R.A.
Inflatable Bouncing Devices General Code of Practice.
Email info@blackhorseevents.co.uk today
1. Background
This Code of practice has been developed to promote safe working practices for the use of inflatable's. Information has been taken from the HSE Guidance Note PM76 (safe Operation of Passenger Carrying. Amusement devices - inflatable bouncing devices).
2. Scope
Amusement device, passenger carrying, is defined as that which is designed to allow passengers to move or travel on it or is large enough for them to enter onto or into the device. Inflatable bouncers come in three defined types:
Type A: Open-sided, flatbed, no walls, or low walls.
Type B: Open-fronted, castle, three walls.
Type C: Totally enclosed bouncer, four walls.
Guidance does not apply to water-borne inflatable's or therapeutic devices.
3. Personnel
Controller is the person or organisation having overall control of the device - owner or lessee who has been granted control.
Operator is the person in immediate charge of operating the device when available to the public.
Attendant is the person assistant the operator.
4. Risk Assessment
Prior to the inflatable being used, an appropriate risk assessment should take place. This needs to address the following areas in which hazards may occur, to ensure the safe design and operation of the device.
4.1 Weather Conditions
The device should not be used in excessive wet or damp conditions both from the point of view of causing a slippery surface of the bed and the danger of electric shock.
The Operator has full authority to close the inflatable at their discretion without further discussion.
4.2 Anchorage of the structure
It is essential, when erected outdoors, that all appropriate anchorage points are used. If the ground condition does not allow for the use of anchor stakes, then some equally effective method, e.g. anchoring to vehicles - should be used.
The Bouncer should not be erected if the manufacturer's recommended maximum safe wind speed is being exceeded.
The operator has the discretion to select the most appropriate anchorage solution for each site, with regard to the conditions (weather, ground etc.), and the surrounding infrastructure.
When erected indoors, the device should be suitably anchored to avoid movement across floors and thus nearer to hazards.
The operator has the discretion to select the most appropriate solution.
4.3 Condition of the inflatable and equipment
Check that there is:
The organiser will ensure that:
check that:
The operator should:
Every inflatable should be thoroughly examined fourteen months by an appointed person as required by the HSE Code of Practice at Fairs 1984.
The inspection should cover the blower, inflatable and electrical installation.
Evidence of the inspection, together with a valid certificate of fitness, should be seen by the controller and/or operator.
The air blower should have a valid safety test sticker visible.
6. Training
Each operator and attendant should receive full and sufficient training in the working of the device. Instruction should include information on the following.
Operator
Ensure adequate appropriate insurance is in place.
Copyright 2008 - 2010
Black Horse Events
30 Mancroft Road
Caddington
Bedfordshire
LU1 4EL
Tele: 01582 730 000
1. Background
This Code of practice has been developed to promote safe working practices for the use of inflatable's. Information has been taken from the HSE Guidance Note PM76 (safe Operation of Passenger Carrying. Amusement devices - inflatable bouncing devices).
2. Scope
Amusement device, passenger carrying, is defined as that which is designed to allow passengers to move or travel on it or is large enough for them to enter onto or into the device. Inflatable bouncers come in three defined types:
Type A: Open-sided, flatbed, no walls, or low walls.
Type B: Open-fronted, castle, three walls.
Type C: Totally enclosed bouncer, four walls.
Guidance does not apply to water-borne inflatable's or therapeutic devices.
3. Personnel
Controller is the person or organisation having overall control of the device - owner or lessee who has been granted control.
Operator is the person in immediate charge of operating the device when available to the public.
Attendant is the person assistant the operator.
4. Risk Assessment
Prior to the inflatable being used, an appropriate risk assessment should take place. This needs to address the following areas in which hazards may occur, to ensure the safe design and operation of the device.
4.1 Weather Conditions
The device should not be used in excessive wet or damp conditions both from the point of view of causing a slippery surface of the bed and the danger of electric shock.
The Operator has full authority to close the inflatable at their discretion without further discussion.
4.2 Anchorage of the structure
It is essential, when erected outdoors, that all appropriate anchorage points are used. If the ground condition does not allow for the use of anchor stakes, then some equally effective method, e.g. anchoring to vehicles - should be used.
The Bouncer should not be erected if the manufacturer's recommended maximum safe wind speed is being exceeded.
The operator has the discretion to select the most appropriate anchorage solution for each site, with regard to the conditions (weather, ground etc.), and the surrounding infrastructure.
When erected indoors, the device should be suitably anchored to avoid movement across floors and thus nearer to hazards.
The operator has the discretion to select the most appropriate solution.
4.3 Condition of the inflatable and equipment
Check that there is:
- Maximum fall-off height of 75cm (thirty inches).
- No excessive wear on the fabric.
- Seams are intact.
- Zips working correctly.
- Air blower is secure and appropriate, e.g. purpose made electric or petrol driven (for outside use only). Where no other electrical safety device can be found, Black Horse Events recommend that a suitable RCD circuit-breaker is used with the electric blower.
The organiser will ensure that:
- The operator is safe from threat to his/her person. NB: if threatened the operator is instructed - without notice - to seek safety, closing the unit beforehand if possible.
- The inflatable and operator is protected from unwelcome elements within the crowd.
check that:
- Site is level, to ensure that people do not accidentally bounce to one side or over the side.
- There are no hazards around the site including overhead power or telephone lines.
- Adequate means of escape, in case of fire, are in place.
- Consideration given to perimeter fencing of at least one metre high.
(NB: remember that fencing can often create more hazards than it protects, e.g. iron stakes, restricted access for operator and public etc.) - The area around the blower is secure and protected.
- The operating area in front of the step/front apron is kept free to allow clear vision for the operator.
- Non-inflatable gym mats or equivalent soft landing material of minimum 3cm (one inch) to maximum 12cm (five inches) is provided to cover hard surfaces adjacent to the device. Remember, outdoor grass areas can be very hard.
- Clear access and egress is maintained
The operator should:
- Determine the minimum number of attendants needed to operate the device safely. This minimum should be maintained at all times.
- All sharp objects, e.g. buckles and pens are removed.
- Attendants to advise users to remove their spectacles.
- No bouncing on the front apron.
- Hanging or climbing on the walls is prevented. (The operator or attendant has the authority to eject or bar [forfeiting any monies] any user who fails to abide by their instructions.)
- Appropriate height restrictions are in place, ie. no user should be taller than the outside wall when standing on the device.
- Control methods are in place such as a whistle to maintain order. Rough horseplay should not be allowed. (The operator or attendant has the authority to eject or bar [forfeiting any monies] any user who fails to abide by their instructions.)
- Attendants are aware of the advisability of segregating larger children from smaller ones.
- Equipment is not overloaded.
- A first aid kit is available.
- A fire extinguisher is available, (where petrol driven blowers or generators are in use.)
Every inflatable should be thoroughly examined fourteen months by an appointed person as required by the HSE Code of Practice at Fairs 1984.
The inspection should cover the blower, inflatable and electrical installation.
Evidence of the inspection, together with a valid certificate of fitness, should be seen by the controller and/or operator.
The air blower should have a valid safety test sticker visible.
6. Training
Each operator and attendant should receive full and sufficient training in the working of the device. Instruction should include information on the following.
Operator
- Operating the device, including assembling and dismantling, if applicable.
- Safe loading of the device.
- System of work to ensure the safety of staff, users and members of the public.
- Emergency measures.
- Safe system of rolling, packing and handling device (can be over 100kg).
- Safe anchorage.
- Crowd control.
- Safe loading of device
- Associated risks and precautions.
- Reporting of defects.
- Emergency measures, e.g. power failure.
Ensure adequate appropriate insurance is in place.
Copyright 2008 - 2010
Black Horse Events
30 Mancroft Road
Caddington
Bedfordshire
LU1 4EL
Tele: 01582 730 000