What is EN14960?
EN14960 is a British & European standard that specifically addresses the safety requirements for inflatable play equipment, including bouncy castles, inflatable slides, obstacle courses, multi plays, . Developed by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), EN14960 establishes guidelines and specifications to mitigate risks and promote safe usage of inflatable play equipment.
We highly recommend getting hold of a copy of EN14960, at the time of writing you can actually download a free copy here:
Reading EN14960 you will gain basic knowledge on how to setup safely, what equipment is necessary for doing so and what is expected of you as an inflatable play equipment hire business.
Key Elements of EN14960
EN14960 covers a wide range of factors related to inflatable play equipment, including:
Design and Construction: The standard outlines requirements for the design, materials, and construction of inflatable structures to ensure durability, stability, and resistance to wear and tear. This includes specifications for seams, anchoring points, inflatable components, and structural integrity. This is where we step in, we take care of everything manufacture wise to ensure your products will meet EN14960, so you don't need to worry when your inflatables are inspected and tested.
Safety Features: EN14960 mandates the inclusion of essential safety features such as entrance/exit points, handholds, safety nets, and clear warning labels to prevent accidents and injuries. Additionally, inflatable play equipment must be designed to minimize risks of entrapment, falls, and collisions.
Operation and Maintenance: The standard provides guidelines for the safe setup, operation, and maintenance of inflatable play equipment. This includes recommendations for inflation methods, anchoring systems, supervision requirements, and regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Testing and Certification: EN14960 specifies testing procedures and performance criteria that inflatable play equipment must meet to obtain certification. Manufacturers are required to conduct rigorous testing to assess factors such as load-bearing capacity, stability, and resistance to puncture and tear.
Why is EN14960 Important?
EN14960 plays a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being of users and promoting confidence in inflatable play. By establishing clear safety requirements and standards, EN14960 helps to:
Minimise Risks: Compliance with EN14960 reduces the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and equipment failures by ensuring that inflatable play structures meet strict safety criteria.
Enhance Trust: Certification to EN14960 provides assurance to operators, customers, and regulatory authorities that inflatable play equipment has undergone rigorous testing and meets recognised safety standards.
Promote Best Practices: EN14960 encourages manufacturers, operators, and rental companies to adopt best practices in the design, operation, and maintenance of inflatable play equipment, fostering a culture of safety and accountability within the industry.
EN14960 is more than just a set of technical specifications; it's a commitment to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of inflatable play for children and families worldwide. By adhering to the requirements outlined in EN14960, manufacturers and operators can create an environment where fun and safety go hand in hand, allowing everyone to bounce, slide, and play with peace of mind.