Welcome back to the Ace Inflatables news page. This article is named "How To Choose A Reputable Company!" We have been in the bouncy castle industry since 1998. Which means we have gathered a lot of knowledge over the years. However being in the industry for an extended amount of time doesn't mean you can make your own rules. In this Case Study, we will explain some of the key statutory laws and rules of running a bouncy castle company, so you know what to look for when booking any inflatable from a Trusted Company!
So Let's Begin!
Anyone hiring a bouncy castle or inflatable for money must operate to the BSEN 14960-2013, which you see us referencing a lot. But what is it? The BSEN 14960-2013 is an alteration of the original document BSEN 14960-2006 which was introduced around 2007. This document was created by Inflatable manufacture companies and the HSE to build guidelines for safety and was the first British Standard for Inflatable Play Equipment.
We were there at the start!
Before the release of the BSEN 14960-2006, discussions of inflatables safety and fixed rules started between 2001 - 2002 to regulate the industry. Our owner Peter Smith attended these initial meetings to discuss and contribute to the standard with his engineering and inflatable manufacturing background.
What does it mean now!
It means the BSEN 14960-2013 is the law! Being this since the last alteration the standard has been in action for the last four years. Meaning no company should have any excuse to avoid these rules and also their responsibility to know these rules.
What to look for?
Testing is the first thing to look for! Any Reputable Company will have its test ready to give to its customers. A trusted company will supply Certificate of Inspection and Testing. Failure to meet this is failing to the BSEN 14960-2013 Section 9 Page 31. Meaning they are not operating to the law.
Testing is critical as it covers such features as:
- Correct Anchorage
- Seam Security & Stitching
- Fall Off Height
- Air Pressure
- Right Size & Number of Users
Just to name a few. An annual inspection must be carried out by a competent person. The HSE themselves do not and will not formally recommend any particular testing body. All they specify is if the test was carried out by a competent person, Such as a PIPA Tester, RPII Trained Inspector or the Manufacturer, complain to BSEN 14960-2013.
View our test report online!
New this year we have made it easier than ever to see our Certificate of Inspection and Testing all inflatables products will have a large blue button on their web page click this button to download the latest test report.
No Button! Our team may not have uploaded it yet send us a message, and we are happy to email you the document.
Other Documents to check for.
When checking for Test Certification, It makes sense to check for other documents such as,
- PAT Testing Report & Certificate ( The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 )
- Risk Assessments
- Proof of Public Liability Insurance
All quality companies will have this information again, Failure to produce the PAT Testing Report and Inflatables Certificate of Inspection will void any insurance.
Inflatable is Tested
Right the inflatables design and construction meet the safety requirements of the standard. Next does the operator of the inflatable work to the standard?
Anchor Points / Stakes
All Inflatables MUST have a minimum of 6 anchor points. Anchor points are calculated using the formula Annex A.
This formula is worked out by the manufacturer and a tester. The correct number of stakes will be listed in the test.
But If you see an anchor point on an inflatable the manufacturer has intended it to be used. All anchor points must be fitted with metal ends anchor points being extended with rope do not pass!
The stakes also need me meet the standard. Ground stakes shall be a minimum of 380 mm in length, and a
minimum of 16 mm in diameter and their tops shall be rounded.
Crash Mats
There must be Crash / Safety mats to cover all open sides of a bouncy castle.
Cables
Like we mentioned previously all electrical items must be PAT Tested. Also working to The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. A company must not use 13 AMP socket extensions leads outdoors, and should use 16 AMP Ceeform Plugs IP44. Furthermore, it is good practice to make sure they are laying the cable safety and avoiding areas with heavy footfall creating trip hazards.
To Conclude.
These are the areas to do your research in when booking a bouncy castle. It's your event, and you have a right to all this information. If a bouncy castle sounds cheap is it too good to be true. Will it meet all these requirements? The standard was created to introduce safe methods of manufacturing and operations. And is the LAW!
This case study is not here to slander any company but to inform you the customer of the laws.
Here at Ace Inflatables, we are proud of all the work we do in these areas and are fully compliant to the BSEN 14960-2013.
As you're here!
Got an event planned? Check out our website and view our products. You can also check availability and book online. Or give us a call on 01825 732 742.
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