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Bleachers can pose a number of hazards:
- Guardrails may be missing from the backs or open sides of the bleachers.
- Openings between components in the seats and guardrails may be big enough to permit a child or a person to fall through.
- There may be missing or inadequate bleacher components such as seating planks or footboards.
- Bleachers may collapse if they are not installed or operated properly.
This danger is particularly evidenced with telescopic/folding bleachers, portable/movable bleachers and temporary bleachers.
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Prevention of Falls From Bleachers |
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Many bleachers pose a significant fall hazard for children because they were built and installed where building codes did not require guardrails and allowed openings large enough for children to fall through them.
Even now, many building codes do not require specific guidelines for bleachers and, in the rare jurisdiction that does have standards for bleachers, most codes do not have retroactive provisions for existing structures.
In the fall of 1999, CPSC, held a Roundtable on Bleachers and Grandstands. After the Roundtable, CPSC suggested the following guidelines to reduce the number of falls from bleachers.
To prevent falls:
- Children should not be able to pass under or through the components of a guardrail;
Guardrails should be designed so that they do not encourage young children to climb on them.
To prevent falls through bleacher components (such as the footboard, seatboard and riser) that are above the ground: the openings should prevent passage of a four-inch sphere. This recommendation is based on anthropometric data showing that 95% of children four months and older would be prevented from completely passing through a four-inch opening.
- Bleachers should be updated, inspected, maintained and certified as fit for use.
Falls on bleachers are likely to occur when there are missing or inadequate components that assist in access and egress, such as aisles, handrails and non-skid surfaces. Many older bleachers do not have these safety features.
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Bleachers Safety Concerns |
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Bleachers are structures that provide tiered or stepped seating, generally without backrests. They come in various configurations and sizes, including: permanent/stationary; portable/movable; telescopic/folding; and temporary (for specific events such as circuses and parades); and may be found inside in gymnasiums or outside surrounding playing fields.
Between 1978 and 1989 there were 16 known collapses of manual, telescopic bleachers. Investigations revealed that if the bleachers are not opened properly and/or not maintained correctly, over a period of time, the bleachers may collapse.
CPSC advises that owners of manual, telescopic bleachers take the following precautions:
- Inspect bleachers for indications of damage, wear and misalignment prior to use.
- Provide routine inspection and maintenance, at least twice a year, in accordance with the owner's manual.
- Use only trained personnel to open and close bleachers following instructions provided in the owner's manual.
DO NOT ALLOW STUDENTS OR UNTRAINED PERSONNEL TO OPERATE BLEACHERS.
- Install bleacher guardrails as a safety precaution and as an indication that the bleachers are fully extended.
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Safety Concerns 