely recognized in the United States and focuses on institutional trampoline courts found in amusement, entertainment, or recreational facilities. This standard outlines specific requirements for the design, manufacture, installation, operation, maintenance, and major modifications of trampoline courts.
Key elements of the ASTM F2970-22 include:
- Smooth Surfaces and No Sharp Edges: Everything on the trampoline court must be smooth and not have any sharp edges or things that stick out that can hurt people. Whether it’s the frame, the springs, or the pads, everything has to be set up to keep people from getting hurt.
- Structural Integrity and Customer Safety: The design has to support the people who are doing different activities like jumping, flipping, and doing tricks. This includes making sure that the structure of the trampoline can handle the forces placed on it and not break.
- Regular Maintenance and Inspections: Ongoing safety compliance is critical. Regular inspections are mandatory to ensure that equipment remains in good condition and any necessary repairs are made promptly.
2. 2PfG 2524 (European Countries)
In Europe, trampoline parks and similar facilities are regulated by the 2PfG 2524 standard. This standard is designed to give you a comprehensive set of safety guidelines for both design and operation.
Key elements of 2PfG 2524 include:
- Design Guidelines: The design of trampoline structures must adhere to strict guidelines that help reduce risks of injury. This includes making sure the materials used are durable, fire-resistant, and capable of taking a beating.
- Operational Safety: You need to have staff trained to deal with emergencies, and you need to have protocols in place for dealing with injuries or accidents. For example, employees need to know how to guide patrons in the safe use of the equipment.
- Risk Assessments: The park must conduct regular risk assessments to identify any potential hazards, such as overcrowding or equipment wear and tear. Mitigating these risks before they lead to accidents is a critical part of ongoing safety management.
3. PAS 5000 (Britain)
In the UK, PAS 5000 gives you specific safety guidelines for trampoline parks, especially for parks with interconnected trampolines used for recreational, non-competitive activities.
Key elements of PAS 5000 include:
- Padding and Safety Barriers: Proper padding and safety barriers are critical to minimizing injury risks. All surfaces around the trampolines, like the walls and edges, must be padded to keep people from getting hurt if they fall off.
- Structural Integrity: PAS 5000 also makes sure trampoline parks are structurally sound, specifying that trampolines need to be designed to take a pounding without sacrificing safety.
- User Capacity Management: Overcrowding can significantly increase the chances of collisions and injuries. PAS 5000 includes specific guidelines on the maximum number of users allowed in various areas of the park to prevent such risks.
4. XP S52-370-1 (France)
XP S52-370-1 is a French standard that gives you rules for the design, construction, and operation of trampoline parks. Its main goal is to make sure people are safe by giving you clear requirements for equipment, layout, and operational practices. This standard covers a lot of different things about trampoline park facilities.
Key Elements of XP S52-370-1 include:
- Trampoline Surface: Trampolines need to be designed to limit jump height and reduce fall risks. The surfaces need to be made from materials that promote safe bouncing.
- Spacing: You need to have enough space between trampolines to prevent collisions. The standard says only one jumper should be allowed on a trampoline at a time.
- Pre-Jump Briefings: You need to give patrons safety briefings before they jump at your trampoline parks so they understand how to act and the rules.
5. GB 19079.23 (China)
GB 19079.23 is a Chinese national standard that gives you rules for the design, construction, operation, and safety of trampoline parks. The main thing is to make sure people are safe while having a good time. The standard applies to trampoline parks that operate in different places, like amusement parks, recreational centers, and entertainment facilities.
Key Elements of GB 19079.23 include:
- Trampoline Structure: The design must make sure that trampolines are built using durable materials capable of standing up to dynamic loads.
- User Capacity Management: The standard tells you maximum visitor density based on the size of the trampoline area to prevent overcrowding. It gives you guidelines on maximum periods of use by different age groups to keep people safe.
- Safety Features: Trampoline courts need to have barriers or nets to keep jumpers in designated areas and prevent falls outside the trampoline zones. You need to keep clear access to emergency exits with signs showing you where they are.
Visitors Must Obey the Trampoline Park Safety Rules
Even with the best-designed trampoline park, safety heavily depends on how visitors use the equipment. Here are the key safety rules that every visitor should follow to minimize risks:
- Waivers and Permissions: Before entering the trampoline park, all participants must sign a waiver that acknowledges the risks involved in trampoline activities. For minors, a parent or legal guardian must sign the waiver on their behalf.
Proper Attire:
- Park-Approved Grip Socks: Wear the socks with the special grips on the bottom. They’re important for jumping and not falling down.
- Jewelry and Accessories: Take off all your jewelry, including necklaces, rings, and earrings. You don’t want to get tangled up in anything. Don’t wear anything that’s loose, like hair ties or belts.
Behavioral Guidelines:
- One Person Per Trampoline: Only one person is allowed to jump on each trampoline at a time. This drastically cuts down on the number of accidents from people running into each other.
- Controlled Landing: Always try to land on two feet and bend your knees when you land. Don’t try to land on the edges, and don’t land on the pads. Those aren’t designed for jumping.
- Center of the Trampoline: Stay in the middle of the trampoline. That’s where you’ll get the best bounce.
Prohibited Actions:
- Do not attempt flips or tricks unless you have mastered basic jumping skills.
- No double bouncing or affecting another jumper’s bounce in any way.
- Avoid landing on your head or neck.
- Avoid landing on your head or neck.
Conclusion
In summary, you have to follow the rules. You have to be safe. You have to build your park to the standards like ASTM F2970-22 in the USA, 2PfG 2524 in Europe, and PAS 5000 in the UK so you don’t get sued. You have to have the right rules on the wall, the right signs, and the right wristbands on the jumpers to make sure they follow the rules and don’t get hurt.
At Lebo Play, we specialize in providing custom-designed, high-quality trampoline parks that meet all relevant safety standards, from ASTM to PAS 5000. If you’re looking to build or upgrade your trampoline park, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information. Let’s work together to create a fun, safe, and compliant trampoline park experience for everyone!
