Basic Operating Instructions

To enable you to get the best out of your inflatable and to help operate it as safely as possible we have prepared basic guide lines which are offered without prejudice to help make operating more of a pleasure than a chore.

COMMON SENSE RULES

Remember safety is of paramount importance, a sensible initial approach will save problems later.

OPERATOR SUPERVISION

A responsible adult (aged 18+) capable of exercising authority over children should supervise the use of the equipment at all times. At events attendant(s) aged 16+ can also help to control the public into and out of the enclosure. These attendants must be on duty at all times when the equipment is in operation.

SITE FOR EQUIPMENT TO BE SET UP ON

Preferably select a level of grassed area. Check for sharp objects, stones, glass etc, these could cause damage to the user and also to the equipment.

If your hire is at an event where high numbers are expected and crowd control barriers will be needed extra space will be required. A control barrier around the inflatable at a distance of 6-8 feet (1.8m-2.5m) from any walled side of the unit and 12-15 feet (3.5m-4m) from any open side i.e. front of unit. A gateway approximately 3 feet (1m) in width is sufficient for user access and control. Height of barrier minimum 3 feet (1m) see Figure 1 below. This will give you a clear operating and supervision area free of spectators.

NEVER OPERATE THE INFLATABLE IF IT IS NOT ANCHORED DOWN CORRECTLY.

ALWAYS ENSURE SAFETY CRASH MATS ARE PLACED IN THE CORRECT POSITION AT ALL TIMES.

OPERATING

  • NEVER ALLOW ADULTS AND CHILDREN TO USE THE BOUNCER AT THE SAME TIME.
  • It is the responsibility of the operator to ensure that the equipment is not overloaded to the detriment of the users’ safety. There is normally a small panel on the front/side of the inflatable which tells the safe number of users and user heights which are allowed on the inflatable at any one time.
  • The number of users at any one time should be limited to that figure which allows each child enough room to play safely. Since larger children need more room to play, it follows that their numbers should be significantly less than the number of small children allowed on.
  • Larger, more boisterous children should be segregated from smaller ones.
  • The operator must watch the activity on the inflatable continuously using a whistle or other device and take immediate action at the first sign of any misbehaviour, keeping an eye on the safety and well-being of all the children, especially the smaller, more timid ones. Rough horseplay should not be allowed at all, persistent offenders should be made to leave the inflatable.
  • Events only - The system of entry ensures that the users are admitted on payment into the inflatable enclosure in a controlled and safe manner.
  • The operator should ensure that all children have removed their footwear and any sharp or dangerous objects from their person, such as pens, buckles, badges, purses etc. Spectacles are best removed.
  • At the start of a session make sure the children go on in an orderly manner, not a stampede.
  • Do not allow children to bounce and play on the step. The step is to assist the children in getting on and off.
  • Do not allow the children to climb or hang on or over the walls.
  • No somersaults or other manoeuvres that may risk causing damage to the persons head/ neck/ back or any other part of any person's body are allowed on the inflatable.
  • For outdoor hires, the equipment must not be used in heavy rain or windy conditions. In the event of rain, remove all users from the equipment until the rain has past, then dry off any water with a towel, before use continues.
  • The industry recommends a maximum wind speed of Force 5 on the Beaufort scale of 28 - 38 kph (19-24 mph) when using inflatables to ensure all our equipment is operated within safe conditions and minimise the risk of accident or injury. Force 5 is a fresh breeze when small trees and leaves begin to sway, whereas Force 6 is a strong breeze when large branches are in motion, whistling can be heard in telephone lines and umbrellas can only be handled with difficulty.

Please see our Terms & Conditions for full details sections 9 &10.

ROUTINE CHECKS

During the hire / event these checks should be carried out to ensure that the equipment is still safe to use;

  • Check that all anchor points are intact and not damaged and that anchor ropes are not worn, chaffed, loose or missing.
  • Check the anchor stakes are still securely fixed into the ground.
  • Check that there are no holes or rips in the surface or seams of the base mattress and step.
  • Whilst fully inflated, check that all walls, towers where fitted are firm and upright, that the operating pressure in the unit is sufficient to give a reliable and firm structure.
  • Check that the inflation tube is securely fastened to the blower.
  • Check that deflation points are closed and secure.

BLOWER OR POWER FAILURE
Should you be unfortunate and experience a power failure, the suggested procedure to act on immediately is as follows;

  • Blow a whistle hard and loud to attract the attention of all users.
  • Instruct the children to get off the inflatable in a careful, orderly manner, not all at once. Keep talking to the children all the time to keep them calm, do not let anyone panic, especially parents.
  • Discourage anxious parents from taking any actions to go on, to fetch their children off, this will only make the problem worse.
  • The bouncer will not hurt anyone as it comes down, panic will!

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

  • Blower(s) still running but unit seems too soft and floppy; Check blower air intake grill for paper, leaves etc. Debris blowing around can become stuck over the air intake grill and reduce its efficiency.

END OF THE EVENT

Before deflating, make sure no-one is on the inflatable. We suggest you do not remove your crowd control barrier until the inflatable is fully deflated, this will discourage children trying to jump on the inflatable whilst it is deflating.

Method;

  • Switch off the power.
  • Open deflation tubes and or zip flaps.
  • Allow castle to fully deflate.

Please note that only Mendip Bouncy Castle staff are authorised to pack away the equipment at the end of the hire period. The inflatable will need to be inflated for us to carry out our end of hire checks prior to us packing it away.

Click on this link Basic-Operating-Instructions.pdf to open up a PDF version which you can either save or print a copy for your use.