24/7 Software
The world's greatest properties run on 24/7 Software Whether at commercial properties, corporate facilities, sports arenas, or public entertainment venues, we're proud to lead the way in…
read moreStandards Australia’s recent reviving of its interim Standard for aquatic and waterborne inflatables may have come too late for industry operators and manufacturers, with calls for Australia to adopt the European EN 15649 Standard for ‘Floating leisure articles for use on and in the water’ rather than to continue with the Australian Standard and its limited scope.
Launched with considerable fanfare back in 2012, Australian Standard 3533.4.5(Int) - 2012 Amusement rides and devices, Part 4.5: Specific requirements - Waterborne inflatables, expired in August last year, with waterborne inflatable suppliers and operators left in limbo.
As of 8th April, the Standard has been republished with a new expiry date of August 2016.
With industry calls for the scope of the Standard to be widened to include sealed and other units not covered by the interim Standard, a statement from Standards Australia explained “Standards Australia is conscious of the need for continued work on AS 3533.4.5 and remains committed to the openness and rigour of its standards development process.”
Given the growth in popularity of open water inflatable aquatic playgrounds in Australia over the past two years, it would seem appropriate that the previous narrow scope of the interim Australian Standard be broadened.
By contrast, the European EN 15649 Standard includes air mattress, swing rings, towables and inflatable water playground equipment, specifying safety requirements as well as testing methods related to material, safety, performance and consumer information for each group of inflatables used on water.
A group of independent test houses, manufacturers, consumer protection delegates as well as European Norm Committee developed the Standard, which is recognised by over 27 countries, since 2007.
Currently, a voting process is being undertaken for the EN 15649 Standard to become an International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)-Standard worldwide.
Romann Rademacher, Chief Executive of leading inflatable water sports equipment supplier Wibit Sports is also Vice Chairman of the European Community Committee on safety for inflatables.
He explains that “it is the aim (of the EN Committee) to establish a worldwide standard for inflatables used on the water to make sure only safe products are used on the water.”
Insurers are also keen for the rapid adoption of a new Standard because of difficulties with the insurance of certain types of aquatic and waterborne inflatables.
Image used for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Aflex Technology.
9th May 2015 - WIBIT ENFORCES INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WITH LEGAL ACTION AGAINST COUNTERFEIT INFLATABLES
9th April 2015 - STANDARDS AUSTRALIA REVIVES WATERBORNE INFLATABLES GUIDANCE
29th October 2014 - UNCERTAINTY SURROUNDS FUTURE OF INFLATABLE PLAY STANDARD
17th September 2014 - AMBITIOUS LOCATIONS LOOK TO LOW-COST INFLATABLE AQUATIC PLAYGROUNDS
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
The world's greatest properties run on 24/7 Software Whether at commercial properties, corporate facilities, sports arenas, or public entertainment venues, we're proud to lead the way in…
read morePathMinder Pty Ltd have partnered with AllUser Industries srl to bring Europe’s most advanced high security portals to the Australian and New Zealand markets. AllUser Industries started to…
read moreBH Fitness, part of the long-standing and iconic bike manufacturer BH Group, is a global leader in fitness equipment for both Commercial and Home markets. The company, with the headquarters based in…
read moreICP is an Australian-based company focused on indoor climbing. ICP will manage your project from initial design to completion and beyond, whether you're building an international-level climbing…
read moreClubware’s online gym software is not your run of the mill management system. It has been carefully designed to incorporate all the elements that a fitness club would need. How did we do that?…
read moreSmart Connection Consultancy is a boutique sport and recreation consultancy who has become one of Australia’s leading advocates for the use of synthetic sports surfaces as a vehicle to grow…
read moreAbout: Momentus Technologies is a global provider of industry-leading venue and event management solutions that empower organizations to create extraordinary moments. With over 50,000 users in more…
read moreThe Jump Pad is a safe, flat inflatable made in a variety of sizes which can be used indoor or outdoor. From 3mx3m up to a whopping 9mx21m. Markets include Indoor and outdoor playgrounds, schools,…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!