Setting up the bouncy castle safely
When setting up all reputable hirers will carry out the following safety checks in line with the bouncy castles operator manual:
No bouncy castle 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). That's why Bouncy Castle Express test and log wind speed at every hire using an anemometer
When using the bouncy castle 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 bouncy castles 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 bouncy castle should be in good condition and not stretched, frayed or rotten. Never use improvised tow ropes, eg bungee cord
If a bouncy castle is being used indoors, we use sandbags to ensure the bouncy castle doesn't move around
All other associated equipment must be safe, including the blower which here at Bouncy Castle Express, PAT test every 12 months
Before Anyone uses the bouncy castle
Reputable hirers will take you for a look around the bouncy castle 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). Here at Bouncy Cast Express we use only the highest quality blowers which are PAT tested annually
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 other
impact-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 of children on the bouncy castle:
There should be constant supervision by an adult Operating instructions will be given by us and will include the following:
Restrict the number of users on the bouncy castle at the same time to the limit in the operator manual or on the unit label (we will tell you the maximum number of users on the walk around). Don’t exceed the user height limit and keep bigger users separated from smaller ones (We always stipulate that users should not be higher than the bouncy castles walls)
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. Our bouncy castles are designed for children under the age of 11 only
Don’t allow users to climb or hang on the walls
Regularly check that anchor points are still secure
When operating the bouncy castle outside we use an anemometer to measure wind conditions on inflation. We would ask that all hirers monitor wind speed throughout the day and visually check for changes in wind direction (such as looking at how the trees are swaying).
Annual Inspection of bouncy castles
We take our bouncy castles for inspection annually. Our bouncy castles are identifiable by the serial numbers.