On the use of protective equipment when using tubing

In recent times, tubing has become one of the most popular forms of active winter recreation for adults and children.

For reference:

Tubing is an inflatable round chamber in a cover with a reinforced bottom and handles. The cover for the chamber is made of durable material (polyester, nylon, or heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin with impact-resistant and frost-resistant coating), and areas experiencing maximum loads are additionally reinforced with capron tape. A special coating on the bottom of the cover allows for high speeds even on slopes with a small incline (up to 60-90 km/h). The upper part of the cover has a rough texture for better grip with the rider. There are handles on the sides of the tubing for holding on, and a ring in the front for attaching a tow rope.

A tubing sled has neither a steering wheel nor brakes; it is controlled solely by leaning the body. On a slope, a tubing sled is practically uncontrollable, spins during movement, and reaches very high speeds.

The most important rule is that when tubing, the head, tailbone, knees, and wrists must be protected. For this purpose, protective gear must be used (a helmet, specialized shorts, knee pads (for rollerblading or specifically for snowboarding), and special gloves).

When tubing, it is recommended to use protective equipment, similar to when skiing or snowboarding.

In addition, when tubing, you should be aware of and observe the following safety measures:  

Before riding, it is necessary to check the integrity of the tubing (bottom, seams, handles, inner tube);

Ride only in safe areas: on slopes without steep inclines; in the absence of obstacles (poles, fences, trees, bushes, stones, buildings, etc.) on the slope and in close proximity to it (along and at the bottom); with sufficient space at the bottom of the slope for braking. Such obstacles can damage the tubing and/or, when speed develops, lead to a sudden uncontrolled change in the trajectory of motion;

Descent may only be initiated when there are no other people in the skiing area;

Riding on the same slope simultaneously with people on sleds (metal, plastic, wooden), snowmobiles, and using other equipment may lead to injuries and damage to the tubing;

It is dangerous to use the tubing simultaneously by several people (several people sitting in one tubing) as at speed development there is a risk of falling out of the tubing;

Children should not be allowed to ride alone;

Children under 6 years of age are recommended to ride only accompanied by one adult on one large-diameter tube of appropriate load capacity;

Riding should be done in a seated position: riding lying down, standing, or jumping reduces the ability to control speed and trajectory and creates additional risks of injury;

During the descent, hold on tightly to the handles of the tubing, and avoid sudden body movements;

Do not jump off the tubing while it is in motion;

Riding a tubing while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or toxic substances impairs the ability to control speed and trajectory, and increases the risk of injury;

It is prohibited to attach tubing to vehicles;

In case of an accident, first aid must be provided and, depending on the situation, medical assistance and/or rescuers (EMERCOM employees) must be called.

Pursuant to clause 1, sub-clause 2.14 of clause 2 of Article 7 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus of January 9, 2002 "On Protection of Consumer Rights" the seller is obliged totimely provide the consumer with necessary and reliable information about the goods offered, including necessary information about the rules and conditions for effective and safe use of the goods.

In view of the foregoing, in order to properly comply with the aforementioned legal requirement, as well as to prevent and reduce injuries during the operation of tubing, we draw the attention of tubing sellers to the need to inform buyers (by posting relevant information signs at tubing sales points, as well as on the websites of online stores selling tubing) about the necessity of using protective equipment and observing safety rules when riding tubing