24/02/2022
Dear Inflatable Operator,
RE: Toy bouncy castles on hire.
It's that time of the year again when we typically see an influx of new hire companies emerging. We have already seen an increase in reports of toy castles being hired out to the public.
These inflatables can range from a paddling pool style rubber, typically inflated by mouth or small electric device, through to a nylon inflatable with a more traditional airflow blower.
Neither of these inflatables are suitable for commercial use, Hire or reward. They are not compliant with BS EN 14960 and as such should not be hired out. This type of inflatable is not recognised by insurance companies, HSE, ADIPS or P**A as a commercial product. The consequences of misuse of this equipment are severe.
These inflatables are perfectly suitable for domestic use under parental supervision and usually purchasable from popular high street retailers and not commercial suppliers.
How to identify non compliant units & Cheap toys
Listed below are a number of ways to spot inflatables that aren’t suitable for commercial use.
• Poor quality and very small anchor stakes.
• These inflatables are usually supplied with small, yellow, snail shaped fan rated at less than 1.0kW (1000W).
• Very thin nylon materials.
• Not certified FR (Flame retardant).
• Usually carry the CE toy mark.
• Usually states “Not for commercial use” or “Domestic toy” on the label.
• No mention of BS EN14960 on the packaging.
• Does not come with initial test certification to EN14960.
• No mention of maximum user height and numbers which should be clearly visible whilst the inflatable is in use.
• Low wall heights and a floppy feel to them.
• Usually delivered in a box .
Below are a number of photographs, showing the type of inflatables that are typically non commercial.
What should you do if you see a non-commercial or non-compliant unit in use?
The first port of call should be to approach the operator with friendly and helpful advice.
1) Send a copy of the P**A bulletin “Toy bouncy castles on hire” to the operator to give them some background, P**A can then liaise if they have any questions, Please remember, It’s likely that they are new to the industry and unaware of the regulation. Many recipients are often grateful for the help and you appreciate the move forward.
This document will be readily available by the end of next week and published on the website shortly.
2) If nothing changes or the operator isn’t willing to listen to the advice. Report the issue to P**A via the following details and we would be happy to address the issue.
• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 01684 252910
• Address: 8-9 Acorn Business Centre, Hanley Swan, Worcestershire, WR8 0DN
Please include the date and time of the incident, Photographic evidence, The company name, address, email address, and website if possible in order for us to help educate the operator.
3) Should the incident be of a more dangerous nature and the operators not willing to listen, they can be reported to the HSE directly on the HSE website by following this link to the online report form: https://services.hse.gov.uk/concernform/
When you submit it you will get an acknowledgment. If you can't use the form, you can phone the HSE direct on 0300 003 1647 and we will fill in the form with you. Our lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm (on Wednesdays we are open from 10am to 5pm).
We hope you find this information useful and hopefully we can tackle this issue together as an industry.
Regards, P**A & The PLG.
