Specification for trampoline parks launched to address safety concerns

BSI, the British standards company, has launched PAS 5000:2017 Specification for the construction and operation of a fixed indoor trampoline park. Developed in conjunction with the International Association of Trampoline Parks, the PAS provides requirements on the design, construction, risk assessment and day-to-day operation of a trampoline park.

Whilst trampoline parks have to meet general health and safety legislation and legal obligations - such as adherence to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (2013) - there are no current regulations specifically aimed at trampoline parks. In response to growing industry and public concern over accidents at trampoline parks, development of PAS 5000 brought together experts from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), British Gymnastics, and other industry bodies.

Specifically, the PAS outlines requirements for the construction of an indoor trampoline park made up of interconnected trampolines used for non-competitive activities. The PAS includes requirements that the designer and operator of the trampoline park construct a layout that reduces the risk to users and undertake a design risk assessment of the trampoline park before opening to the public.

PAS 5000 specifies requirements for the height of a trampoline to be a specific distance from the floor. Requirements are also provided with regards to the framework padding, and details for calculating capacity and how an operator can adequately ascertain when a trampoline park has reached peak capacity.

The PAS covers emergency scenarios, including a dedicated section to an Emergency Action Plan and an emergency evacuation plan that covers how to clear the trampolines and evacuate the building if necessary.

Anne Hayes, Head of Governance and Resilience at BSI, says: “The primary objective of PAS 5000 is to minimize the risk of trampoline park users - many of whom are children - to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable experience. Trampoline parks have rapidly grown in popularity in recent years for users of all ages. In developing PAS 5000, BSI brought together experts from diverse organizations to provide requirements for any operator who wishes to set up and maintain a trampoline park.”

PAS 5000 was sponsored by the International Association of Trampoline Parks (IATP), and the following organizations were involved in the development of the PAS: A&S Inman (Designs) Ltd; Air Hop; Air Space; BALPPA; British Gymnastics; Continental Sports Ltd; Freedome UK Ltd; Fun Spot Manufacturing; Gravity; Health and Safety Executive; International Association of Trampoline Parks; Independents (chartered insurance brokers); Luna Trampoline Ltd; Midlothian Council Environmental Health; and RoSPA.

As well as trampoline park operators and trampoline park designers, PAS 5000 will be of benefit to the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (BALPPA); health and safety officers; environmental health officers; RoSPA; and third party auditors.

PAS 5000 does not cover building regulations; fire regulations; planning regulations; water testing; food and drink provision; Disability Discrimination Act compliance; testing procedures; and non-trampoline activities.