Inflatables are a popular attraction at summer fairs, but with safety in mind, we asked Andrew Chalk of PIPA what exactly PTAs should be looking out for.
Under UK health and safety regulations, all inflatable play equipment must be inspected annually, preferably by an experienced or technically qualified person. If you are unsure who to ask, PIPA-registered inspectors are qualified to test inflatables to the required standard. All inflatable equipment that meets the standard will have a blue numbered tag affixed, an annual certificate and a test logged on the national database for inflatable play equipment. Equipment not covered or tested by PIPA should still have its own certificate provided by the tester. Whenever hiring inflatables, check that the equipment is safe by asking the supplier in advance for its PIPA tag number. This can then be checked on the PIPA website at pipa.org.uk.
Inflatables must not be used without supervision. Your hirer will be able to advise you on the number of supervisors required based upon the maximum height and number of users, and this must be marked on the inflatable. The hirer should also give you guidelines that include appropriate behaviour of children, removing loose or sharp articles of clothing, operating a rota system, etc.
Your hirer will be able to advise you on the suitability of the venue and whether or not they can securely fix the inflatable to the ground with ground stakes. If the inflatable is on a hardstanding surface, it must either be secured by attaching all the anchorage points to fittings already in the ground or to sandbags or other weights with the equivalent of 163kgs per anchor point. Inflatables may be secured to a vehicle or other movable machinery that has been immobilised, and under control of the operator of the inflatable. The inflatable should be sited well away from possible hazards such as overhead power lines or other obstacles, should not be erected on a site with more than a 5% slope in any direction, and the site should be cleared of all debris or sharp objects. The hirer will be able to provide you with advice on what to do in the event of wet and windy weather.
An anchorage or ballast system should be used where necessary to maintain stability. Your hirer will be able to advise you accordingly. You need to arrange safety matting around any entrances/exits of the inflatable.
Ask if they conform to the PIPA scheme and request the PIPA tag number; ask whether you can see the PIPA test certificate; if they have carried out daily checks on the equipment; when the equipment was last fully-inspected; if you will receive full instructions on its safe operation; whether it will still fit on your site if the blower unit is set at 1.2 metres; and if the equipment is clearly marked with limitations of use. Ask for a copy of their public liability insurance. Don’t be afraid to ask these questions – do not compromise when it comes to safety.
You should routinely inspect the inflatable before each use. Checks should include:
The equipment should not be used until any defects identified in the routine inspection have been rectified. In addition the following maintenance should be carried out to maintain levels of safety and performance: cleaning the inflatable; removal of debris and contaminants; rust control on the blower; and cleaning the blower air intake. An inspector competent to test the European Standard must inspect the inflatable annually. We strongly recommend that the unit be issued with a PIPA tag and certificate on the basis of this inspection.