1. Rationale
There is published research showing that 50% of the injuries occurring on trampolines result from impact with the frame and springs or falls on to the ground (See paper doi:10.1136/ip.2009.025494 ) It is well known that pads and enclosures generally deteriorate well before the bed, frame and springs; this is reflected in warrantees which are always less on pads and enclosures A common argument is that this is acceptable because owners should replace these parts and properly maintain their trampoline CPSC on the other hand takes the view that the safety features should outlast the functional components, otherwise unmaintained trampolines become a hazard. It is apparent that UV deterioration is a key contributor to deterioration of the fabric components of pads and enclosures It is clear that fabrics can be made to last; the bed material has a 5000hr UV test and generally lasts well beyond 10 years (ASTM F2774-09 for bed material) Currently the trampoline standard F381 only requires a 100hr UV test designed to indicate if some UV inhibitor is present, not to validate an adequate UV life Currently the enclosure standard F2225 does not require any UV test at all Evidence from responsible manufacturers is that a 500 hr UV test seems to result in a life of over 5 years for fabrics on trampolines in the field This proposal is to require a 500 hr UV test for all fabrics on consumer trampolines. It proposes to detail the same test in both standards F381 and F2225
Keywords
enclosure; impact barrier; safety barrier; safety net; trampoline; Consumer products--specifications; Consumer safety specifications (sports equipment); Trampoline equipment/applications--specifications
Citing ASTM Standards
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