Bouncy Castle & Inflatables Policy
Policy Version: 1.0
Effective Date: September 2026
Review Date: September 2027
1. Purpose
Stonehouse Community Association recognises that bouncy castles and other inflatable play equipment can provide enjoyable activities for children and families. However, inflatables are potentially high-risk activities and can cause serious injury or, in extreme circumstances, death if they are incorrectly installed, operated or supervised.
This policy sets out the requirements for any hirer wishing to use a bouncy castle or inflatable at Stonehouse Community Association.
2. Permission to Use Inflatables
2.1. Hirers must obtain prior approval from Stonehouse Community Association before bringing or using any bouncy castle or inflatable on the premises.
2.2. The hirer must declare on the booking form whether a bouncy castle or inflatable will be used.
2.3. Details of the proposed equipment must be provided to the Centre at least 14 calendar days before the event.
2.4. Stonehouse Community Association reserves the right to refuse permission for any inflatable where it considers that the proposed equipment, operator, location or arrangements may present an unacceptable risk.
3. Equipment and Safety Certification
3.1. All bouncy castles and inflatables must be supplied, installed and operated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
3.2. The hirer must provide evidence that the equipment is appropriately safety inspected and maintained.
3.3. Where applicable, the hirer must provide a current PIPA or equivalent inspection certificate and/or other relevant safety documentation.
3.4. The hirer must provide details of the inflatable, including:
Name and type of equipment
Manufacturer/supplier
Dimensions
Maximum permitted number of users
Recommended age/height restrictions
Anchoring requirements
Electrical requirements
Current safety inspection/certification
Details of the operator or hire company
3.5. Equipment must be in good condition and free from obvious defects, damage or excessive wear.
4. Insurance
4.1. Where a third-party inflatable company is used, the hirer must ensure that the company holds appropriate Public Liability Insurance.
4.2. Evidence of insurance must be provided to Stonehouse Community Association before the event if requested.
4.3. The hirer remains responsible for ensuring that all activities associated with the inflatable are appropriately insured.
4.4. Stonehouse Community Association reserves the right to refuse use of an inflatable where satisfactory insurance or safety documentation has not been provided.
5. Installation and Positioning
5.1. Inflatables must only be installed in an area approved by Stonehouse Community Association.
5.2. The equipment must be positioned on a suitable, level surface and must not obstruct:
Fire exits
Emergency access routes
Fire-fighting equipment
Doorways or entrances
Access for emergency services
Other users of the building or grounds
5.3. The inflatable must be securely anchored in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
5.4. Suitable protective mats must be provided at entrances, exits and other areas where users could fall onto the floor or ground.
5.5. The blower, electrical connections and cables must be positioned safely and protected from damage or interference.
5.6. Electrical equipment must be suitable for the intended use and must not create a trip hazard.
6. Supervision
6.1. A responsible adult must supervise the inflatable at all times while it is in use.
6.2. The supervisor must:
Follow the manufacturer's operating instructions
Enforce age, height and weight restrictions
Prevent overcrowding
Ensure that incompatible age groups are not using the equipment together where this presents a risk
Prevent rough play, climbing on walls or inappropriate behaviour
Ensure that food, drinks, toys and other objects are not taken onto the inflatable
Stop use immediately if the equipment becomes unsafe
6.3. Children must never be left unattended on an inflatable.
6.4. The hirer is responsible for providing adequate supervision and ensuring that supervisors understand their responsibilities.
7. Capacity and Safe Use
7.1. The maximum number of users specified by the manufacturer must never be exceeded.
7.2. Users must comply with any age, height and weight restrictions specified for the equipment.
7.3. Shoes, glasses, jewellery and other items that could cause injury or damage to the inflatable should be removed where appropriate.
7.4. Users who are unwell or whose condition may make use of the equipment unsafe should not use it.
7.5. The inflatable must not be used for activities for which it was not designed.
8. Deflation and Loss of Power
8.1. Bouncy castles and inflatables can present a significant risk if they deflate unexpectedly.
8.2. Potential causes include:
Loss of electrical power
Blower failure
Damage or puncture
Overcrowding
Incorrect installation
Failure or movement of anchoring
Unsuitable positioning
8.3. The hirer must have an appropriate emergency procedure in place in the event of partial or complete deflation.
8.4. If an inflatable begins to deflate unexpectedly, use must cease immediately and all users must be safely removed.
8.5. The inflatable must not be used again until the cause of the deflation has been identified and it has been confirmed that it is safe to do so.
9. Weather Conditions – Outdoor Use
9.1. Outdoor inflatables must not be used in unsuitable weather conditions.
9.2. The hirer must follow the manufacturer's weather restrictions at all times.
9.3. Particular consideration must be given to:
Strong or gusting winds
Heavy rain
Lightning or thunderstorms
Extreme temperatures
Wet or slippery conditions
9.4. Where the manufacturer's wind-speed limit is reached or likely to be reached, the inflatable must be deflated and removed from use.
9.5. The Centre Manager or an authorised representative of Stonehouse Community Association may require an inflatable to be removed from use where weather or other conditions present a safety concern.
10. Fire and Emergency Arrangements
10.1. The inflatable must not obstruct fire exits, emergency routes or access to fire-fighting equipment.
10.2. The hirer must ensure that the inflatable does not interfere with the Centre's fire evacuation arrangements.
10.3. In an emergency, the inflatable must be evacuated immediately and normal Centre emergency procedures must be followed.
11. Electrical Safety
11.1. All electrical equipment associated with the inflatable must be suitable, safely installed and maintained.
11.2. Electrical cables must be routed to minimise the risk of trips, damage or contact with users.
11.3. The blower must be positioned so that it cannot be accessed or interfered with by children.
11.4. The hirer must not overload electrical sockets or use unsuitable extension leads.
12. Hirer's Responsibilities
12.1. The hirer accepts responsibility for the safe use and supervision of the inflatable during their booking.
12.2. The hirer must ensure that all requirements of this policy are followed.
12.3. The hirer must immediately report any accident, injury, damage or safety concern involving the inflatable to the Centre Manager or authorised representative.
12.4. Any damage caused to the Centre or its property by the inflatable, its installation or its use may be charged to the hirer.
13. Information Required Before the Event
The following information must be supplied to Stonehouse Community Association at least 14 calendar days before the event:
☐ Type of inflatable
☐ Supplier/hire company
☐ Dimensions
☐ Maximum capacity
☐ Age/height restrictions
☐ Current safety inspection/certification
☐ Public Liability Insurance details
☐ Manufacturer's operating requirements
☐ Installation and anchoring requirements
☐ Proposed location
☐ Confirmation of responsible supervision
☐ Any other relevant safety information requested by the Centre
Failure to provide the required information may result in permission being withdrawn.
14. Declaration
By signing the booking agreement, the hirer confirms that they have read and understood this policy and agree to comply with all requirements relating to the use of bouncy castles and inflatables.
The hirer understands that bouncy castles and inflatables are potentially hazardous activities and accepts responsibility for ensuring that they are safely installed, operated and supervised.
15. Bouncy Castle / Inflatable Charges
A £15 charge will be applied for the administration and utilities associated with the use of a bouncy castle or inflatable.
Where more than one bouncy castle or inflatable is used, an additional charge of £10 will apply for each additional inflatable.
Charges:
First bouncy castle/inflatable: £15
Each additional bouncy castle/inflatable: £10
Important Note
Stonehouse Community Association reserves the right to prohibit the use of any bouncy castle or inflatable where it considers that adequate safety arrangements have not been demonstrated or where conditions make its use unsafe.