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Inflatable play structures (bouncy castles) – a guide to safe operation

The increasing popularity of inflatable play structures, also commonly referred to as “bouncy castles,” “bounce houses,” and “bouncers”, has resulted in a corresponding upsurge in injuries to children, ranging from bruises and sprains to broken bones and skull fractures.
Children's bouncy castle
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By Trisha Sirju , 

Vice President, Senior Risk Consultant, Marsh Advisory

06/28/2024 · 4-minute read

The increasing popularity of inflatable play structures, also commonly referred to as “bouncy castles,” “bounce houses,” and “bouncers”, has resulted in a corresponding upsurge in injuries to children, ranging from bruises and sprains to broken bones and skull fractures. Most injuries can be attributed to incorrect set-up, improper use, or unsupervised play. A further concern is that illnesses can be contracted from the play equipment as a result of improper maintenance and sterilization.

Below, we have outlined best practices for having an inflatable play structure at an event you or your organization is hosting, including the legal and insurance requirements, rental company selection, site selection and set-up, and supervisory needs.

Legal and insurance requirements

In Canada, each province and territory has its own safety authority responsible for overseeing the regulation of amusement devices and play structures. If you are planning to rent a bouncer or the like, contact your local safety authority for information on what they require in terms of permits, certifications, and licences. It is likely that the company providing the inflatable(s) will at least need to show you a valid permit and an up-to-date license for each inflatable amusement device to be used at the event. The safety authority may even be able to provide you with a list of recommended contractors.

Your local safety authority may also require that the contractor/vendor operating the play structure have a current commercial general liability insurance policy with a limit of liability up to a certain minimum, specifically covering the operation of inflatable devices. Request to be added as an additional insured to their policy and that they provide you with a certificate of insurance evidencing these minimum requirements.

Rental company selection

It is important to vet the rental company beyond the minimum requirements laid out by your local safety authority. In addition to checking for all necessary permits, licences, and certifications, be sure to:

  • Request that the rental contractor provide information on the cleaning and sanitation procedures of the structure. Improper cleaning manner or frequency could lead to the serious risk of illness.
  • Check that the inflatable fabric or material is flame retardant and free from rips and tears.
  • Confirm that any unintended deflation of the air-supported structure will not present a risk of injury to anyone on or inside the device. A procedure/plan should be in place to evacuate the device in the event of unintended deflation.
  • Verify that the electric blowers to be used meet provincial electrical standards. Power cords and plugs should be in good repair, and all electrical power supplies should be ground fault-protected at the source.
  • Confirm that the blower will be situated at least one to two metres from the inflatable — serious injuries may occur if a user strikes the blower unit.

Ideally, the equipment should be set up, operated, and supervised by the rental company’s own staff. However, if you are to operate the bouncy castle, ensure that you are provided with written instructions about the safe operation and supervision of the equipment, and that the name and address of the manufacturer or supplier is clearly marked upon it.

Site selection and set-up

For further safety, be sure to do the following:

  • Select a site that is on firm, level, unpaved ground.
  • Situate the structure away from any obstacles such as fences, trees, walls, or overhead power lines.
  • Securely anchor the structure to the ground to prevent displacement by wind or user activity. All anchorage points should be used, and if situated on hard ground, mooring straps should be affixed to solid points.
  • Place soft matting adjacent to the front and any open sides of the bouncy castle, extending a sufficient distance to ensure adequate fall protection.
  • Ensure all warning signs are in place and clearly visible.
  • Ensure fuel-fired generators are located away from the air-supported enclosure to help prevent a build-up of carbon monoxide inside the enclosure.

Supervision during use

At least one adult must be solely focused on supervising the children when the device is in use. Before the children arrive, make sure that they are familiar with what users are not permitted to do in or on the inflatable. These rules should be posted in a clearly visible area and reviewed with the children so that they are aware of them before they are allowed to use the device. Supervisory duties should include:

  • Checking that the maximum capacity of the device is not exceeded and that the users of the device meet the manufacturer’s height/size criteria.
  • Ensuring operation of the device is ceased if winds exceed the maximum stated by the device manufacturer or it starts to rain. Children should not be allowed to use the bouncy castle in these conditions, as inflatables can flip over, and slippery surfaces may cause injury.
  • Not allowing overcrowding of the structure. If children are knocking into each other, the attendant may not be following the maximum load recommendations.
  • Make sure that only children of approximately the same size are permitted to play on the structure at the same time.
  • Instructing children to remove sharp articles of clothing like shoes, buckles, and jewellery, and making sure the rule is enforced.
  • Forbidding horseplay, stunts, and climbing on the walls of the inflatable.
  • Prohibiting food and drink in or on the structure.
  • If there is a roof on the inflatable, identifying emergency exits and make children aware of how the roof can be opened to escape in the event of an accidental deflation.

For more information, please visit the Government of Canada’s Trampoline and bouncy castle (inflatable play structure) safety guide.

 

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