Bouncy Castle & Inflatables Anchorage

Date: 25 Feb 2009

Bouncy castles and inflatables must be provided with an adequate anchorage or a ballast system. The size, number and strength or each anchorage point should be adequate for the inflatable. The castle should be secured to the ground with stakes if the ground is soft, if the ground is hard then attaching anchor ropes to fittings already in the ground is just as effective. Alternatively sandbags or other weights can be used, if these are capable of taking the load.

Regardless of how securely tied down the inflatable may seem, inflatables should not be used on a windy day or if the wind gusts are in excess of the maximum safe wind speed specified by the manufacturer. Usually the industry recommends a maximum wind speed of Force 5 on the Beaufort Scale. Force 5 is a fresh breeze when small trees in leaf begin to sway, whereas Force 6 is a strong breeze when large branches are in motion, whistling can be heard in telephone lines and umbrellas can only be handled with difficulty.

The controller of the inflatable should ensure that the inflatable device is sited well away from possible hazards such as overhead powerlines or other obstacles with hazardous projections including fencing. If the ground surface is abrasive, oily or dirty, a ground sheet should be used to prevent wear and tear of the base material.

Once the bouncy castle is securely fastened to the ground it will then become useable by the public. It is important to ensure that users remove footwear (except socks) and any other hard, sharp or dangerous objects such as buckles, pens, purses and badges. Glasses are not essential to be removed but are recommended.

In addition to removing footwear, there are also a few other requirements of all bouncy castles, including:

• Do not allow users to consume food or drink or chew gum on the inflatable.
• Do not allow users to obstruct the entrance or exit of any inflatable.
• Do not allow anyone to play on the step or front apron of a bouncy castle.
• Do not allow users to climb or hang on the walls.
• Do not allow users who do not conform to height restrictions to use the inflatable.
• Keep the entrance/exit areas clear of onlookers so that the operator or attendant has a clear view and can ensure that users enter / exit safely.
• Keep users off the bouncy castle when it is being inflated and deflated.
• Only deflate the device when not in use.
• The operator and attendants should watch the activity on the inflatable constantly. In events such as fetes or parties, attendants should use a whistle or other signal and take action at the first sign of any misbehaviour. Somersaults and rough play should not be allowed.
• It is the operator's responsibility to ensure that the equipment is not overloaded with users.
• The number of users at any one time should be limited to allow each user enough room to play safely.