Is My Hunting Tree Stand Safe?
Hunting tree stands are used by many hunters. Each hunter should be aware of how the safety of hunting stands is regulated and how they can educate themselves on stand safety. Hunting tree stands must always be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions in order to avoid serious injury. It is important to know 1) how to educate yourself on stand safety and identify a safe stand 2) how to report an accident or injury.
1) How to educate yourself on stand safety and identify a safe stand.
It is important to use hunting tree stands certified to TMA standards. The hunter needs to educate himself on the safe use of hunting tree stands. One of the most important pieces of hunting equipment is a full body safety harness or fall-arrest system and should always be used when climbing, descending, and in a hunting stand. The hunter can take advantage of several resources including the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (U.S. CPSC) and the Treestand Manufacturers Association (TMA) for information regarding stand safety, safety standards, and product recalls.
The hunter can view product recalls and certified hunting tree stands on the Treestand Manufacturers Association (TMA) website and the U.S. CPSC website. You may also elect to join the U.S. CPSC e-mail subscription to receive automatic updates on tree stand recalls.
Tree stand safety guidelines can be found on the TMA website. TMA jointly sponsored and produced, with National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF), the tree stand safety video entitled "Safe Treestand Hunting". Also, a tree stand safety course was developed by Hunterexam.com, HE Tools, and TMA and is provided free online. Project STAND, led by National Bowhunter Education Foundation, is an educational initiative designed to raise awareness of stand safety and reduce accidents
2) How to report an accident or injury
The hunter can report an injury or unsafe product to the U.S. CPSC via phone (800-638-2772 x650), fax (800-809-0924), email (hazard@cpsc.gov), letter (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Injury Report, Washington, D.C. 20207), or use their online form (www.cpsc.gov).
After the CPSC receives the complaint, they will contact you via letter and CPSC will notify the manufacturer, if one was identified. The manufacturer must respond to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The CPSC will determine whether or not to further investigate the complaint. The manufacturer has a responsibility to respond appropriately to protect their customers. If necessary, the hunting stand is evaluated by an independent agency. If the product is deemed unsafe, a recall is announced by CPSC and the manufacturer.
Recalls occur when a potential safety hazard is identified that was overlooked by the manufacturer and the stand is removed from the market as quickly as possible. Since recalls can occur after the stand is in use, it is crucial to stay current on the latest standards and product recalls.
The hunter can promote stand safety by referring to the available resources, implementing safe hunting practices, and encouraging others to do the same. Please remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using your tree stand and hunt safely!
