Safety first for your Bouncy Castle hire

Covid Safety

Here at Absolutely Bouncy Castles we know that how important it is at the moment to make sure all our inflatables are not only set up safely but also sterilized and cleaned before and after every use with the currant Covid pandemic, so we would like to reiterate that we follow all government guidelines with following social distancing, face coverings and sanitizing our hands and anything we touch.

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 outsideDo not use smartphone weather applications to measure wind speed 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.

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) then use ballast weighing at least 163 kg 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.

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.

All other associated equipment must be safe, including the blower.

Before anyone uses it.

Have a good look at the inflatable when it is blown up and before use. You should check:

The correct blower is being used (the blower specification, including output, will be given in the operating manual)

There are no obvious signs of over-tension or sagging of the structure. Also check if the anchor points have been pulled out during inflation.

The connection tube and blower are firmly attached to each otherimpact-absorbing mats are in position.

There are no holes or rips in the fabric or seams.

It looks symmetrical – if it looks misshapen or deformed there could be internal problems that make bouncing unpredictable and it should therefore not be used.

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 onDon’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.