The Leadenham Village Hall Committee reminds all hirers that if your event includes a bouncy castle or any inflatable play equipment, you are fully responsible for arranging appropriate insurance, and ensuring the equipment is installed safely and in compliance with relevant guidance, and that it is properly supervised at all times.

This guidance was last updated on 20 October 2025.

Your Responsibilities as the Hirer

Whether you are hiring from a third-party supplier or operating the inflatable yourself, you must ensure the following:

• Safety Documentation: You must obtain risk assessments and method statements or operating procedures from your chosen contractor, demonstrating the inflatable is safe for hire
• Insurance: The contractor must have current Public Liability Insurance appropriate to the activity
• Inspection Scheme: The inflatable should have been inspected under a recognised scheme such as PIPA (the inflatable play inspection scheme) or ADIPS (Amusement Device Inspection Procedures Scheme)

You are also responsible for ensuring that the equipment is not used in adverse weather conditions, especially if sited outdoors.

If You Are Operating the Inflatable Yourself

ROSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) recommends you ask yourself the following questions to ensure safe operation:

• Is the inflatable securely anchored?  All anchorage points must be used.  If on hard ground, straps must be affixed to solid fixed points.
• Are impact-absorbing mats in place?  Mats should cover the open entrance/exit and extend far enough to cushion falls.
• Is the inflatable overcrowded?  A visible sign should indicate the maximum number of users allowed at any one time.
• Are users removing unsafe items? Shoes, jewellery, belts, and buckles must be removed before entry.
• Are the rules being enforced?

An attendant should actively monitor and prevent horseplay, climbing on walls, and other unsafe behaviour.

Weather and Outdoor Use

Inflatables should not be used in windy conditions or gusts exceeding safety limits. The contractor or operator should assess weather risks and be prepared to deflate or stop use if needed.

Further Information

For more details and official safety guidance, please visit HSE – Safe Use of Inflatable Devices.