Many injuries have occurred at trampoline centres and gymnasiums across Australia, ranging from soft tissue injuries and sprains, to spinal cord damage.

Identifying the risks

PCBUs can implement controls to significantly reduce the risk of injury.

PCBUs must ensure they have identified and eliminated, as far as is practicable, potential risks of injury by conducting a risk assessment on the layout and design of the building, fittings and equipment. PCBUs are required to maintain a risk register that identifies all risks and details what control measures have been put in place to manage the risk.

Each day, before patrons are admitted to the centre, a competent staff member should conduct a routine inspection to ensure:

  • the layout of equipment is safe and complies with manufacturer’s instructions and specifications
  • the area is clear of trip and slip hazards
  • trampoline framework is stable and secure
  • all equipment is well maintained and safe to use
  • all safety features including padding, netting, matting, etc. is correctly fitted and well maintained
  • matting does not appear worn or compressed
  • foam pits are adequately edge padded and filled to the top of the pit
  • access and egress is clear of obstructions
  • exit pathways are clearly displayed
  • fire doors are functioning correctly
  • safety signage is clearly displayed in appropriate locations
  • emergency procedures are clearly displayed and documented
  • emergency management and incident reporting procedures are in place, documented and all staff are appropriately trained
  • a first aid kit is available on site and appropriately stocked
  • at least one staff member is trained in first aid and on site
  • fire extinguishers are tested and maintained
  • staff are trained in the use of fire extinguishers
  • access to unsupervised equipment is restricted.

Controlling the risks

The most common cause of injury at trampoline centres is contact with hard surfaces, however PCBUs can reduce the risk of contact injury by:

  • installing and maintaining impact absorbing materials on dismount surfaces, including: pad cover, frame padding, cover attachments, tie downs and pad seams
  • installing and maintaining impact absorbing materials on walls, barriers, fences, gates, handrails, queue lines, seating, obstructions and platforms
  • ensuring appropriate barrier mesh/netting is installed and maintained
  • ensuring obstructions, including roofing or sprinkler systems, signage and lighting, are not located within the trampoline clearance area.

Other risk mitigation controls include:

  • limiting usage to one jumper per trampoline
  • limiting the number of patrons in the assembly area
  • providing adequate supervision by competent staff
  • educating patrons on safe usage of all equipment
  • limiting usage for patrons with pre-existing medical conditions
  • undertaking regular inspections and maintenance of equipment.

Further information

Trampoline centre safety information

Trampoline and gymnasium checklist

AS 5159.1 2018 Trampoline park facilities - General safety requirements and test methods

AS 3533.2 2009 Amusement rides and devices - Operation and maintenance

AS 2282.3 Methods for testing flexible polyurethane – Determination of apparent density

AS 2282.8 Methods for testing flexible polyurethane – Determination of force deflection

ISO 6487 Measurement Techniques in Impact Tests