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)