Health & Safety Guide for Bouncy Castle Manufacturers and Operators
Inflatable equipment, such as bouncy castles, is governed by a few essential pieces of legislation that aim to keep both manufacturers and operators protected. However, the confusion among various organizations offering different services can be astounding. This guide will explain the difference between the roles of manufacturers and operators and what steps should be taken to ensure maximum safety at all times.
Manufacturing Standards The manufacture of bouncy castles was unregulated until 2006, when the British Standards introduced BS14960. This standard has now been replaced by its European equivalent, EN14960. This document ensures that inflatables are designed and manufactured with maximum safety in mind. It takes manufacturers many hundreds of hours a year to comply with these standards.
When purchasing a bouncy castle, it is important to check that the manufacturer has ensured and can prove that the bouncy castles and inflatables they are selling comply with EN14960. A reputable manufacturer will be happy to provide a certificate at the point of sale. Additionally, it is important to note that inflatable manufacturers should also be members of industry inspection schemes such as PIPA and ADiPs, which are run by professional organizations to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Testing and Inspection When a company, organization or individual hires any equipment, they become subject to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This Act places a duty of care on everyone involved in the transaction, including the operator, the operator's employees, and the owner or manager of the premises where the equipment will be used.
Health and Safety at Work Act
In addition to the Health and Safety at Work Act, the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) insist that all inflatables undergo a strict testing procedure to ensure compliance with relevant guidance. This testing is done in line with the HSE Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) requirements. Inflatables must be tested initially after manufacture and prior to its first use, and then again annually by a competent person. This satisfies the provision that the equipment is suitable and safe for its intended use throughout its life.
All inflatables manufactured by Betterbounce Direct have been tested prior to its sale and as such you are covered for the first 12 months under our own brand of testing. After 12 months, you should have your equipment tested by a competent person. It is important to note that operators should also be aware of the regulations regarding the use of inflatables. For example, inflatables should not be used in winds above 24 mph, and should never be used when internal inflation pressure is below the minimum, or above the maximum specified by the manufacturer. Regular measurements of the internal pressure of the inflatable should be taken using a suitable pressure measuring device, such as a manometer. If one of these is not available, the inflatable should not be operated. These measurements should be recorded.
Fans and Stakes
Furthermore, 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, such as bungee cord.
If ground stakes cannot be used because of the surface (e.g. 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 above, all electrical items that are hired out must also be PAT tested every 6 months.
Prison Sentences
Best Practice for Bouncy Castle Hire Although the law only requires the above documents to be adhered to, it is good practice to ensure the following is undertaken. This will help prevent the industry from coming into disrepute and help raise standards across the board. Just because it's not the law, doesn't mean it shouldn't be done and the repercussions of non-compliance can be significant for the operator. In 2019, two fairground workers were convicted of gross negligence manslaughter after a bouncy castle blew away with two children inside, killing them.
It is important for operators to conduct regular visual inspections of the inflatables before and after each use. Check for any signs of wear and tear, such as tears, rips, or punctures. If any damage is found, the inflatable should not be used until it has been repaired.
Operators should also have a plan in place for emergency situations, such as power outages or severe weather conditions. Staff should be trained on how to safely deflate and secure the inflatable in the event of an emergency.
In addition, operators should have liability insurance in place to protect themselves and their customers in case of accidents. This is especially important for commercial operators, as customers may hold them liable for any injuries that occur on the inflatable.
Overall, the safety of bouncy castles and inflatables should be a top priority for both manufacturers and operators. By following the guidelines set out by the law and industry best practices, operators can ensure that their inflatables are safe for use and that they are protecting themselves, their staff, and their customers. Betterbounce Direct is committed to meeting the highest safety standards and we are proud to provide our customers with inflatables that meet the EN14960 standard. We also offer testing and repair services to ensure that your inflatables remain in top condition. Contact us for more information.
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