Inflatable Amusement Devices
Safety Precautions
- Inflatable amusement devices, such as bounce houses and slides, should be monitored by a trained operator or attendant at all times while the device is inflated. No one should be allowed on the inflatable device during inflation or deflation.
- Participants must meet the height, weight or age restrictions specified by the device. The operator or attendant should group participants based on similar weight, height and age.
- The inflatable device must never be overloaded. Each device will denote maximum occupancy on its information plate.
- Entrances and exits should be kept clear in order to maintain an unobstructed view of participants using the device and for the purposes of proper ingress and egress.
- The operator or attendant is responsible for monitoring the activities and behaviors of participants. Prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to: eating or drinking, chewing gum, flipping, diving or aggressive bodily contact.
Inflation & Installation
Inflatables can have inflation systems requiring constant air supply, or they may maintain this inflation without the need for constant air supply. Some use a combination of the two methods. Setup must occur on an event site free from any debris and anchoring methods must be secured in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.
Deflation
Operators/attendants should be provided with procedures and training for unplanned deflation. As deflation detection requirements will vary from device to device based on the design and structural integrity, it is important to review this guidance for each device used. Unexpected deflation can result in falls and entrapments leading to injuries, asphyxiation, or death,
Evacuation Plan
Each Operating Document, provided by the owner/operator, must have an evacuation plan with instructions on specific procedures to follow in the event of unusual conditions or interruption of operation. These will vary by type of inflatable amusement device. Examples of reasons to implement evacuation include, but are not limited to: inclement weather (rain, lightning, thunderstorm, snow, etc), unplanned deflation, winds at or above listed maximum wind speed.
Maximum Wind Speed
Each inflatable amusement device should contain this threshold on the unit’s information plate. In the event this information is not available on the plate, a maximum wind speed of 15 mph will be observed. If this wind speed is reached, participants MUST evacuate and operator/attendant MUST deflate the device.
Generators
Use of generators must comply with NFPA standards governing clearance, distance from structures, location, and ventilation.
- Clearance and Distance – Generators should have at least 18 inches of clearance from the back to a stationary wall or building, 3 feet at the front and ends, and 5 feet above the generator. This includes clearance from vegetation (shrubs, trees, bushes, etc). Generators should also be at least 5 feet away from building openings (doors, windows, vents, etc.).
- Isolation – Generators must be isolated from the public by physical guard or enclosure not less than 3 feet from the power source.
- Location – Generators should be located in areas not prone to flooding. Verify all potential for water intrusion (including, but not limited to: sprinklers, roof run-off, down spouts) is directed away from the generator.
- Ventilation – Generators should have adequate ventilation and airflow. They should never be placed under a closed-in structure that could limit airflow.
Application for Inflatable Amusement Device