Bouncy castle and event guidance update 2022.
The following guidance has been issued by the HSE and contains vital information that bouncy castle hirers and event organisers should be made aware of.
The main information changes are the requirements of the internal pressures and external wind speeds to be monitored at all times during an event and record the information required.
And the supervision explanations from EN14960 have been reinforced and now issued to local trading standards, HSE officers and local authorities.
The document can be read in full by clicking the following link; https://www.hse.gov.uk/foi/internalops/og-00130.pdf
Extracts
The following extract has been taken from the enforcement section of the document;
HSE has stated that they now want the end-users to ensure the inflatable has all the required pressures you'd normally find on an annual test during everyday hires. They require this information to be checked on delivery and recorded along with any relevant wind speeds. They also insist in other documents that these devices are calibrated annually.
Realistically speaking, We replace ours every 12 months as long as it comes with a calibration certificate and is often cheaper than messing around with calibration centres.
But is it needed and how do I use a manometer?
Whilst this all sounds over the top, we all have that one blower that just isn't as good as the rest but how good is it? What pressure does it give out? Is it enough pressure to keep an inflatable slide's back wall stable and safe for example? Who knows???
A good example of a manometer can be found here : Click here to be redirected
The operation is really quite simple. Simply insert the clear plastic tube of the manometer into the blower tube, seal the blower strap as normal and carry on setting up the inflatable as normal. When the inflatable is fully inflated, record the manometer reading on your driver's logs, disclaimers or delivery sheets, along with the wind reading and remove the device. It really is quite simple. The manometer doesn't need to be left with the client but I recommend leaving the wind speed meter.
The whole process takes under 30 seconds and is something I'm afraid we must all get used to.
Readings:
If the Manometer reading is over 4" water gauge(1 kpa) then the inflatable can be used in line with EN14960.
If the Manometer reading fails to achieve 4" water gauge (1 kpa), then simply change the blower for another and retest, Add an additional blower or use a larger horsepower blower to achieve 4" water gauge (1 kpa).
If none of the above work to achieve the 4" water gauge (1 kpa) requirements, then the inflatable is not fit for use and must not be used.
*Note: Gibbons fan blower blades often become clogged and less efficient over the years. A simple service of the fan or a scrape of the fan blades can increase the output by upto 25% and is a good place to start and remember, the 4" water guage (1 kpa) reading is a static measurement thats required in all inflatables.
Appendix 9: Inflatable devices
Please find an extract of the HSE Inflatable related appendix below, which sets out the requirements that HSE will issue to local government and event organisers.
Introduction
Serious incidents have occurred where inflatables have collapsed or blown away in windy conditions.
Inspectors should confirm that devices are manufactured in accordance with BS EN 14960 Inflatable play equipment. Safety requirements and test methods.
In addition, inspectors should ensure that the inflatable devices are operated in a safe manner with adequate levels of supervision to ensure safety.
Health & Safety
Suitable PPE should be worn to ensure safety
Reference to COIN prior to visit to identify local factors e.g., violence or aggression marking
Inspection
Inspectors should ensure that the following matters are considered when inspecting an inflatable device as follows.
Safe Use, supervision, and monitoring
• Inflatables are not being operated in winds above 24 mph (38 kmph), which is Force 5 on the Beaufort Scale (small trees in leaf begin to sway) NB Certain inflatables may have a lower maximum wind speed for operation, so 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, the operator should have access to an anemometer to measure the wind speed at regular intervals. If one of these is not available, the inflatable should not be operated outside. NB The use of smartphone weather applications to measure wind speed is not acceptable as they do not take localised wind conditions into account
• 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.
• Ensure that all inflatables 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
• Ensure that the ropes used to secure the inflatable are in good condition and not stretched, frayed or rotten.
• Ensure that improvised ropes, e.g., bungee cords are not being used
• If ground stakes cannot be used because of the surface (e.g., tarmac) then ballast should be used with anchor points. This should weigh at least 163 kg per anchor and should be connected using suitable
fixings to attach the guy ropes.
• Ensure that the inflatable is tightly secured to the ground so that the wind cannot get under it and lift it up
• If an inflatable is being used indoors, refer to the operator’s manual which will provide instruction on what anchorage is necessary to maintain the shape of the device and prevent overturn
• Ensure that all other associated equipment is safe, including the blowers
• Ensure that the correct blower is being used (the blower specification, including output, will be given in the operating manual)
• Check to ensure that there are no obvious signs of over-tension or sagging of the structure.
• Ensure that the connection tube and blower are firmly attached to each other
• Impact-absorbing mats are in position in line with manufacturer’s instructions and BS EN 14960:2019
• Check that the there are no holes or rips in the fabric or seams
• Ensure that the device looks symmetrical – if it looks misshapen or deformed there could be internal problems that make bouncing unpredictable.
Operating Instructions
Operating instructions must be supplied and should address the matters set out above.
Tests and inspections
Initial test
If inspecting a new inflatable Inspectors should confirm that it has an ‘initial test’ to confirm it complies with BS EN 14960.
Annual inspection
Inspectors should make sure that an annual inspection has been carried out by a competent person. The report should identify the inflatable and blower by their serial numbers.
Priorities
- Safe use, supervision, and monitoring
- Arrangements for the “dry hire” of devices used in non-domestic premises
- Initial test and inspection of devices to ensure that they have been manufactured in line with BS EN 14960 and are inspected to ensure that they are in a safe condition.
Guidance
- HSG 175 – Fairgrounds and amusement parks: Guidance on safe practice
- BSEN 14960:2019 - Inflatable play equipment. Safety requirements and test methods
- Bouncy castles and other play inflatables: safety advice (hse.gov.uk)
Contacts: David Kivlin 020 3028 1339 (HSE) or Lee Scott (PIPA) 01684 252910
Summary;
Ultimately, I think the new guidance is a blessing in disguise. At least there's a set of rules out here that HSE, Trading standards and LA's will be following now that we can all work to. Or better still, somewhere to point the jobsworths caretakers we've all come across at that think they know better and no real guidance to prove otherwise.
I see this as a proper legitimate way to weed out those who do it right and those who do it wrong.
I hope this information helps for now and I look forward to hearing from you if you have any questions or need any advice.
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