Ceiling suspended gymnasium equipment, such as basketball backstops, gym dividers, overhead volleyball systems, and more, is very heavy. And keeping that equipment maintained and in good working order is important to ensure the safety of athletes, students, and spectators.
That’s why ASTM International recently published an important new standard – ASTM F3783 Standard Guide for Inspections and Maintenance of Permanently Installed Indoor Gymnasium Equipment. This new standard provides inspection and maintenance guidance and direction to owners and operators of gymnasiums – including schools, clubs and private facilities.
ASTM F3783 sets the frequency for inspection of gymnasium equipment products including:
- basketball backstops
- divider curtains
- wrestling mat lifts
- Similar gym equipment mounted overhead
This standard was developed by ASTM Subcommittee F08.69 on Commercially Installed Sports Specific Equipment, chaired by Neal Turner, CSI, CCPR, LEED®AP, Director – Product Line Development for Draper. The subcommittee used input from most North American gym equipment manufacturers, installers, service technicians, facility operators and other interested parties.
This standard recommends that equipment be inspected and serviced as needed at least once per year. It also provides guidance on what should be inspected, what to do if issues are found, and that records be kept of all inspections and service.
Although ASTM standards are not laws, and there is no enforcement body, insurers and other risk-loss prevention organizations will more than likely begin encouraging clients to comply to mitigate exposure to liability in case of an accident.
Draper encourages all of our gym dealers to educate and inform schools and other customers about this important new standard, and to encourage facility operators to schedule annual inspections and service.
To purchase a copy of the new standard from ASTM, click here.
To learn more about our complete line of architectural gymnasium equipment, visit our website.
