What is the issue?

 

Bouncy castles and inflatables are popular pieces of equipment to use in schools, especially for school fetes and events. However, there have been serious accidents and even fatalities in children who have used inflatable equipment where the safety and risks have not been properly assessed. Research undertaken by ROSPA found that 9% of all UK adults have seen an accident or injury on a bouncy castle.

 

It is essential that the following guidance is referred to when considering the use of inflatable equipment on school sites.

 

Legal Requirements:

 

The duty holder is responsible for ensuring they comply with all legal requirements related to the hire and use of inflatable equipment. This includes:

 

· The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

This places a duty on the employer to ensure the health and safety of their employees and others who may be harmed by their work activities (so far as is reasonably practicable).

· The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

This places a duty on the employer to carry out risk assessments for their work activities and have appropriate arrangements in place to manage/control the risks.

· The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

This places a duty on the employer to ensure that work equipment is maintained in a good condition and subject to inspection (as per appropriate regulations, standards, and guidance).

· British Standard BS EN 14960

This standard specifies the safety requirements for inflatable equipment where the main activities are either bouncing or sliding.

 

Hire of Inflatables:

 

· Schools should use reputable companies when hiring inflatable equipment.

· It is strongly recommended that the company is a trade of professional association such as the British Inflatable Hirers Alliance (BIHA). Whilst these are not accreditation bodies, they do require members to read and understand the industries code of ethics.

· Check company reviews and speak to other schools who have used them.

· It is strongly recommended that hirers have been trained by the Register of Play Inspectors International (RPII). This training covers key aspects of inflatable safety including positioning, anchorage, wind speeds, landing mats etc.

· Your allocated health and safety officer can provide assistance with the vetting of inflatable hirers.

 

Safety of Inflatables:

 

Inflatables must comply with British Standard BS EN 14960 if they are intended to be used by children aged 14 or under. The school duty holder is responsible for ensuring the inflatable meets this requirement. If it does, there will be a tag/label stating this. Each inflatable should have an ‘initial test’ carried out to confirm it complies with the British Standard. If there is no label, the school should request to see evidence of this test.

 

Every year the inflatable should be tested by a competent person and have either a PIPA tag displayed on it or have an ADIPS ‘Declaration of Operational Compliance’ to evidence it remains safe to use. One of these is issued following a thorough check of the equipment. Where a PIPA tag is issued, the number on the tag can be checked to identity when the inflatable was last inspected – www.pipa.org.uk

 

The school must ensure the inflatable has been inspected within the year by a competent person (an RPII inspector) and has been issued with a valid (and in date) PIPA report or ADIPs Declaration of Operational Compliance.

 

Risk Assessments:

 

Where the inflatable is hired by an external person, they should provide the school with a suitable and sufficient risk assessment(s) and method statement(s). Where the hirer purely provides the equipment and the school are responsible for supervising the use of the inflatable during the day, the school must ensure there is an adequate risk assessment in place. Risk assessments should include:

 

· Weather conditions (particularly the risk of the structure blowing away).

· Loss of pressure to the equipment.

· Falls.

· Slips & trips (including on the structure and around it).

· Environment around the structure.

· Tearing of the structure.

· Injury caused by behaviour of users.

· Injury caused by inappropriate footwear.

· Access to dangerous machinery (e.g., blowers).

· Electrical hazards.

· Emergency escape routes.

· Injuries associated with the set up of the structure (lifting- manual handling).

· Entrapment and suffocation.

 

This is not an exhaustive list – seek competent advice from the schools allocated H&S Officer.

 

Insurance:

 

Ensure that any inflatable operator has suitable and sufficient insurance cover which includes public liability insurance of at least £2 million.

A certificate of insurance must be provided prior to confirming the booking.

 

Setting up the Inflatable:

 

Although the hirer should set up the inflatable, the school should undertake a quick check to ensure it is safe. Important points to note are:

 

· Inflatables should be set up on flat ground and have at least 6 anchor points, however larger inflatables may need more. The manufactures manual should highlight how many anchor points are required. If there is no information on anchor points, confirmation must be obtained by a competent person.

· Where the inflatable is used outside, metal ground stakes which are at least 380mm in length and 16mm in diameter with a rounded top. Anchor points should have a welded metal ‘0’ or ‘D’ ring fitted to the end. If this is not possible, water or sand barrels can be used but there must be an equivalent of 163kg weight to each point to provide the same level or protection.

 

You must consider the creation of trip hazards if certain anchors are used. This must be controlled.

Frequent checks of the anchor points must be undertaken to ensure it remains secure.

There should be safety mats set up at every entrance/exit point. Although this is only necessary for hard ground, it is strongly recommended even where the inflatable is set up on soft ground. Where mats are used, they should be no more than 50mm thick and cover the entire area of ground in front of the opening (to a distance of 1.2m).

The inflatable must be sited in a suitable location away from objects/equipment that could damage it.

 

Electrical Blower:

 

When an electrical blower is used, this must be subject to a recent (annual) portable appliance testing regime. Staff should ensure the blower and cable are inspected before use to ensure there are no obvious defects. Blowers must be adequately guarded with no access to moving parts.

The tube that connects the blower to the bag must be at least 1.4m in length, and the tube and electrical cable must be secured so they do not pose a trip hazard.

The blower must be connected to a suitable and appropriate electrical source and protected from the elements (e.g., rain).

Checks must be undertaken during the day to ensure the pressure and inflation remains good. Issues usually result due to:

 

· Failure or a loss of power to the blower.

· Disconnection of the blower.

· Debris blocking the air intake and/or vents.

 

Access to the area around the blower must be restricted to prevent pupils and unauthorised people coming into contact with the blower.

 

Pre-Use Inspection:

 

Prior to using the equipment, a thorough inspection must be undertaken to ensure it is safe to use. This will include a visual inspection of the inflatable after it has been blown up.

 

 

Supervision:

 

When equipment is hired the hirer should advise on the maximum number of users permitted at one time. This has been assessed by the manufacturer and included within the instructional information. Where the school is responsible for supervising the equipment, they must ensure this number is not exceeded at any point. Supervisors must have received instruction by a competent person (the hirer).

 

Depending on the type of inflatable there may be height restrictions in place. The hirer should be consulted to determine if a height restriction is in place.

 

Close and Direct supervision must be maintained at all times the inflatable is in use. Supervisors should not be monitoring more than one piece of equipment at once.

 

All users should have a safety briefing prior to using the equipment to make sure they are aware of safety rules such as no flips, no fighting or rough play and no climbing on the walls.

 

Users should remove their shoes and any equipment/ jewellery which is sharp and could cause injury or damage.

No food or drink should be permitted on the inflatable or near entrances/exits or safety mats. Nobody should use or operate the inflatable under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

 

Spectators should remain a safe distance from the inflatable and not obstruct entrances/exits.

It is recommended that supervisors are provided with a whistle so they can quickly draw the attention of users.

 

There should be a system in place to separate users of different ages to prevent accidents.

 

If the equipment starts to deflate, use shouls cease immediately and all users exit calmly and safely.

 

Weather Conditions:

 

Where inflatables are used outside, it is essential that weather conditions are taken into account on the day of the event. Inflatable equipment must not be used where it is too windy or wet or where lightning is forecast. Dynamic risk assessments should be undertaken throughout the day to ensure the conditions remain safe.

 

Wind:

High winds pose a huge risk to users of inflatables, there have been high profile fatalities associated with inflatable equipment that has blown away in windy conditions. It is essential that schools are aware of the safe wind conditions for inflatables.

 

The following table should be consulted when considering wind speeds and the appropriate action.

 

 

 

The hirer should check the weather forecast and use equipment that has an anemometer (wind speed indicator) before setting up the inflatable.

 

The school is responsible for ensuring the wind speed does not increase during the day. An anemometer must be used - do not use smart phone features or localised weather apps as these are not as reliable/accurate.

 

Rain:

Wet conditions increase the likelihood of pupils and other users slipping on the inflatable and surrounding surfaces. Schools should assess the risks and cease the use of the inflatable in wet conditions. Landing mats should be wiped regularly to ensure they do not pose a slip risk.

 

Storms:

When there is a potential for lightning there is risk of serious injury and/or death to the users of the area due to electrocution.

 

If there is any sign of lightning in the area or it is forecast– cease using the inflatable equipment and seek shelter within the school building immediately.

 

Heat:

During hot weather, inflatable equipment should be set up in shaded areas where possible. Pupils should not be allowed to use the equipment for long periods due to the risk of heat stroke and dehydration.

 

First Aid & Contingencies:

 

There must be appropriate procedures and provisions in place to respond to injuries associated with the use of the inflatable.

 

First aid provision should be assessed using the First Aid at Work Code of Guidance.

 

Contingency plans should be considered within the risk assessment including the circumstances when the inflatable will be taken out of use.

 

Cleaning and Disinfection:

 

Hirers should provide evidence of cleaning schedules and the inflatable should be cleaned and disinfected prior to being supplied to the school.

 

Schools who own their own inflatables must ensure it is cleaned thoroughly between uses using appropriate cleaning materials.

 

COSHH risk assessments must be in place.

 

Further Information:

 

Further information and advice regarding inflatables can be obtained by contacting your schools allocated Health and Safety Officer.

 

Further information regarding insurance queries can be obtained by contacting insurance@cardiff.gov.uk

 

Resources:

· BounceSafe_07.pdf (Bi-Fold Brochure) A5 for Printer (pipa.org.uk)

· Inflatable Structures > Risk Management Partners (rmpartners.co.uk)

· Bouncy castles and other play inflatables: safety advice (hse.gov.uk)