The Redwoods Group Insurance Program for YMCAs

The first warning regarding the hazards of certain folding metal school tables that could tip over and cause death or serious injury was issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in 1989. Unfortunately, these tables are still commonly found in elementary, middle, and high schools throughout our country…there may even be some in your own facility. At least ten deaths and numerous injuries arising from the use of these tables have been reported to the CPSC since 1971.

Problems presented by these tables:

· In their folded configuration the tables are inherently unstable, being relatively tall compared to their base. If not handled with care by an individual large and strong enough to control them they may tip over and crush or injure a child.

· Movement compounds the unit’s instability; if the wheels hit an obstruction the table may tip over, especially if not equipped with wheel extensions.

· Although children may be capable of pushing a table from one place to another, they are neither tall nor strong enough to prevent overturn should anything unusual occur.

Steps that should be taken to prevent injuries:

· All facilities used by the JCC should be surveyed for the presence of such units…this includes any off-site programming facilities such as before- and after-school sites as well as all owned facilities.

· Any tables of this type should be removed from the site if possible; if that is not an option (e.g., they are owned by others, etc.), it is best if they are not used for your programming.

· Tables which cannot be removed from the site should be stored away from the areas where children normally play or congregate.

· Tables should be secured to a wall or to one another (e.g., with a rope or cable) when in their folded state so that they cannot tip over if a child does climb on them. If they cannot be secured they should be locked or braced in the open position so that they cannot be folded.

· Children should be clearly informed of the dangers of playing on or around the tables and should be appropriately supervised to prevent such behavior.

· Staff should never allow any child to move or assist in moving one of the tables. If the tables are used and must be moved, the children should be kept well away from that area of activity.

· All tables that are not removed should be equipped with a label warning of the dangers of folding tables. Labels should be available from the manufacturer. If you are uncertain about the dangers of a specific table, contact its manufacturer.

In February 2005 the CPSC released a bulletin naming manufacturers that would provide free warning labels to attach to the tables. Those listed (bold type indicates that they will also provide generic labels) were:

· Biofit Engineering Seating, PO Box 109, Waterville, OH 43566. (800) 597-0246

· KI, PO Box 8100, Green Bay, WI 54308. (920) 468-8100

· Midwest Folding Products Mfg. Corp., 1414 S. Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60608. (312) 666-3366

· Palmer Snyder Furniture (formerly Mesa), 143 S. Jackson St., Elkhorn, WI 53121. (262) 723-8200

· Sico, Inc., 7525 Cahill Rd, Edina, MN 55440. (800) 424-0796 or (952) 829-5141

· Virco Mfg. Co., 2027 Harpers Way, Torrance, CA 90501. (310) 533-0474

Please share this alert with your various programming partners – school districts, churches, community centers, etc. – to ensure that they are aware of the hazards that some folding tables can present.