Inflatable: Operate
These guidelines are general guidelines that apply to most inflatables, however, you should always check the manufacturer’s guidelines as they may supersede some of these guidelines.
Operators
It is important that the operator for the inflatable meets all manufacturer, insurance, and local government specifications. Operators should be of a responsible age. Sixteen years old is a commonly accepted age, however, not every sixteen year old is capable of safely operating an inflatable, and some states, such as West Virginia, require operators to be at least eighteen.
Participants
Follow the manufacturer's recommendation on the number, age, weight, and medical restrictions of participants allowed on the inflatable. Make sure that all of the participants that are using the inflatable at one time are of similar age and size to prevent injury. This is important because if their body sizes and motor skills are similar, they are less likely to injure each other while playing. Participants should not bring pets or toys onto the inflatable at any time. Do not allow anyone to climb on netting or other areas of the inflatable unless they are designated climbing areas. Do not allow anyone to jump near the entrances or exits because they could fall out of the inflatable. Do not allow any flips, wrestling, or horseplay on the inflatable. Do not allow food, drinks, gum, candy, confetti, or trash in or around the inflatable.
No participants should be allowed on the inflatable without a trained, responsible attendant present. All participants are required to follow the attendant’s instructions and warnings to prevent safety issues. Participants should always remove shoes and any loose or dangling clothing or jewelry, bracelets, watches or earrings before entering the inflatable.
Do not allow participants that have any of the following conditions unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer:
1) Past injury to the head, neck, or back.
2) Chronic knee or other joint conditions.
3) Any respiratory conditions, including but not limited to asthma or bronchitis.
4) Any heart, circulatory, or muscular conditions.
5) Pregnancy.
Injuries
If there is an injury or incident related to the inflatable, the operator should immediately suspend use of the inflatable, find medical attention or parental/authority assistance, and accurately document the occurrence by getting pictures, statements from witnesses, names, and descriptions. If the injury is to the head, neck, or back, do not move the injured party and seek medical attention. Before reopening the inflatable, you should perform an inspection to make sure that similar injuries will not occur in the future. Additionally, some local codes require a professional inspector to review the inflatable before opening it again. Make sure you follow all local regulations and insurance and safety procedures before reopening the inflatable.
Crowd Control
Always maintain clear and orderly entrances and exits. All participants must enter and exit the inflatable at the designated areas. This may require you to barricade areas around the inflatable to keep people from trying to enter or exit in the wrong areas. No participants or spectators should attempt to interfere with any participants on the inflatable by reaching into the inflatable, pushing against it, climbing on it from the outside, or throwing things into it. You should also keep participants and spectators away from the electrical connections and blowers at all times. Do not allow anyone on the inflatable while it is inflating or deflating. Anyone not following the rules or the attendant should be asked to leave.
Inflatable Condition
It is strongly recommended that you have a sign placed at the entrance to the inflatable with pertinent directions and warnings for all participants to be aware of. You should also always be aware of the condition of the inflatable. Check the tie downs regularly to make sure they are properly secured. Check the blowers and inflation tubes periodically for proper function. Periodically check the inflatable for debris, damage, punctures and bio hazards like blood, vomit, and urine and properly remove, repair, or clean these hazards. Do not allow sharp objects on the inflatable. Silly string will damage inflatables, so keep it away from any inflatables. If the unit deflates for any reason, quickly have the participants exit, especially those participants in high places.
Weather
Never operate an inflatable in raining or wet conditions, when winds exceed 25 mph or the manufacturer’s wind restriction speed, or in temperatures less than 40 degrees fahrenheit. If these conditions occur, remove participants and deflate the inflatable. Unless the inflatable is made to use water, do not put water on it. If it rains on the unit, use a mop or towels to dry it before allowing people on it again. If you see lightning in the distance or hear thunder, stop operating immediately, deflate the unit and seek shelter.
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