Inflatable Safety Hire Tips in 2025
Inflatables are an exciting addition to any event, whether it’s a child’s birthday party, a corporate fun day, or a large festival or community event. But while they bring a huge amount of fun and entertainment, safety should always be the top priority when hiring these products. Understanding the safety regulations, the importance of proper maintenance, and how to choose a reliable hire company are key to ensuring that your inflatable experience is both enjoyable and safe.
In 2025, as the inflatable hire industry continues to grow, there’s an increased focus on adhering to strict safety guidelines. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure your inflatable hire is safe for all attendees.
UK Safety Regulations for Inflatable Hire
In the UK, the safety of inflatable hire products is regulated by specific guidelines and standards to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that inflatables are safe for use. The primary body governing these standards is the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which outlines a range of regulations for inflatable operators. These regulations are arguably some of the strictest and most stringent in the world.
Here are some of the key safety standards and regulations you should be aware of:
- BS EN 14960 (European Standard for Inflatable Structures):
- This standard is essential for inflatable manufacturers and hire companies, as it ensures that inflatables are designed and built to withstand the rigours of constant use. It covers materials, construction, and design, ensuring durability and safety for both kids and adults.
- Public Liability Insurance:
- Inflatable hire companies should carry adequate public liability insurance. This is considered best working practice by HSE. We carry £5 million public liability insurance.
- Regular Maintenance & Inspections:
- Inflatables should undergo regular safety inspections and maintenance protocols, both before they are hired out and after each use. This includes checking for punctures, sharp edges, structural weaknesses, and ensuring that the equipment is free of hazardous defects. Units should also be regularly cleaned and sanitised. Electrical equipment should also be regularly PAT (Portable Appliance Tested) tested.
- Risk Assessments:
- All hire companies are required to perform a risk assessment for every event they supply inflatables to. This includes assessing the ground conditions, proximity to obstacles or overhead risks (like power lines), and the type of crowd attending the event. Our team perform visual risk assessments at every event when completing delivery and set up. We will look for any hazards such as nearby obstacles, the route of power cables, user access and exit areas, etc. We discuss any issues with customers at this time. We also have generic risk assessments for all activities which can be sent out to customers upon request.
The Importance of Proper Maintenance
Maintaining inflatables in top condition is vital to ensuring their safe use. Regular maintenance and cleaning not only protect the equipment but also safeguard those who use it. Here’s why proper upkeep matters:
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Regular Cleaning:
- Hygiene is essential, particularly for children’s events. All inflatables should be cleaned and sanitised after each hire. This not only helps to prevent the spread of germs and infections but also keeps the inflatable looking its best. We clean our equipment with suitable disinfectant such as Evans Safe Zone Plus which is a virucidal disinfectant.
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Thorough Inspections:
- Before every hire, the inflatable should be thoroughly inspected for any damage or wear. This includes checking seams, fans, zips, and anchors to make sure they are secure. Even small damage could lead to serious safety risks.
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Replacements and Repairs:
- Inflatable companies should have a schedule for replacing or repairing their inflatables if they show any signs of wear and tear. Regular checks and timely repairs help to avoid malfunctions during an event.
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Storage:
- Proper storage is essential for maintaining the integrity of the inflatable. Storing them in a dry, cool place ensures that the material doesn’t degrade over time and that it’s always in a safe condition for use.
Why Hiring from Trusted Companies is Crucial
When hiring inflatables, it’s essential to choose a reputable and experienced company. Opting for a trusted provider ensures that the equipment meets all required safety standards and that you’re covered in the event of an issue. Here's why it matters:
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Compliance with Safety Standards:
- A reputable inflatable hire company will be fully compliant with UK safety regulations and standards. This includes providing certified inflatables and ensuring they’ve undergone rigorous safety checks.
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Experienced Staff:
- Experienced inflatable hire companies employ staff who are fully trained in setting up and operating inflatables safely. They know how to properly secure inflatables, assess the event space, and manage safety risks during the hire period.
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Transparent Practices:
- Trusted companies are open about their safety procedures. They’ll happily provide details on their insurance coverage, safety checks, and risk assessments. A transparent company ensures peace of mind.
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Insurance:
- A professional company will carry the necessary public liability insurance. A regular occurrence for our company is when customers call us at the last moment to cover an event where an original hire company has been unable to provide proof of insurance.
Tips for Ensuring a Safe Inflatable Hire Experience
While hiring from a trusted company goes a long way in ensuring safety, there are a few things you can do as a customer to ensure a smooth and safe inflatable experience:
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Book Early:
- Avoid rushing the process. Booking early gives you more time to research the company and check reviews, certifications, and safety standards.
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Read Customer Reviews:
- Look at reviews from previous customers to get an idea of the company’s reliability and the safety standards of their products. Positive feedback from previous clients is a good indicator that the company takes safety seriously.
Here's a fantastic TrustPilot review from one of our customers, who was impressed with our cleaning schedule for inflatables.
We hired a bouncy castle for my daughters birthday and the standard and service was excellent. When they arrived they sprayed the bouncy castle with a viricidal spray which was very reassuring, although it had been cleaned and in quarantine before it was delivered. We have used SJ's Leisure a couple of times and we will definitely be hiring from them again. My children loved it!
Date of experience: 28 March 2021. This review was from L. Smith who hired a girls bouncy castle for a birthday party in St Helens.
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Ensure Proper Setup:
- Ensure that the inflatable company will provide an on-site setup and briefing. The inflatable should always be securely anchored, and in a clear area free of hazards. The hire company should provide comprehensive safe use instructions. We provide these to all customers by email, in the week leading up to their event.
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Supervise the Event:
- Even if the inflatable is properly set up, it’s crucial to have adult supervision at all times during the event. Adults should ensure that children are using the inflatable appropriately, and there is no overcrowding or rough play. Please review the safe use instructions prior to supervising.
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Follow User Numbers and Height Restrictions:
- Each inflatable will have specific guidelines on the recommended user numbers and height limits for safe use. Adhering to these rules ensures the inflatable is used within its safety capacity.
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Weather Considerations:
- Check the weather forecast before your event. Inflatables should not be used in high winds (24mph+) or very heavy rain, as this can compromise their safety. Discuss a contingency plan with the hire company in case of inclement weather. We have a range of indoor friendly inflatables should you need to take the event indoors at a local party venue for example.
Conclusion: Ensuring a Safe Inflatable Hire Experience in 2025
Inflatables are a fantastic way to bring fun and excitement to any event, but safety should always be your number one priority. By choosing a professional service, ensuring proper maintenance, and following safety guidelines, you can enjoy peace of mind while hosting a fun and memorable event.
Whether you’re planning a birthday party, corporate event, or community gathering in 2025, be sure to ask the right questions and book with a company that takes safety seriously. With the right precautions, inflatables can be an incredibly safe and entertaining addition to any event.
Ever seen an inflatable lose pressure during your event and been unsure what do to next? Check out our most recent blog post for a step by step guide if this happens again.
Ready to make your event a safe and memorable one? Contact SJ's Leisure today for a fun-filled, worry-free inflatable experience in Warrington and surrounding region!
Telephone - 01744 602716
Email - info@sjleisure.co.uk
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