SAFE USE OF AN INFLATABLE.

SETTING UP SAFELY.. ANGLESEY BOUNCY CASTLE HIRE LTD

When setting up, Anglesey Bouncy Castle Hire will carry out the following safety checks in line with current regulations and the inflatable’s operator manual.

Anglesey Bouncy Castle Hire Ltd will then go through Safety checks with the client (If an inflatable is to be left in their supervision)

  • No inflatable 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)
  • Certain inflatables may have a lower maximum wind speed for operation. Anglesey Bouncy Castle Hire will have checked the manufacturer’s operating manual to confirm the maximum wind speed for the safe operation of each inflatable.
  • The inflatable must be on suitable level ground.
  • When the inflatable is being operated outside, Anglesey Bouncy Castle Hire Ltd will have checked the Met Office forecast for that hire period and will use an anemometer to measure the wind speed at set up (then at regular intervals if we are staffing and event or Hire) If one of these is not available, the inflatable should not be operated outside. These measurements will be recorded.
  • On hiring an inflatable, the hirer should also obtain an anemometer to take readings at regular intervals.
  • Do not use smartphone weather applications to measure wind speed as they do not take localised wind conditions into account
  • No inflatable should be used when internal inflation pressure is below the minimum, or above the maximum specified by the manufacturer, in the operations manual. The KPA reading will be taken on set up.
  • The blowers will hold a current PAT certificate and be checked daily to ensure that the fan blades are clear of debris and the non-return flap on the blower outlet is fully functional.
  • When using the inflatable outside, all the anchor points will be used, with metal ground stakes at least 380 mm long and 16 mm wide, with a rounded top. They will have a welded metal ‘O’ or ‘D’ ring fitted to the end.
  • All inflatables must have at least 6 anchor points and you should check to ensure they are all still in place and have not been removed.
  • The ropes used to secure the inflatable should be in good condition and not stretched, frayed or rotten. Never use improvised tow ropes, e.g., bungee cord
  • If ground stakes cannot be used because of the surface (eg tarmac) use ballast with anchor points each weighing at least 163 kg and with suitable fixings to attach the guy ropes. The inflatable should be tightly secured to the ground so that the wind cannot get under it and lift it up
  • Alternatively, ground anchor bolts with a load rating of 1600N can be used with suitable fixings to attach the guy ropes. The ground anchor bolts must be installed in line with the manufacturer’s installation instructions by a competent person and checked at regular intervals
  • If an inflatable is being used indoors, refer to the operator’s manual which will provide instruction on what anchorage is necessary to maintain the shape of the device and prevent overturn
  • Where an inflatable is used on either hard standing or any ground that would cause injury should the user fall from the device, suitable impact attenuating material should be provided, but is not required if the device is securely and permanently covered so as to contain the user.
  • All other associated equipment must be safe, including the blower.

BEFORE  HANDOVER OR ANYONE USES THE INFLATABLE

Before anyone uses the Inflatable Anglesey Bouncy Castle Hire will check the following..

  • The correct blower is being used.
  • That there are no obvious signs of over-tension or sagging of the structure. We will also check the anchor points have not been pulled out during inflation.
  • We will check the connection tube and blower are firmly attached to each other and fully extended to the correct length.
  • Impact-absorbing mats are in position.
  • There are no holes or rips in the fabric or seams.
  • The Inflatable looks symmetrical – if it looks misshapen or deformed there could be internal problems that make bouncing unpredictable and therefore would not be used.
  • Anglesey Bouncy Castle Hire will ensure the safety of an inflatable in the event of a sudden loss of power, the deflation rate of the inflatable will be tested before each use by switching the blowers off and observing the inflatable deflate.
  • The inflatable should deflate at a rate that allows sufficient time for users to be safely evacuated, whilst retaining its shape and rigidity so that users do not fall from the inflatable.
  • If the inflatable deflates at a such a rate, that it becomes misshapen or deformed and prevents either safe escape or cannot prevent users from falling, the inflatable would not be operated.

SAFE USE AND MONETERING.

  • Supervision should be provided at all times.
  • Restrict the number of users on the inflatable at the same time to the limit on the unit label. Don’t exceed the user height limit and keep bigger users separated from smaller ones.
  • 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 an inflatable.
  • Don’t allow users to climb or hang on the walls.
  • Regularly check that anchor points are still secure.
  • When operating the inflatable outside, use an anemometer to measure wind conditions at regular intervals, this will have been done by Anglesey Bouncy Castle Hire Ltd on set up. Visually check for changes in wind direction (such as looking at how the trees are swaying). Make sure you take readings in the direction of the wind.

Link to purchase an Anemometer…

mailto:https://www.weathershop.co.uk/technoline-ea3000-anemometer

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