Having bouncy castles and other inflatables at an event can create a vibrant atmosphere, however, in recent years there have been serious injuries caused by attractions such as inflatables not being effectively secured, being poorly managed (including wind speed monitoring) or not properly supervised with regard to the occupants.
It is important to check that those bringing amusements and attractions onto a site have the experience and knowledge to run them safely, as well as holding the appropriate insurance should anything go wrong.
Those responsible for operating the amusements and attractions should provide the event organiser with a risk assessment (which is a written legal requirement if they employ more than 5 people).
This should include:
- details of the control measures that will be used to reduce risks to people
- confirmation that the allocated site is suitable for the attractions so that they can be set up, positioned and run safely
- details of how the operation will be run and supervised, including evidence of the competence of those involved in this
- details of procedures for fire, first aid and emergency evacuation for the rides and attractions and in some cases the event as a whole
Operators in charge of an attraction have a duty to conduct daily safety checks on the attraction and to operate them safely. They should be trained in their role so they can manage and run the attraction safely in all conditions, including an emergency. They should also be trained in the evacuation of the attraction in all foreseeable circumstances.
Attendants who help to operate an attraction also have a duty to take reasonable care for their own safety, the safety of the riders and others.
Compliance
Inflatabales should have either an ADIPS or PIPA test certificate or tag if the item is over 1 year old.
Organisers should insist on the operator providing them with a current copy of their insurance policy covering the specific attractions/amusements they will be operating as well as insurance cover for those operating them. Check that the insurance is in the name of the operator, current and relates specifically to the equipment being used.
Organisers should keep copies of these documents as evidence that checks have been made should something go wrong.
Setting up safely
When setting up, carry out the following safety checks in line with the inflatable's operator manual:
- 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, use an anemometer to measure the wind speed at regular intervals. If one of these is not available, the inflatable should not be operated outside. These measurements should be recorded
- Do not 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 one of these 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. The ground anchor bolts must be installed in line with the manufacturer’s installation instructions by a competent person and checked at regular intervals
- 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
- Where an inflatable is used on either hard standing or any ground that would cause injury should the user fall from the device, suitable impact attenuating material should be provided, but is not required if the device is securely and permanently covered so as to contain the user.
- All other associated equipment must be safe, including the blower
Safe use, supervision and monitoring
There should be constant supervision by at least one suitably trained person.
Operating instructions must be supplied and should include the following:
- Restrict the number of users on the inflatable at the same time to the limit in the operator manual or on the unit label. Don't exceed the user height limit and keep bigger users separated from smaller ones
- Make sure users can get on and off safely, with safety matting at the entrance that is no more than 2 inches deep
- People should not wear shoes or glasses, and should empty their pockets of all sharp or dangerous items
- Anyone obviously intoxicated should not be allowed on
- Don't allow users to climb or hang on the walls
- Regularly check that anchor points are still secure
- When operating the inflatable outside, use an anemometer to measure wind conditions at regular intervals, and visually check for changes in wind direction (such as looking at how the trees are swaying). Make sure you take readings in the direction of the wind.
Finding suppliers
Whether the event includes a complete fairground or just an inflatable device, it is important to use reputable suppliers/operators belonging to one of the recognised trade bodies in the industry, such as the:
- Showmen's Guild of Great Britain (SGGB)
- Association of Independent Showmen (AIS)
- Society of Independent Roundabout Proprietors (SIRPS)
- Amusement Catering Equipment Suppliers (ACES)
Useful resources
Details of ADIPS certification can be found on the ADIPS website. Similarly, details of PIPA certification which covers inflatables can be found on the PIPA website.
More detailed information can be found on the Health & Safety Executive website and at the Purple Guide.
