Hints and tips when hiring inflatable attractions
Inflatables offer so much fun and laughter that they are a must-have for any successful event. But hiring your bouncy castle or football shootout game isn't quite as simple as you might at first think. As with planning any event, you need to get the groundwork done and organise yourself so that the hiring runs smoothly from start to finish. There are things you need to watch out for and issues you need to recognise and appreciate. Get it right and your guests will have the time of their lives. Get it wrong and you'll be wanting to hide under the nearest rock!
With these thoughts in mind, here's my top 10 list of hints and tips to achieve a successful inflatable hiring:
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When hiring inflatable attractions, make sure that you only use a reputable hire company and that the hire company's own staff are present to set up, operate and supervise the equipment. Don't just use the company's website as an indicator of reliability. Ask around by checking with other event organisers, including private companies and local councils. They should be happy to share their experiences of hire companies they have used.
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Check that the company is PiPA accredited – that's the body responsible for annually inspecting the safety of bouncy castles and indeed all inflatables to the latest safety standard BS EN 14960:2013 and that they have a Pass certificate from a registered RPII Inspector. Read up about these two important safety organisations on the internet.
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Where children are likely to be present, that the hire company's employees setting up, operating and supervising the inflatable equipment hold the appropriate child safety certification.
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Check the hire company's evidence of a current Public Liability insurance policy with a limit of indemnity of at least £2 million. This insurance is to cover the liability of the hire company only and not you!
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If you intend operating the bouncy castle and supervising its use, ensure that you are provided with written instructions, that you have a reliable telephone contact number to call throughout the hire period and that the person handling the call will be competent at dealing with the full range of likely issues.
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Ensure that the attraction is absolutely right for size of the event, the ages of the guests and that it can cope with the various inclemencies of our infamous British weather, including gales, out of season snowfall and heavy rain! Many attractions come supplied with shower protection: invaluable even in summer so check with the hire company.
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Keep children of different ages separate on the attraction. There's nothing more likely to cause tears than tiny toddlers bouncing up and down in the same area as one hefty teenager, let alone a gang of them.
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Check with the venue providers that the area surrounding the inflatable is clear – and will be kept clear - of any sharp objects and intense heat. Sharp stones, barbecue fires and solid objects close to the attraction are all ingredients for a nasty accident or incident that could befall your guests and the attraction.
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No-one wants an accident but with any inflatable fun equipment the odd bump or graze can happen. Ensure that you have your own insurance against any accidents as this is generally your own responsibility.
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Don't be afraid to ask the views of others, be they the hire company, safety organisations, other parents or venue providers.
That's my list to ensure that your hire is a massive success, but I'm sure you can come up with more hints and tips of your own that you'd like to share too!
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