Bouncy Castles

Following the Tasmania Bouncy Castle tragedy in 2021, HIANZ recognised the need for greater awareness of the industry’s health and safety procedures, and for the industry to minimise risk to the community as much as possible. HIANZ has reviewed and updated the documentation for the safe use of Bouncy Castles and similar inflatable devices.

Worksafe NZ has indicated that all inflatable devices must comply with the Australian Standard AS3533.4.1:2018 “Land-borne inflatable device operating requirements – Bouncy castles, inflatable slides, etc.

With summer and the expectation of more community events and outdoor parties being held, the likelihood of bouncy castles being available for people to use is also anticipated to increase.

The industry has developed resources to support members and anyone who owns/operates bouncy castles in reducing risk and keeping communities safe. It is paramount, too, that the community understands the industry’s response and initiative to ensure its practices and procedures are of the highest quality.

HIANZ suggests the key requirements of the Standard are:

That the manufacturer of the Bouncy Castle provide evidence that the device(s) meet the requirements of AS3533.4.1:2018. If the manufacturer is unable to verify this, then the hire company is responsible for ensuring that the device meets the necessary standard by third party audit or inspection.
That there are sufficient anchorage points on the devices and sufficient 16 mm steel pegs available to safely anchor the device to the ground.
That the chance of patrons injuring themselves when falling off the device is lessened by having no more than 700mm vertically between the exit and the ground and that 1200mm wide padding be provided around all entrances and exits.
That the maximum number of patrons (by height) be clearly visible.
That the design or any modification of the device ensures no chance of entrapment in inflated or deflated state.
That electrical protection devices, such as an RCD, be provided for all 240V blowers.
That additional Information for the safe use of devices, along with set-up and daily Inspection checklists be made available.

The following documents have been made available, please click on the icons below to download the documents:

Bouncy Castle Equipment Safety Data Sheet (including setup instructions).
The Operation and Supervision Instructions for Bouncy Castles.

If you have any further queries, please email office@hianz.net.nz

Bouncy Castles

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