DS Risk Warning: Inflatable Play Equipment

Hello all,

You will probably have seen recent media reports of the tragic death of a child who had been using a type of inflatable at a seaside attraction. Even more tragic as this has happened before in the recent past with the prosecution and sentencing of workers involved with another inflatable related incident which resulted in a child's death. Until the investigation is done it is not possible to speculate on the cause or the reasons for this tragedy.

Understandably establishments and other organisations planning to hire or otherwise use inflatables are considering what action to take, or should be. We have received calls asking us for advice from our customers on it.

There are various types of inflatable item ranging in size from small to very large. They have been very popular and are fun to use. It has been realised for many years that despite their apparent soft resilient material which should not, one might think, cause any harm there are significant hazards. To reduce the risk there is a code of practice that should be followed by providers, operators and hirers. ( Note that in this respect inflatables are similar to trampolines which appear harmless and yet regularly result in injuries!)

This code is described at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/entertainment/fairgrounds/inflatables.htm

The BBC in reporting on the recent incident did a background article at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-44683044

The only way not to have any risk with an inflatable is of course not to have it at all. We do not feel this is necessary if you follow the code of practice and have made prudent decisions on the type of inflatable and how you will manage its operation. You can reserve the right to stop the use of an inflatable if the situation demands it.

The code of practice requires the inflatable is constructed to an appropriate standard ( BS EN 14960 ), labelled as conforming to this standard and supplied with full instructions on safe use. If you are going to operate the inflatable yourself or through the PTA or Friends of..type groups you will need to read the code of practice and make sure you can do everything that is required. This includes checking ground anchoring, the condition of the fabric, the pump and numerous other things in the code.

You may hire in an inflatable and operator. If you have it on your premises remember that you are, therefore, sharing responsibility. You will need to check the operator is following the code of practice.

You may encounter inflatables on off site visits. Bear in mind that you are responsible for the safety of children and staff and so you will need to be alert to the way the inflatable is being provided and must decide if your children can use it.

The code of practice describes how the inflatable should be managed by an operator using the instruction manual guidance which will say how many people can use it, their size and weight and other requirements.

A risk assessment should be included in the preparation and documentation.

Due to the effect the wind and other environmental conditions can have on inflatables, operators ( with hirers such as you having an over-riding right to "stop operations") are expected to monitor the weather and close down use of the inflatable if it looks like it might become risky. This also applies if the use of the inflatable exceeds the safe numbers or behaviour.

TOP TIP 1: Monitoring the weather doesn't mean just on the day when the equipment has arrived and you are put under pressure by those who won't understand the advice here if the weather is unsuitable. With far better forecast accuracy the likelihood of wind, rain, excess heat, etc, can be seen days in advance and give you a cancellation option, before arrival on site.

Inflatables are required to have an annual inspection and certification ( the equivalent of a car service and MOT) though of course the supplier and operator must keep them "road-worthy" at all times. Always ask for documents showing this has been done being cautious on potential forgery.

Supervision of use is essential. If people bump into one another, fall awkwardly or fall off the inflatable onto the ground there is a risk of injury.

TOP TIP 2: If unsuitable for use by adults, they must be stopped from using it, especially if they have has falling down water! We have local case history on that one and won't mention the former Head who set the wrong example! 

Please be aware that there has also been a warning about inflatable items in a different context - their use  on the sea. Play inflatables are not sea-going vessels and people have been blown away from beaches and had to be rescued.

Hope that helps? Do share with your PTA/FOS if you have one but please ensure they, as you do, keep our intellectual property secure from onward transmission.

Bill

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Bill Crocker

Executive Director

Tech IOSH, MEPS, MRICS.

Tel: 07795 190 130

In Emergency or Critical Incident tel: 07979 425 989. 

www.delegatedservices.org

Delegated Services is a not for profit, community interest company providing affordable, expert and comprehensive support services, in partnership with schools and community organisations.

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