The Importance of Correct Anchorage on Inflatables
Stay Safe, Stay Compliant — Understanding EN14960 Requirements for Pegs, Sandbags & Hardstanding
When it comes to inflatable safety, anchorage is everything. It doesn’t matter how well your inflatable is built — if it’s not properly secured to the ground, you’re risking lives, your business reputation, and your freedom.
Failing to anchor inflatables correctly has led to serious incidents across the UK, including lengthy jail sentences for operators who neglected their safety obligations. That’s why understanding the legal requirements under BS EN14960 and following proper anchorage procedures is absolutely essential for every operator.
This blog will break down exactly what you need to know to stay compliant, safe, and professional when setting up inflatables for hire — whether you’re working on grass, hardstanding, or indoors.
Pegs – The Gold Standard for Inflatable Safety
Under the EN14960:2019 standard, every inflatable must be fitted with a minimum of six anchor points. Larger inflatables require more, depending on their size and structure.
To comply with the regulations, each anchor point must be secured using:
✅ Pegs that are 380mm long and 16mm thick
You can find suitable tested and compliant pegs here:
👉 Betterbounce 16mm x 380mm Galvanised Steel Pegs
These are the only type of pegs that will provide the necessary strength and hold-down resistance of at least 165 kg (1.65 kN) — enough to secure your inflatable safely in winds up to 24 mph (38 km/h), including forecast gusts.
Pegs shorter than 380mm or thinner than 16mm are not compliant and can easily fail under stress, especially on soft or uneven ground.
The 24mph Rule – Never Ignore the Wind
The maximum safe operational wind speed for inflatables is 24 mph (38 km/h), including gusts.
It’s not optional — it’s the law under EN14960.
You must check the wind speed every time an inflatable is in use outdoors and record the results using an anemometer.
👉 Buy a Professional Anemometer Here
You’ll also need to record your blower pressure readings using a manometer, confirming that airflow remains at least 1kPa (4”wg).
👉 Get Your Manometer Here
This documentation not only ensures legal compliance but is a key part of your HSE risk assessment and insurance protection.
High-Level Anchors – The 45° Rule
High-level D-rings or tie points must be treated the same as ground-level anchors. To achieve the correct 45° angle:
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Measure the height of the D-ring from the floor.
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Measure the same distance outwards from the inflatable.
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Peg your anchor at that point.
Example: If your D-ring is 1500mm high, the peg should be driven into the ground 1500mm away from the inflatable, forming a perfect 45° angle.
This simple method ensures maximum stability and reduces the risk of uplift or lateral movement.
Sandbags and Hardstanding – What You Need to Know
Sandbags can be used only on hardstanding where pegs cannot penetrate the surface — but compliance is far from simple.
To legally replace pegs, sandbags must provide the same 167 kg (1.65 kN) of resistance per anchor point.
That means you’ll need 7 x 25 kg sandbags for each anchor point — yes, you read that right!
For a standard inflatable with six anchor points, that’s over one tonne of ballast required just to meet the standard.
Each sandbag must have a secure, purpose-built fixing and be housed in a suitable protective container, such as these:
👉 Professional Inflatable Sandbag Containers
If you’re working on hardstanding, you may also anchor inflatables to:
Indoor Anchoring
Since there’s no wind indoors, sandbags are primarily for stability, not restraint.
In most cases, one sandbag per anchor point is sufficient, but larger slides or obstacle courses may require up to three sandbags on the rear corners to prevent movement during heavy play.
Always assess the layout and usage before setup to ensure maximum stability.
Why Compliance Matters
Anchoring isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about keeping users safe. Properly secured inflatables don’t move, lift, or topple, no matter how wild the play gets.
Failing to anchor correctly can result in:
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Prosecution under Health & Safety law
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Invalid insurance coverage
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Injury or fatality of users
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Loss of business reputation
Every inflatable operator in the UK has a duty to follow EN14960 and HSE guidelines in full.
For extra peace of mind, always look for inflatables that come with a Betterbounce ECSHEM test certificate, complete with QR code verification, or those tested by other certified bodies such as PIPA, PRII, ROSPA, ADIPS, or NEFLECK.
Final Thoughts
Anchoring might seem like a small detail, but it’s the single biggest factor that determines the safety and compliance of your inflatable.
Whether you’re using pegs, sandbags, or fixed anchors, always follow the EN14960 standards and document your setup every single time.
If you want to guarantee peace of mind, upgrade to our range of fully compliant Betterbounce inflatables, designed and tested to the highest UK standards.
👉 Explore the full range today at www.better-bounce.co.uk
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