We need to give safety a first priority whenever we’re buying trampolines.
Using an action trampoline can be fun, however, without proper safety procedures, the users may be at risk of common injuries.
Installing trampoline safety pads or the frame pads is important.
Did you know that these pads can reduce accidents? Learn how trampoline pads reduce accident rate by 50%.
Why are the trampoline safety pads so important?
The trampoline pads form an important part of the trampoline that every parent should inspect regularly.
Generally, these are padding placed at the edge of a trampoline mat.
They are installed on top of the trampoline springs. Therefore, they act as a buffer around the trampoline edges; protecting the trampoline users from falling in the gaps between the trampoline springs.
The pads make landing softer while preventing the feet from being caught by the trampoline springs.
We all understand that trampolines are metal structures that hold the trampoline jumping mat in place.
This can cause injuries if a child happens to hit the frames.
According to a report published on the abc.net.au, the trauma specialists are worried about the number of trampoline injuries.
This is the same scenario in both the United Kingdom and the United States of America where this equipment has been adopted by most people.
The challenges people face when choosing trampoline safety pads
With so many trampoline safety pads available in the market, it is quite challenging to get one that can serve the intended purpose.
As the end user, you need to be specific on the various specifications the pad should fulfill.
This information is available in the product’s data sheet. For instance, you can review the Domijump trampoline frame pads data sheet.
The overall thickness may vary (at least 20mm thick) and this is the same scenario when it comes to the trampoline safety pad shapes.
The shape of the pad depends on the trampoline frame design.
That is, they could be:
1.Circular shape;
This is mainly for the recreational trampolines. They are some of the most common trampolines, a reason why there are round trampoline pads.
2.Rectangular shapes
They have a hollow corner that must not be covered with the pads. They are mainly used for trampolining activities.
NOTE: The safety pads for the rectangular trampolines are more expensive than the round trampolines.
When you plan to shop for these safety pads, the choice of material plays a fundamental role.
It is important to scrutinize every material to ensure that it can guarantee optimal performance.
Types of materials for trampoline safety pads
The choice of a particular material may depend on very many factors with performance being a key factor to consider.
Other factors may include the type the design of the trampoline, and the environmental aspects such as the ultra-violet radiations, rains, etc.
Again, the manufacturers may decide to blend two materials.
That is, one material on the top section and a different material on the bottom section. This is mainly to enhance the performance of the safety pads.
Generally, the materials should meet the above performance criteria:
- It should be 100% waterproof, especially for the outdoor trampolines
- Resistant to ultraviolet radiations
- Tear resistant
- Absorb shock, just to mention a few.
The main 3 types of materials that are highly recommended for the trampoline safety pads include the following:
1.The fiber-reinforced PVC material
The fiber-reinforced PVC materials is mainly used for the top trampoline safety pads.
There are composite materials with polymer matrix reinforced with fibre. The fiber can be in the form of glass, aramid or carbon.
The process involves quite a number of polymerization processes. This process aims at improving the intrinsic properties of the material in question.
Reinforcing PVC makes it strong and stiff while maintaining a low density. A number of commercially available pads are reinforced with either carbon or glass.
These pads have an increased tensile strength and they can retain this property, even when they have been subjected to fluctuating environmental temperature.
They have a high load carrying capacity. It implies that, even when one happens to fall on these pads they neither lose their structural integrity nor make them susceptible to falling.
Thus, the trampoline users are fully protected from the trampoline springs.
They are also resistant to cracking even when the trampolines are used on the outdoor and they can also resist shattering.
The reinforced trampoline safety pads have good color retention, thus, the color of the trampoline will not change with time and they are also dimensionally stable.
In summary, all these properties make this material a perfect choice for all types of trampoline safety pads.
2.Polyethylene (PE)
This material is mainly used to make the bottom section of the trampoline pads.
This is a synthetic material that is commonly used in the trampoline manufacturing industry.
Even though they are common materials in the industry, they are not as strong as the fiber reinforced PVC materials.
In most cases, they are associated with cheap trampoline since they tend to lose their structural integrity within 6 months.
This is common when they are used for the outdoor trampolines.
The material in available in the following key grades LDPE, MDPE and HDPE. They are resistant to most chemicals with a good tensile strength.
3.The expanded polypropylene (EPE)
The EPE forms an integral component of the trampoline safety pads.
These are small plastic beads that are formed through a number of heat forming processes.
They are durable, recyclable and lightweight products with good shock absorbing capability.
And they are available in different thickness depending on the design of the trampoline.
Conclusion
Apparently, there are very many companies in the trampoline manufacturing industry, however, most of them do not adhere to the required safety standards.
To meet the recommended safety standards, the manufacturing company must focus on careful selection of different materials.
That is, those that can be used for the top, bottom and as foam.
Before you purchase or import safety pads, you need to consider: material, design, durability and aesthetic value.
More importantly, you need to get them from a reputable company.