The HSE can be a difficult and challenging organisation to understand. As such Betterbounce have written this handy summery for uk bouncy castle hire companies.
Bouncy castles and other play inflatables are a popular and fun way for children to play and for adults to entertain their guests. However, these inflatable devices must be used safely to prevent serious incidents from occurring. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK provides safety advice for those who supply, buy, hire or operate bouncy castles and other inflatable play equipment.
The HSE advises that serious incidents have occurred where inflatables have collapsed or blown away in windy conditions. This is why it is important for those who supply, buy, hire or operate bouncy castles to take safety precautions and follow the guidelines provided by the HSE. Health and safety law applies to the supply, hire and use of inflatables for commercial purposes. It does not apply to private, domestic buyers and users.
This guidance applies to inflatables devices that are covered by BS EN 14960, and that can be used both outside and inside. Before buying or hiring an inflatable, it is important to check that the inflatable has been safety tested and inspected by industry leaders such as PIPA and ADiPs. Most play inflatables will therefore display either a numbered PIPA tag or an ADiPs declaration of compliance (DoC) to show they comply with British Standard BS EN 14960.
You can use their websites to check safety tests have been carried out and to find out what to do if the equipment has no PIPA tag or ADiPs DoC (you may be risking people's safety if the inflatable doesn't have one of these). The PIPA scheme specifically covers inflatables devices that fall within the scope of the BS EN 14960, and they have guidance on the equipment PIPA inspect (PDF). The ADiPs scheme covers a wider range of inflatable play equipment as well as more traditional fairground rides.
If you're buying or hiring any inflatable for private or public use you should make sure it also has instructions on how to operate it safely. Setting up the inflatable safely is also crucial, as this will help prevent any accidents or injuries from occurring.
When setting up an inflatable, it is important to follow the inflatable's operator manual and carry out safety checks. No inflatable should be used in winds above 24 mph (38 kmph), which is Force 5 on the Beaufort Scale (small trees in leaf begin to sway). Certain inflatables may have a lower maximum wind speed for operation. Always check the manufacturer's operating manual to confirm the maximum wind speed for the safe operation of the inflatable.
When the inflatable is being operated outside, it is important to use an anemometer to measure the wind speed at regular intervals. If an anemometer is not available, the inflatable should not be operated outside. These measurements should be recorded. It is not recommended to use smartphone weather applications to measure wind speed as they do not take localised wind conditions into account.
No inflatable should be used when internal inflation pressure is below the minimum, or above the maximum specified by the manufacturer, in the operations manual. Regular measurements of the internal pressure of the inflatable should be taken using a suitable pressure measuring device, such as a manometer. If a pressure measuring device is not available, the inflatable should not be operated. These measurements should be recorded.
The blowers should be checked daily to ensure that the fan blades are clear of debris and the non-return flap on the blower outlet is fully functional. When using the inflatable outside, all the anchor points must be used, with metal ground stakes at least 380 mm long and 16 mm wide, with a rounded top. They should have a welded metal 'O' or 'D' ring fitted to the end. All inflatables must have at least 6 anchor points. The operator manual will tell you how many there should be, and you should check to ensure they are all still in place and have not been removed.
The ropes used to secure the inflatable should be in good condition and not stretched, frayed or rotten. Never use improvised tow ropes, eg bungee cord. If ground stakes cannot be used because of the surface (eg tarmac) use ballast with anchor points each weighing at least 163 kg and with suitable fixings to attach the guy ropes. The inflatable should be tightly secured to the ground so that the wind cannot get under it and lift it up. Alternatively, ground anchor bolts with a load rating of 1600N can be used with suitable fixings to attach the guy ropes.
In addition to the safety measures mentioned above, it is important to note that certain face paints can be damaging to the PVC material used in inflatables. It is important to use face paints that are safe for use on PVC, such as Snazaroo, to ensure the longevity of the inflatable.
Betterbounce Safety
At Better-Bounce, we take the safety of our customers very seriously. We follow all HSE guidelines and safety measures to ensure that our inflatables are safe to use. We also make sure that our inflatables are suitable to be inspected and tested by industry leaders, such as PIPA and ADiPs, to ensure their compliance with British Standard BS EN 14960. Our inflatables also come with detailed instructions on how to operate them safely. We also ensure that the face paints we recommend are safe to use on our inflatables.
In conclusion, bouncy castles and other inflatable play equipment can be a lot of fun for children and adults alike, but it is important to use them safely. Following the guidelines provided by the HSE and taking the necessary safety measures can help prevent serious incidents from occurring. At Better-Bounce, we prioritize safety and take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our customers.
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