In recent years, people have been delighted to find exercise and
fitness apparatus appearing in public places throughout Shanghai's
housing estates. But now comes a chilling new warning. Citizens are
not aware that this equipment may not be fit for their children.
The equipment has been provided through a welcome government
program. However, experts have now pointed out that unless proper
warning notices are also provided, Shanghai's children will not be
safe.
According to Zhang Shuping, a senior construction engineer with
Shanghai Modern Construction Group, exercise equipment in public
places is subject to strict safety standards. The popular "Walk in
Space" in Shanghai is clearly intended for use by adults. However,
the associated notices only refer to restrictions as to form of
sports and health warnings. There is no mention of a lower age
limit for use. Many youngsters just think of it as a toy.
Disputes are now arising when misuse of the equipment by children
leads to injury or even physical handicap. At the heart of these
disputes lies the issue of whether responsibility lies with
potentially unsafe equipment, lacking warning notices against use
by children or with the parents in their duty of care for their
children.
According to the relevant office in the Shanghai Sports Bureau, the
equipment is in principle, designated for use by adults not
children. It is reasonable to say therefore that the equipment in
housing estates is not fit for children.' Many housing estates have
installed the equipment themselves to raise amenity standards.
Most, however, do not have any warning notice. In addition, the
safety code does not cover monitoring and control of the use of the
equipment.
(china.org.cn by Shan Xingmei June 28, 2002)