Standard Specification for Motorized Treadmills

This specification covers the establishment of parameters for the design and manufacture of motorized treadmills. The treadmill shall be stable during intended use. Its edges in accessible areas shall be free of burrs and sharp edges and its corners in accessible areas shall be radiused or chamfered. Its tube ends in the exposed accessible areas shall be closed off either by other components or plugs, caps, or covers. In addition, the design of rotating parts shall avoid shear, pinch, or catch points by guarding, shielding, spacing, or other appropriate means. To reduce the risk of finger entrapment, the rear roller of the treadmill shall be designed or guarded. The guard or design shall function through the full range of inclination possible and through the full range of belt tension adjustment. Foot rails and handrails shall be present in all treadmills to facilitate user mounting and dismounting. Its moving surface shall be constructed to minimize foot slippage. The control panel for the operation of the treadmill shall be readily accessible by the user. The controls for a motorized treadmill shall incorporate a prominently labeled and user accessible stop switch. The stop switch causes the moving surface to decelerate and stop and stops the motion of any power-driven incline system. Stop mechanisms may include a push-button stop switch, a pull cord stop switch, an infrared beam switch, or other suitable means. Adequate warnings alerting users, third parties, and service personnel to hazards associated with treadmills shall be provided.