Annual training course for Gedling Bouncy Castle Hire staff. This training was created in 2019 and is reviewed and updated annually in line with regulation changes. Book with us today for your event at www.gedlingcastlehire.co.uk
3. Objectives of Training
The method of operating the device
Safe methods of assembly/dismantling, where applicable;
How to make a daily check
Safe entry/exit for users
Safe anchorage of the inflatable
Crowd control measures
Barriers
Measures to be take in the event of power failure
Procedures for reporting accidents, defects or breakdowns
5. Safe Handling
Inflatables can be very heavy and require care in their handling if injuries are not
to be caused.
Always move inflatables on a sack truck. Do not try to lift a complete inflatables
always lift one end at a time.
How to load an inflatables into a vehicle.
6. Setting Up Inflatables!
When setting up equipment you have to take into account the surface type you
are setting up on and whether it is indoors or outdoors. The following procedures
are what you should follow. If in doubt ask an operator or controller.
8. Setting Up Inflatables Outdoors on Grass!
Site Space (Unit Size & Required Space)
There must not be a slope of more than 5 degrees in any angle.
The inflatables must be sited well away from possible hazards such as overhead power
lines and other hazardous obstacles such as fences and trees.
A check of the site must be down before laying out any equipment to ensure it is clear
of debris and sharp objects either on or embedded into the surface.
Setting up with a perimeter fence (event fencing)
9. Setting Up Inflatables Outdoors on Grass!
A clear area for setting up slides
Wind Speeds & Gusts!
10. Setting Up Inflatables Outdoors on Grass!
Setting up an inflatable
Checks before inflating
14. Setting Up Inflatables Indoors!
Floor Space & Ceiling Height!
Sandbags!
Mats & Impact Area!
15. Routine Inspection!
When everything is set up and before the users are allowed on, the equipment
needs to be inspected to see that it is all as it should be. We are looking for any
damage that could of occurred the last time the equipment was used! (and that it
is CLEAN)
If any faults are found during the routine inspection they must be corrected before
commencing operation. Repairs must not be carried out while the equipment is in
use. Please report any findings to the controller or operator.
16. Routine Inspection!
The main items you should check are as follows:
Is it site level enough?
No overhead items i.e. wires/trees?
Plenty of clear space around the inflatables?
All anchorage is in place and secure?
Mats are placed in the impact zone?
No holes or rips in the material or seams?
Pressure is ok and you can stand on the inflatable without losing your footing?
Blower tube is connected firmly? And fully extended?
No exposed wires or cables?
Cables routed out of the way?
17. Use of Equipment!
Steps to ensure the inflatables remain suitable for use throughout the hire.
Crowd control measures in place if appropriate
Anchorages are intact. The anchor system continues to secure the inflatable device
to the ground.
There are no significant rips or holes in the fabric or seams. There are no bulges or
signs of damaged which could cause equipment failure.
18. Use of Equipment!
The correct blower specified for the device is being used and the air pressure is sufficient to give a reliable
and firm footing.
There are no exposed electrical contacts, there is no wear on electric cables and plugs, sockets and switches
are not damaged.
If an generator is used, that the fuel cap is placed firmly fixed to the fuel tank and any reserve fuel tank is
suitable and remains in a safe position.
Bolts and screws of the blower are properly screwed in and that robust guards are secured over the air inlet
and outlet.
19. Use of Equipment!
The blower/inflation tube connection is in a good condition and is firmly fixed to
the blower.
The blower is positioned correctly, adequately protected or guarded and not
causing a tripping hazard.
Any problems must be reported to the controller immediately and then will be
noted down into the log book. The issue must be rectified, until that has
happened DO NOT allow use by the public.
21. Operating System
Maximum number and height of users (usually displayed on the front)
Organise into height and age groups
22. Operator/Attendant Requirements
Once you have the first group ready to go ensure you have complied with the following:
Ensure that all users remove footwear, jewellery and any other hard, sharp or dangerous objects (such as
badges, pens and anything in their pockets).
Ask spectacle wearers if they can manage without them, if they can kindly as them to remove if not then
warn other users to be extra careful.
No users have got on food, drink or chewing gum on or near the device.
Ensure users are not obstructing the entrance or exit of any inflatable device.
23. Operator/Attendant Requirements
Ensure nobody playing on the step or the front apron of the bouncy castle.
Ensure that users who do not conform to the height restrictions do not use the device. As a general rule if
they are taller than the inside wall then they are too tall.
Stop users from attempting somersaults, flips and stop any rough play.
Never allow users to climb walls.
Larger, more boisterous users are separated from smaller ones. If a family is using the equipment ensure
they are careful of the smaller ones and others around them.
24. Operator/Attendant Requirements
Ensure that the equipment is not overloaded with users.
The number of users at any one time should be limited to allow each user enough room to
play safely.
Keep entrance and exit areas clear of onlookers so that the operator/attendant has a clear
view and can ensure that users enter and exit safely.
Never leave the inflatable unattended.
Never let a child leave the area if they cannot find their relatives.
30. Emergencies – Minor Injury
In the event of an injury to a user the operator/attendant must blow the whistle
and shout “stand still, the operator/attendant gets onto the castle and investigates
the injury.
It is usually a minor injury such as a bruise and that could just need a bit of
sympathy and reassurances after which the session can continue, if they would like
to exit then assist them in getting off.
31. Emergencies - Major Injury
Checklist in the event of a serious accident:
Evacuate the users from inflatable
Make the injured person comfortable (do not move them)
Find the injured persons relative
Send for an ambulance or first aiders (if on site)
Write down circumstances of the accident, date, time, number of users
Take names and addresses of witnesses
Note the names of the operator/attendant and attendants on duty
Notify the controller that an accident has occurred
32. Policies & Procedures - Accidents
All policies stated below must be adhered to at all times by all employees.
Accidents
Accident Forms
You must deal with any causalities first, if you are not first aid trained DO NOT give treatment.
If the injury is serious ask someone nearby to call for a first aider (if there is one onsite) or if needed call for an
ambulance. For serious injuries please alert the controller.
If the injury is minor such as a friction burn, bumped head, check the injured person is ok, speak to a parent or
career to let them know what has happened.
All accidents MUST have an accident form no matter how minor the injury.
DO NOT take any responsibility or apologise for injuries. If in doubt please alert the controller.
33. Policies & Procedures – General Rules
Slides over 10ft tall
Whistle Blowing Policy
Parents of users
Licenced Premises
34. Packing Away Inflatables
Ensure all users have left the area before packing away.
Check the equipment over for any damage or if it needs cleaning. Any dirt can be
cleaned away with the cleaner provided and a portable hoover is available to remove
any rubbish or grass.
Once the equipment has been checked you can unplug the equipment and detach the
blower tube from the blower, undo any zips or tubes.
Once the inflatable is starting to deflate push the side walls in and then the rear wall
and make sure everything is lying flat.
35. Packing Away Inflatables
Fold the inflatable as instructed by the controller/operator/attendant.
Walk the inflatable from the step to the back to remove any air
As one person rolls you will be required to stamp the material down to ensure the
roll is tight.
At the end the straps will be placed under, the blower tube will be tucked into the
roll as well as a bit of the material and the straps will be fastened and tightened.
Our staff handbook is to create a one-stop information point where you would be able to access all the information you are likely to need.
Contains the terms and conditions of your working with us and outlines what you can expect from us as your employer. In return we ask you for a high degree of commitment, dedication and loyalty to help us achieve the aims and objectives of the Gedling Bouncy Castle Hire.
Hopefully you’ll find it a useful guide when working with us. However if you are unable to find the answer to your question here, please feel free to contact Molly or Colin who will certainly be able to find an answer for you.
We follow the British standard BS-EN14960. 2013 was the recent update to our industry and this is the regulation we have to follow by law.
All of our inflatables and accessories have an annual test by a qualified inspector and have passed complying with the European Standard BS EN 14960:2013 Inflatable Play Equipment – Safety Requirements and Test Methods. This is a legal requirement
Inflatables can be very heavy and require care in their handling if injuries are not to be caused. The first requirement is that inflatables must be folded and rolled properly after its last use. A good, hard roll, flat at both ends is so much easier to handle than a floppy lump of PVC.
Always move inflatables on a 2 wheeled sack truck. Do not try to lift a complete inflatables always lift one end at a time. When the inflatable is laid down take a squat position leave a shoulder into the end and push with your legs and the inflatable will lift onto its end where a sack truck can be pushed under easily and the inflatables can then be wheeled.
When loading an inflatable into a vehicle lean the top of the inflatable on to the platform and then lift the bottom end and flip it over. Never load a generator or petrol blower into the van without it cooling first.
Spacing around inflatables!
Usually an additional 5ft either side, 6ft at the back and 10ft in front.
Space
The site must be big enough to accommodate the equipment bearing in mind the open space required at the front and sides and the length of the blower tube.
As stated in previous slide image
When setting up and a perimeter fence is used the equipment must be 1.8m from any walled sides and at least 3.5m from the open sides. The gateway must be at least 1.0m wide and any guy-ropes on a high inflatables must be contained within the fenced area.
A clear area must be maintained around the inflatables, the extent of this is established by dividing the height of the highest platform by 2. However the clear area must be at least 1.8m. (A platform is any surface which a user can stand on)
Inflatables should not be used if wind speeds or gusts are in excess of Force 5 on the Beaufort scale of 30-38kph (19-24mph). During lead ups to events the controllers monitor the weather forecast to get an idea of what wind to expect, on the day and during the event the controllers and operator will check wind speeds using an anemometer and record on to a wind sheet.
When setting an inflatables up you must start by laying it out on the floor and ensuring it is facing the right way. If it is windy we advise temporary anchoring the pegs into the ground slightly to hold the inflatable before inflating.
Before inflating you must ensure that no public are intruding on the set up area, ensure that all electrical equipment is suitable for outdoor use and you have the correct size and type of blower and attach securely to the blower tube. Close any zips and tie up any other tubes. Switch on the blower and allow the inflatable to fully inflatable, keep an eye on any temporary anchorage you may have used in case it pulls tight if it starts to pull tight switch off the blower and reposition. Once inflated you can push or pull it into the correct position.
Every anchor point on an inflatable must be used including high up anchor points.
Begin by staking the base anchors down they should be driven into the ground using an angle between 30 and 45 degrees and should not stick out of the ground more than 25mm.
All ropes or ratchets should be anchored correctly following the same 30 to 45 degrees rules with the rope shooting up towards the inflatable.
Any stakes that are in the impact area should be covered with a mat.
On hard standing you will be unable to anchor using stakes. As each anchor point requires a weight of 163kg. It can be done by using sandbags or weights to the above amount per point, vehicles providing they are under your control and immobilised or fittings already in the ground.
The way we anchor on concrete is called thunder bolting, we drill a hole into the ground where each anchor point lands and then use a thunder bolt and square plate washer that gets drilled into the ground to secure the inflatable down.
Impact Area must always be clear (fully matted on hard surfaces)
On hard standing mats must be used on the impact zone and ground sheets must be placed under the base of the inflatable to protect it from damage.
On hard standing you will be unable to anchor using stakes. As each anchor point requires a weight of 163kg. It can be done by using sandbags or weights to the above amount per point, vehicles providing they are under your control and immobilised or fittings already in the ground.
The way we anchor on concrete is called thunder bolting, we drill a hole into the ground where each anchor point lands and then use a thunder bolt and square plate washer that gets drilled into the ground to secure the inflatable down.
Impact Area must always be clear (fully matted on hard surfaces)
On hard standing mats must be used on the impact zone and ground sheets must be placed under the base of the inflatable to protect it from damage.
You must check there is enough floor space to set up the inflatable with its blower fully extended and plenty of space (3.5m) where the user gets on and off. The ceiling height must be sufficient to allow the inflatable to fully inflate without it touching any fittings or the ceiling. If in doubt be ready to turn off the blower as the inflatable inflates. We always carry a laser measure so you can always measure the ceiling height to ensure it will fit before setting up.
Anchorage indoors is a different to outdoors as there is no wind that could blow it away however it could move across the floor or overturn so anchorage is still required in the form of sandbags. It requires one sandbag on at least 50% rounded up to the nearest even number of the total number of anchor points. (i.e. 6 anchors requires at least 4 sandbags)
Always use mats around the impact zone and be wary of them moving during use. If you are not staying with the equipment ensure the customer is told to keep mats in the position throughout their hire.
We mainly use 1.5hp blowers however some larger equipment has 2hp.
When operating equipment you need to be identifiable, so we require all of our staff to wear uniform or on events a high vis vest which contains the words “Event Staff” on the back as well as carrying a whistle around your neck.
Events - bring appropriate clothing as can get very cold as we are often out in open fields
Before operating any equipment, you need to find out the maximum number and height of users this is visible on the front of the inflatable. Before the event commences the controller, operator and attendant will have worked out with the attendants a system where users can be controlled in a safe manner. This depends on what equipment is being used and varies for each type of equipment. We will discuss the system on the day of the event.
As an attendant you are required to safety supervise the users of the equipment. Before letting anyone on the equipment you are required to organise the users into groups of similar height (siblings are usually ok to go on together however separate these from other users if a large group). Never exceed the user limitation amount if you are unsure call for the controller or operator.
Before users get on the equipment
While users are on equipment
Whilst users are on equipment
Make a point of the poorly designed slide and low walls.
NO jumping at the top of the slide!
In the event of a power failure which causes the blower to stop or if damage occurs the operator/attendant must take immediate action.
Blow the whistle and shout “stand still”.
When users are still step onto the front of the inflatable and help users off onto the group ensure they sit on the ground in a group.
Ensure you hold up the entrance so users can exit the equipment safely.
Once evacuated call over the controller to assess the situation while you keep the group calm and ensure they all ok.
We will demonstrate power failure later
WINDS/STORM
In the event of a storm or where the wind feels too strong, stop the session straight away.
Deflate the castle as quickly as possible. If bad weather passes you can resume.
It is possible to use equipment in light rain providing it is fitted with a rain cover once the surface gets wet end the session as this can cause injury.
If necessary most of the time a minor injured child will come to you to tell you they’ve hurt themselves you won’t even notice they doing it.
Usually be obvious that a major injury has occurred
Evacuate users in the same whistle and stop procedure
Usually Colin or Molly will come over to assist with the document side of things, you will mainly be there to evacuate the inflatable safely
All accidents or incidents must be reported on an accident form and reported to the owner. If necessary the controller may need to report to RIDDOR.
We’d prefer if you used the first aiders on site first!
If an inflatable slide with a platform height of over 10 feet is booked out, it must have two operator/attendant, one for the top and one for the bottom.
Operator/attendant must adhere to the whistle blowing policy and use it when necessary.
All operator and attendant will have a whistle which must be used in accordance with this policy. The operator/attendant and attendants should watch the activity on the inflatable constantly.
A whistle should be used upon the first sign of any misbehaviour.
The user should be told to stop what they are doing, you should then explain what they are doing wrong, if the user carries on, then you must bring them off the device and ask them to leave the area.
Operator/attendants must ensure that a responsible adult will be available to supervise children while playing on their inflatables.
Any inflatables on licenced premises must be operated in a fenced, glass-free area. A removable cable will be provided for the hirer to take away when the castle is not being supervised.
Molly or Colin will be around to direct the pack down procedures
All inflatables have a different way of being folded, we will show how to do each one as we go