How can I make a garden trampoline safer?

A garden trampoline can be made much safer with a few practical measures. The most important are a safety enclosure, an impact-absorbing surface, sufficient clear fall space and regular inspections.

A closely woven safety enclosure with a self-closing entrance helps prevent falls from the jumping area. It must be securely attached and checked regularly for damage and secure fixing.

The ground around the trampoline should cushion falls. Rubber granulate safety mats tested to BS EN 1177 provide a permanently impact-absorbing surface. Loose-fill materials such as bark mulch, woodchips or fine gravel (2 to 8 mm) are also suitable, but they must be topped up regularly to maintain the required depth.

The fall space should extend at least two metres beyond the outer edge of the trampoline on all sides and be free from walls, garden furniture, play equipment, planters or other hard obstacles. There should also be sufficient clear space above the trampoline.

If the trampoline stands on paving or concrete, impact-absorbing safety mats placed beneath the trampoline can also help reduce the consequences of a foot passing through the jumping mat or a fall onto the hard surface.

Before the start of the garden season and at regular intervals during use, inspect the frame, legs, jumping mat, springs, edge padding and safety enclosure for wear, rust, cracks or loose connections, and replace any damaged parts immediately.