Quality Trampolines Australia: Safety Standards Australia
Understanding Australian Trampoline Standards
Australia is known for having the most stringent safety standards for trampolines globally. These standards not only enhance the safety of children but also ensure that trampolines are made from high-quality materials designed to withstand Australia's extreme weather conditions, from extreme heat to cold temperatures and high UV exposure.
Trampoline Safety Standards in Australia
The Importance of Consumer Awareness
Consumer awareness has driven significant improvements in trampoline safety and quality. As consumers demand better products, companies must either improve their offerings or exit the market. However, there are still grey areas, such as the misleading claim "Meets Australian Standards." Many companies only meet the outdated 2006 standards rather than the more rigorous 2015 standards. Current Trampoline Standards
Comparing 2006 with 2015 Standards
The 2015 Australian Standards for trampolines introduced stricter requirements compared to the 2006 standards. For example, a trampoline that previously met a 150kg weight capacity now meets only 130kg under the new standards. These updates ensure greater safety but also mean that manufacturers must continually improve their products to comply.
Trampoline Australian Safety Standards
Standards Are Not Mandatory
While the 2015 standards are highly recommended, they are not mandatory. However, the increased consumer demand for safe and high-quality trampolines encourages manufacturers to comply voluntarily. Companies like Web and Warehouse strive to meet these standards, offering GeeTramp products that support a wide range of Australian families.
Complying Takes Time: We Are Now Certified
Achieving certification to the 2015 standards required significant efforts from our factory and design team. This included updates to signage, labeling, and manuals, as well as changes to the actual trampoline design. For instance, we adjusted ladder rung spacing and the distance between net poles and trampoline legs, and enhanced padding design to prevent access to springs.
Weight Testing to Australian Standards
How is a Weight Test Performed?
Weight testing is a crucial part of ensuring trampoline safety. An overhead crane lowers a specified weight onto the trampoline mat, testing the frame and springs' ability to remain intact without tearing or failing. The mat must remain at least 20% above the ground at its lowest point with the weight in place. GeeTramp trampolines were tested with weights of either 650kg or 750kg to ensure they meet or exceed safety standards. To get a weight capacity the 750kg or max weight is then divided by 5 = 150kg
Results of Our Weight Testing
GeeTramp trampolines have undergone rigorous testing, resulting in increased weight capacities for various models. For example, our 12ft, 14ft, GeeTramp trampolines now support 130kg, up from 120kg. The larger rectangle trampolines have retained a 150kg capacity, thanks to successful 750kg weight tests.
Spare parts to take a non-complying trampoline closer to standards
GeeTramp changes to safety padding for trampolines, with inside netting, for example, are a world first. They do make the trampoline much safer with a netting sewn in at the front of the pads and attached to the trampoline mat hooks - with a buttonhole like attachment. This layer of netting prevents little fingers and toes having access to the springs, stops the pads bouncing up or blowing up ensuring that trampoline users with long hair won’t get any long loose bits caught in the springs either.
Final Note
Australia’s stringent trampoline safety standards ensure that consumers receive high-quality, durable, and safe trampolines. Understanding these standards and the rigorous testing processes can help you make an informed decision when purchasing a trampoline. For more information on our products and compliance with Australian standards, feel free to contact us at (03) 5292 1100 or visit our website.
For further reading on the development and design considerations in meeting these standards, check out our detailed article on trampoline design and development considerations
