Inflatable Amusement Devices

• The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 3500 people, primarily young children, were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to inflatable amusement devices in 2006 -- triple the number of injuries recorded in 1997. 
• Blow-overs and collapses due to equipment failure or improper setup can, and do, cause catastrophic accidents.
• Inadequate supervision increases the danger of broken bones and dislocations.  Allowing younger children to jump with older children is the most common safety hazard cited by safety officials.
• Inflatable attractions are exempt from safety oversight in many states, including California and Florida.
• In 2001, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a safety bulletin to ride inspectors and owners of inflatable amusement rides.

Saferparks wishes to thank the Event Planners Association for providing the following consumer safety tips.

Inflatables, also known as moonwalks, bounce houses and jumpers are popping up at carnivals, festivals, schools, churches, malls and even in your own backyard. And, while they are still simplistic in nature, they have evolved from the basic box we played in as kids into elaborately designed structures which can include slides and obstacle courses.  So, the question is: with tens of thousands of inflatable operators in the U.S., how do you choose the inflatable rental company that’s right for you? Ask the following questions:

• Does the company deliver, set up and supervise the use of the equipment?
  Proper set up is essential to reducing your risk potential.  The unit must be situated on level ground and must be anchored by stakes or weights.  Fall zones must be adequately padded.  Does the company train its setup crew?  Do they offer trained operators to supervise use? Adult supervision is essential to preventing injuries from occurring.  Allowing younger children to jump with older children is the most common safety hazard cited by safety officials.

• Does the company properly maintain its equipment?
  Is the equipment clean? Free of damage?  Companies should follow manufacturer’s recommendations, operating instructions, and proper safety inspection and maintenance schedules.  Ask the operator about his or her experience, safety record and employee training programs.
• Does the company have adequate liability insurance?
  Cities, schools and many churches require inflatable companies to be properly insured when hired for use on their property. This includes city parks. Ask to see the company’s certificate of liability insurance.

If you rent an inflatable for a party or family event, consumers should keep the following in mind:

• Be aware of the risks.
• Pay attention to the weather.  Avoid use on windy and wet days.
• Make sure the inflatable is secured to the ground.
• Make sure the children are supervised at all times.
• Limit the number of children in the inflatable and do not allow older children to jump with younger children.

Awareness and safety are the key words when incorporating inflatables into your event. Inflatables can be dangerous when the rules are broken, but they're great fun when the safety rules are followed.