Guidance for the safe use of inflatables
Inflatable equipment is a popular feature at children's parties and play areas; however, recent years have seen a number of tragic incidents involving injuries and fatalities among children.
It has been established that two different pieces of equipment have been involved in recent incidents, one being a sealed air trampoline, this type of equipment is normally inflated with an air compressor and then sealed so there is no air flow in or out. The second, inflatables that have a blower connected to keep the unit inflated as it is designed for air to escape through the seams of the equipment.
Continuous air Inflatable devices should be designed and manufactured to BS 14960:2013 standards, used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and under a suitable and sufficient regime of ongoing maintenance and inspection (either PIPA or ADIPs).
• Information on the PIPA scheme can be found at: http://www.pipa.org.uk
• Information on the ADIPs scheme can be found at: http://www.adips.co.uk
Sealed air devices should follow manufacturer’s instructions and the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and associated legislation, including Risk Assessment.
The HSE has freely available published information on its website for the safe use of inflatables, which is set out below.
HSE - Bouncy castles safety advice
HSE - Other play inflatables safety advice
HSE - Sealed inflatables: safe supply, inspection and operation
Please note any inflatable used for commercial purposes should have been made to the British Standard BS EN14960:2013.
An inflatable device brought from a high street toy shop or online, is likely to be unsuitable for commercial use and is unlikely to meet the requirements of BS EN 14960:2013
Other guidance
BS EN 14960: 2013 Inflatable play equipment. Safety requirements and test methods is the European Standard regarding manufacture and operation.
RPII Bounce Safe guidance – Inflatables Operator Refresher
Domestic use
H&S legislation applies to commercial events/premises only. However, if you are a private/domestic user seeking guidance. The following document provides guidance on how you can hire and use bouncy castles safely at home.
RPII Bounce Safe guidance – Safety Tips for Hirers