Inflatable: Setup & Teardown

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.  

Weather Concerns

High winds will cause problems with Inflatables.  They can cause an inflatable to take flight or behave in unpredictable ways.  Do not inflate any inflatable when high winds are present.  Generally, any winds over 25 mph are considered too high to operate an inflatable according to ASTM standards.  However, please consult the wind limitations set by the manufacturer of the unit you are setting up because some manufacturers have different restrictions.  Many manufacturers restrict wind speeds to 15 mph.  

There are a couple methods to measure wind speed.  One is by use of an anemometer.  These instruments are able to measure wind speed when put in the flow of the wind.  When used correctly, anemometers are the best way to measure wind speed at an event location.  Alternatively, you can check wind speed weather reports or use the following chart from the US National Weather Service.  

Please remember that although sustained winds may be within usable limits, gusts may be at dangerous levels.  If you have any gusts over the wind speed limit of your inflatable, do not setup the inflatable.  If it is already setup, quickly deflate it.  When deflating an inflatable in high winds, always leave the anchors in place.  An inflatable partially inflated tends to catch wind even worse than when the inflatable is fully inflated.  It acts almost like a sail.  Be very careful when deflating an inflatable in high winds.  

Low temperatures can cause inflatables to not properly inflate to the proper pressure.  Even if they look fine, the pressure may be insufficient to hold the weight of the participants and structurally be unsafe.  Most manufacturers recommend not setting up an inflatable if the temperature is less than 40 degrees F.  Check the manufacturer’s specifications for the inflatable you are working with to be sure.  

Additionally, most manufacturers prohibit inflatables from being used in rainy conditions.  Rainy conditions can make use of the inflatable unsafe if it was not designed to be used wet.  Surfaces, climbing areas, and game pedestals can become dangerously slick in wet conditions.  Even inflatables that are designed to be used with water are susceptible to electrical safety issues when the blower and electrical connections are wet or being rained on.  

Storms are obviously unsafe conditions for inflatable operation.  Lightning could potentially strike on or near an inflatable or a participant, especially on tall inflatables.  Additionally, the leading edge of a storm is typically very windy.  It is not recommended that you set up an inflatable during a storm or when one is near.  Wait until the storm and thunder has passed before setting up an inflatable.  

Inflatable Setup

Inflatables are very heavy.  When moving them, make sure you are careful and use appropriate techniques and tools, such as lifting with your legs instead of your back, getting help from someone else, and using carts.  

Always use three-prong extension cords (12 gauge minimum) to connect blowers.  Cords should not be missing insulation, the grounding prong, or have any cuts or damage to them.  You should also always plug into a GFCI protected outlet.  

In cases where the outlet is not GFCI protected, GFCI adapters can be plugged into the outlet to provide protection.  You should also route all cords such that they do not have guests walking across them.  If this is not possible, use tape, rugs, or mats to make sure the cords are not a tripping hazard.  These precautions will make your electrical components safer.  

When you choose a location to setup the inflatable, be aware of the following safety concerns:

1) Don’t setup below overhead power or telephone lines.  

2) Keep at least 5 ft of unobstructed space around the inflatable. The amount of space required varies by manufacturer, so check your inflatable manufacturer.

3) Make sure you have local utility companies mark any underground utilities if you will be staking the inflatable.  

4) Also check with the property owner to make sure they have not buried any electrical, water, irrigation, or other lines where you will be staking the inflatable.

5) Make sure there is plenty of room around the entrances and exits for participants to form lines and clear the area safely.  

6) Do not setup near swimming pools or other bodies of water.

7) Use appropriate barriers to manage crowds around your inflatables and equipment.

8) Place appropriate landing mats at the exits of the inflatable as it is common for people to jump off the inflatable in these areas causing potential safety issues.  

Additional items to consider are to make sure that you do not setup under trees that may drop objects like branches, fruit, or nuts that might interfere with participants or damage/stain the unit.  

Consult the manufacturer’s guidelines to determine the number and size of blower(s) to use for the inflatable you are setting up.  Make sure your blowers are located in areas that will not receive traffic.  No one should be near the blower while it is operating.  When connecting blowers to the inflatable, make sure to securely fasten the inflation tube to the blower with the provided strap.  This will not be an air tight connection, but you should try to prevent as much as as possible from escaping so that the unit maintains proper inflation pressure.  Any other vents or inflation tubes should be closed to prevent as much air from escaping as possible.  It is natural for some air to escape.  The escaping and refilling of air is what makes the inflatable soft.  

It is very important to properly anchor the inflatable regardless of the amount of wind present.  The anchors are part of the structure of the inflatable.  Without them, the inflatable can be extremely unsafe.  Loads from normal use by participants can cause the inflatable to tip over or collapse when not properly anchored.  This is particularly important for tall inflatables. Additionally, the natural buoyancy of an inflatable due to pressure and temperature differences between the air inside and the air outside the inflatable can cause the inflatable to take flight and behave unpredictably.  Every tie down should be either staked to the ground or anchored with weights.  Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for the appropriate stake size or anchor weight.  Do not use vehicles, trees, fences, or other objects to anchor the inflatable.  There is no guarantee of the depth of the fence post or whether the vehicle will be moved or not.  If staking an inflatable, it is recommended to pound stakes into the ground with only a slight angle (15 degrees) away from the inflatable.  At least 75% of the stake should be pounded into the ground to properly use the stake.  

As the unit is inflating, make sure you watch for any obstructions otherwise missed when checking the site.  Sometimes inflatables will shift during inflation, and sometimes your estimates can be incorrect when you plan out your site layout.  Before allowing anyone on the inflatable, make sure you do one last inspection referring to the manufacturer’s inspection checklist and make sure the designated operators are trained and ready to operate the unit.  

Some general items to consider as part of the inspection checklist are listed below.  

1) Check and remove the inflatable of debris such as paper, gum, jewelry, blood, or other foreign objects.

2) Check for holes, excessive wear, or other damage to the inflatable and take appropriate actions.  

3) Make sure there is a fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires nearby in case of emergencies.  

Inflatable Tear Down

When tearing down an inflatable, inspect it for damage and debris first.  Remove any accessories that you do not want rolled into the inflatable.  Rolling up accessories or debris can cause damage to the inflatable and/or accessories.  Additionally, you want to make note of whether the inflatable is wet.  A wet inflatable is very susceptible to mold, and mold can damage the material and cause it to smell.  If you can dry the inflatable before rolling it up, do so.  Otherwise, you will likely have to open and dry it soon to prevent damage.  

When you are ready to deflate the inflatable, turn off and disconnect the blowers and open all of the air vents.  Disconnect all stakes or sand bags.  Square the inflatable by dragging all of the  material inside the bottom edge of the inflatable.  Fold the inflatable, walk any remaining air out of the unit, and then roll the inflatable and secure it closed tightly with straps.  The firmer it is, the easier it will be to move the inflatable.  When you roll the unit make sure to roll toward an open vent so that the air can escape.  If you are using a bag or cover, put it on now.  Bags and covers help protect the inflatable from tears and dirt during transit and storage.