AusLeisure

Leading independent synthetic sports surface advisor the Smart Connection Consultancy is backing the use of new synthetic football /multisport turf systems incorporating infill that complies with the European Standard EN71-3 Safety of Toys Part3: Migration of certain elements.

Commenting on how the adoption of the European Safety Standard will safeguard communities, Smart Connection Consultancy  Managing Director Martin Sheppard explains "there has been much community concern regarding the use of recycled rubber and plastics in synthetic sports fields in Australasia and the perceived possible associated health issues.

"Although there is substantial independent health impact research that states the contrary, the concern continues.

"The EN Standard specifies the limits to certain potentially toxic elements to minimize children’s exposure through ingestion of those elements. European Standard EN 71-3 concerns all toys and materials that might be ingested.

" This is the best test possible that will address parents or school principals worry that their children could ingest the yarn or the infill, which may be harmful to them.”

The test method extracts soluble elements from materials using conditions which simulate the material remaining in contact with gastric juices for a period of time after swallowing. The concentrations of the soluble elements are determined quantitatively by two different methods: 1. Method for determining general elements: Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Boron, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Nickel, Selenium, Strontium, Tin and Zinc; 2. Method for determining Chromium (III) and Chromium (VI);

Smart Connection Consultancy works with all levels of government, sport and the commercial sector providing independent advice and solutions for the planning, procurement and management of synthetic sports fields.

Sheppard adds “we support around 80% of Australia’s local and state government procurement of synthetic sports surfaces and we will recommend that all future specifications have this obligation included.

"We regard the use of this standard as a vehicle for sport and government to provide a higher degree of confidence to their community and stakeholders.

"This will assist our clients achieve their community and environmental goals easier as well as demonstrating their commitment to their communities safety. “

Two of Australia’s leading synthetic turf companies already offer this standard for some of their infill materials, and it is expected others will follow.

Click here to contact the Smart Connection Consultancy via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

3rd March 2015 - SEMINAR TO EXPAND UNDERSTANDING OF FOOTBALL SURFACE MANAGEMENT ISSUES

23rd September 2014 - EUROPEAN SYNTHETIC TURF ORGANISATION RECOMMENDS SHOCK PADS FOR SYNTHETIC SPORTS FIELDS

2nd September 2014 - SMART CONNECTION COMPANY SHEDS TRAINING ARM

13th May 2014 - SYNTHETIC SPORT SURFACES GUIDE DISTRIBUTED TO COUNCILS AND SPORT ORGANISATIONS

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