Safety Information

Introduction

Welcome to Up & Away, your trusted provider of bouncy castles for all events in the Republic of Ireland. The safety of our clients, particularly children, is our highest priority. As members of the Irish Inflatable Hire Federation (IIHF), we are committed to ensuring that all of our inflatables meet or exceed safety standards as required by both Irish and EU law.

This guide has been designed to provide clear instructions and safety procedures to ensure safe use of our bouncy castles. It covers setup, usage, maintenance, and emergency protocols, ensuring that both operators and users understand their responsibilities.

1. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

As a responsible bouncy castle provider in Ireland, we ensure our equipment complies with all relevant legislation and guidelines:

Irish Legislation and Regulations:

  • Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (Section 8) requires employers and self-employed persons to ensure that their activities do not endanger the health and safety of employees or the public.
  • European Standard EN 14960:2019 for inflatable play equipment (the most recent update of the standard).
  • Children’s Safety Regulations (Particularly regarding activities for children under 14 years old).

EU Regulations:

  • Directive 2001/95/EC on General Product Safety: Ensures that all products placed on the EU market, including inflatable play equipment, are safe for use.
  • Directive 2006/42/EC on Machinery: Governs the design and manufacture of inflatable amusement devices.
  • CE Marking: All our bouncy castles comply with EU safety standards and have been CE marked as proof of compliance.

2. Equipment Setup

Before any bouncy castle is used, it is crucial that it is correctly set up by trained personnel. Our team ensures the following steps are strictly followed:

Site Selection:

  • Flat and Level Ground: Always set up the inflatable on a flat, level surface to avoid tipping and ensure stability.
  • Clear of Obstacles: The site must be free of sharp objects, rocks, branches, and any other potential hazards.
  • Away from Traffic: Ensure the bouncy castle is far enough away from roads, driveways, and high-traffic areas.
  • Secure Anchor Points: The inflatable should always be properly anchored to the ground using suitable pegs or weights, depending on the terrain.

Inflation Process:

  • Appropriate Power Supply: A generator or power supply should be sufficient to maintain continuous inflation throughout use. Regularly inspect electrical connections and avoid overloading the system.
  • Airflow Checks: Ensure the blower is working correctly, and airflow is maintained at the appropriate pressure.

Weather Conditions:

  • Wind Safety: In case of strong winds (winds exceeding 24mph or 39km/h), the inflatable should be deflated immediately, as wind can cause it to become unstable or cause injury.
  • Rain and Storms: Avoid using the bouncy castle during wet conditions, as wet surfaces can lead to slipping, and heavy rain or storms can damage the equipment.

3. Safety During Use

Supervision:

  • Adult Supervision: An adult must always be present to oversee safe use and to manage any emergencies that may arise.
  • User Limits: Always adhere to the recommended maximum number of users as stated in the user guidelines for each specific inflatable.
  • Age Restrictions: Ensure that children of different age groups do not use the bouncy castle at the same time, to avoid accidents due to size and weight differences.

User Rules:

  • Clothing Guidelines: All users must wear soft clothing; no shoes, glasses, sharp objects, or jewelry should be allowed. This will minimize the risk of injury during use.
  • Safe Play: Users should be instructed not to climb on the sides or walls of the inflatable, push, shove, or engage in rough play. Somersaults, flips, or dangerous stunts should be avoided.
  • Weight Limits: Ensure that the total weight limit for the bouncy castle is never exceeded.
  • Monitor for Overcrowding: Do not allow too many children on the inflatable at the same time.

4. Health and Safety Protocols

Inflatable Maintenance:

  • Routine Inspections: Each inflatable unit will undergo a thorough inspection before and after each hire to identify any signs of damage or wear.
  • Cleaning and Hygiene: Inflatables will be cleaned and sanitized after every use, especially if used by multiple groups. We will use non-toxic cleaning products suitable for inflatables.

Emergency Procedures:

  • Emergency Stops: If any child is in distress or the inflatable is malfunctioning, immediately stop the blower and deflate the inflatable safely.
  • First Aid: Ensure a first aid kit is on hand at all times.
  • Evacuation Protocols: If an emergency occurs (e.g., severe weather or an accident), calmly evacuate all users, ensuring everyone exits the inflatable in an orderly manner.

5. Additional Safety Considerations

Liability and Insurance:

We have comprehensive public liability insurance that covers any potential accidents or injuries occurring during the operation of our bouncy castles. We strongly recommend that clients also ensure they have adequate event insurance.

Training and Certification:

All of our staff members are fully trained in both inflatable setup and operation, with additional training in first aid and emergency procedures. We are proud members of the Irish Inflatable Hire Federation (IIHF), which further strengthens our commitment to high standards in safety and professionalism.

User Instructions:

Every rental package includes clear written instructions outlining safety procedures, set-up, and operational guidelines. These instructions should be followed at all times.

6. Conclusion

Ensuring the safety of everyone who uses our bouncy castles is a top priority. By following these safety guidelines, we can help create a fun and secure experience for children and adults alike. As a member of the Irish Inflatable Hire Federation (IIHF), we are committed to providing the safest and most enjoyable inflatable rentals in the Republic of Ireland, complying with all relevant laws and regulations to protect our clients.

Should you have any questions or require further safety information, please feel free to contact us.

Stay Safe, Have Fun!

Up & Away