Understanding Working Loads
At Summit Sensory Gym, safety and durability are at the core of everything we design. To help our customers use our equipment effectively, we emphasize the importance of understanding Working Loads—a key safety metric that ensures your therapy sessions are both secure and successful. Let’s break down how to calculate and apply Working Loads to your sensory therapy equipment.
What is Working Load?
The Working Load represents the maximum weight and movement force that a structure or equipment can handle during regular use. For therapy purposes, this takes into account not only the weight of the user and equipment but also the dynamic forces generated by activities such as swinging, bouncing, or climbing.
Important Note: The Working Load is a safety threshold, not the point at which failure occurs. It ensures the structure operates safely even with the added stresses of motion.
How to Calculate the Working Load for Therapy Sessions
Step 1: Determine the Gross Weight
The Gross Weight is the combined weight of the user, the therapy equipment (such as swings or harnesses), and any additional items attached to the equipment.
Example Calculation:
- User Weight: 100 lbs
- Swing Weight: 24 lbs
- Gross Weight: 124 lbs
Step 2: Factor in Movement Forces
Dynamic movements add stress to the structure beyond the Gross Weight. These Movement Forces can multiply the load depending on the activity. For sensory therapy, we recommend a conservative multiplier of 1.5 to 2 to account for these additional forces.
Example Calculation:
- Gross Weight: 124 lbs
- Movement Force Multiplier: 1.5
- Working Load: 124 lbs × 1.5 = 186 lbs
How Summit Sensory Gym Structures Handle Loads
Our structures are designed and tested to safely support dynamic therapy activities when used within their specified Working Loads. This includes supporting swings, gliders, and other therapy tools, provided their combined Gross Weight and Movement Forces fall within the limits of the structure’s capacity.
Ensuring Safety and Compliance
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Check Equipment Specifications: While our structures are tested for high weight tolerances, it’s essential to consider the specifications of the swings or therapy tools you’re using. Always ensure the combined Gross Weight and Movement Forces do not exceed the Working Load of either the structure or the equipment.
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Maintenance is Key: Regularly inspect the structure for signs of wear or damage. Tighten any loose bolts, check for cracks or deformations, and ensure all components are secure.
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Supervised Use: Our structures are designed for therapeutic activities under supervision. Improper or unsupervised use can create excessive forces that may exceed safety limits.
Why Working Loads Matter
Working Loads provide a clear framework for ensuring that both the therapy tools and the supporting structures operate safely. At Summit Sensory Gym, we go above and beyond to ensure our structures can handle the demands of therapy while maintaining durability and stability.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently create a safe and effective therapy environment that supports your clients’ needs.
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