Safety

Toy Vs Commercial Castles

At Rockin Ronnies, we pride ourselves on safety, its our number one priority. When you hire from us you are truly in safe hands. Our annually tested, high quality equipment is the best on the market, made from the UK leading manufactures. Our equipment doesn't just pass its annual test, it exceeds all tests to fully comply with BS EN 14960-13 regulations. Rockin Ronnies does not hire out 'toy' castles, all our inflatables / soft play are made from the highest grade 'commercial' materials as well as the latest manufacturing methods. See below for images of 'toy' castles compared to our high quality 'commercial' castles.

The big concern with these 'toy' inflatables is the readiness at large stores up and down the country. They may look similar to the public or untrained eye, but in fact the manufacturing processes, low quality materials used are vastly different and do not meet required standards including the the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 or the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) for commercial hire and BS EN 14960:2006. These types of 'toy' inflatables are not insurable for public use or at at public events. If you lent one to your neighbour or use them for commercial hire purposed you would be liable for damages awarded in court following any incident as they will not be covered by any insurance.

PIPA Testing

When booking an inflatable, you should be asking to see the full up-to date copy of the chosen inflatables PIPA / RPII test, this is the inflatable equivalent of a cars MOT. Ask yourself this question, 'would you willingly get in an unsafe non MOT'd car?' you’re probably answer 'NO', so why subject your loved ones and children to the same dangers. Unsafe or non-tested equipment can be very dangerous, increasing the chance of injury and equipment failure such as deflation or the inflatable un-tethering from the ground. These tests look at issues with design such as entrapment areas, anchorage systems on the inflatable, step and blower tube length as well as air pressure to ensure its safe to bounce on. There are thousands of untested and unsafe inflatables within the UK. Don't fall short on your party, be prepared, be safe and be happy. We are glad to say at Rockin Ronnies, we have the Rolls Royce of tests on all our bouncy castles and slides, Not only did they all fly through testing this year AGAIN, you can search on the National PIPA data base. Best of all, we have made it even easier for you, linked direct to website and products are test certificates for you to view.

PAT Testing

PAT testing is required for our insurance approved payouts in the event of negligence or improper set up. All our electrical equipment that over 12 months (1 year) old or not in manufactured warranty is PAT tested annually. PAT testing is an important part of any health & safety policy within a commercial or hire setting. The HSE advise that electricals used by the public, in establishments such as hospitals, schools, hotels, shops, etc or in places where appliances may be hired or supplied undertake annual PAT testing.

It is report that 25% of electrical accidents happen from 'portable appliances' At Rockin Ronnies, we fully comply with the electricity at work regulations as well as the health and safety at work act (1974), ensuring all electrics are not only annually tested by electrical PAT professional but are visually inspected upon every set up. We understand your well being is in our hands and we wont let you down.

Check our equipment for yourself.
Don't forget to look out for the 'green' pass stickers located on our electrical items, we promise you wont see a 'red' fail sticker on any of our electrical stock. Look for our stickers below;

Anchorage

There is very strict regulations put in place from the HSE in regards to anchorage of inflatables in outdoor locations. Adhering to the BS EN 14960-13 regs ensures that SoSoft Play fully complies with the safety recommendations.

When booking an inflatable on this website, you will be asked to select the surface type your equipment will be located on.

Please note that bouncy castles and slides cannot be set up on outdoor hard surfaces and alike. Surface suitability is located within the product / package, please see image below for reference.

We will not set up in the event of heavy rain or strong wind speeds including gusts over 24mph. We have the right to come and take down any inflatable during a party / event if we believe it to be unsafe. If strong winds arise after set up you should follow these rules / instructions;

1 - Remove all users intermediately from the inflatable equipment.
2 - Turn off the inflatable at the mains.
3 - Ensure the castle is free of any edges or items that may damage the inflatable whilst the deflation occurs.
4 - Ensure no one tries to enter or walk on top of the inflatable during the deflation process or once full deflated.
5 - Continuously assess the weather conditions using the anemometer provided.
6 - Once you have had no winds, including gusts over 24mph for 1 hour, you may switch the inflatable back on, ensuring no one uses the inflatable until its fully inflated and rigid.
7 - Once the inflatable is being used again, you must review the wind speed every 10-15 minutes for the remained of the hire period.
8 - Repeat this process if wind speeds increase again.

If you need any help or advice, we are always contactable via the contact details shown on the contact us page. IF IN DOUBT DO NOT CHANCE ERECTING THE CASTLE OR INFLATABLE.

What does the H/S law and BS EN 14960-13 regulations state about wind speeds?

Wet Weather

We will not set up in the event of foretasted heavy rain for prolong periods of time, decisions will be made within 24 hours of your hire start time or the morning of your event (if outside) by 9:30am / (09:30).

What will be considered when deciding to cancel or go ahead with the booking due to rain?
1 - We will look at the actual hire times you have selected. Rockin Ronnies may have to reduce your hire times closer to your actual party start / finish times to ensure the hire can be completed, if safe to do so.
2 - What equipment have you hired, does it have a rain cover and can it be damaged from excessive water?. Rockin Ronnies may have to change your equipment to better suit the weather conditions, you will be contacted before your big day / party to discuss options.
3 - The age and ability of the users.
4 - Your willingness to listen to advice and instructions as well as your competence to abide by the rules / instructions put in place for the users safety.
5 - Is there safe anchorage conditions, if the soil is to wet the pegs will not hold the inflatable down in a secure fashion required by H&S and the BS EN 14960-13 regulations.
6 - Access to the venue or erection site.
7 - Is it safe for our trained staff to work in the conditions.

Are there any regulations on wet weather use?

No, although we have best practice and recommend safety guidelines to follow.

If strong rain occurs after set up you should follow these rules / instructions;

1 - Remove all users intermediately from the inflatable equipment. If you have soft play, move it indoors or place tarpaulin over it to keep it dry.
2 - Never turn off the inflatable in rainy conditions, its harder to dry once turned off and deflated.
3 - Ensure the castle is free objects that may stain or re colour the inflatable when wet. (This includes clothes, paint or dye based products, leaves and grass).
4 - Ensure no one tries to enter or walk / jump on the inflatable while its wet.
5 - Continuously assess the weather conditions.
6 - Once you have had no rain for 1 hour, An adult must dry the entrance / exit and bounce area with a towel and ensure its not slippery before users re-enter the inflatable. (Please note, no 'bubbles' should be seen on the castle, if you can see bubbles it is still to 'wet' to use). Continue the drying process with a towel until the inflatable is bubble free.
7 - Once the inflatable is being used again, you must review the bounce bed, entrance and exit every 10-15 minutes for the remained of the hire period.
8 - Repeat this process if it starts to rain again.

If you need any help or advice, we are always contactable via the contact details shown on the contact us page. IF IN DOUBT DO NOT CHANCE ENTERING THE CASTLE OR INFLATABLE WHEN WET.

8 Things to ask when making a booking

1 - Do you hire commercial units?
Yes, we only hire out top of the range UK built inflatables of a commercial grade. You can see all details above about under the 'toy' vs 'commercial' category.

2 - Do you have a copy of the inflatable test certificate?
Yes, all test certificates can be viewed and downloaded for each product on the tests tab, please see our FAQ's for more details on where to find test certificates.

3 - Do you have public liability insurance?
Yes, you can view all our insurances and risk assessments on our terms and conditions page, for quick reference, here is the link our current public liability insurance.

4 - What are my responsibilities as a hiree?
All your responsibilities will be outlined in our full terms and conditions as well as snippets within our terms of hire. We require stable safe electrically supply, a safe working area and access as well as supervision and security issues during your hire.

5 - Will you tell me how to operate the equipment?
Yes, all our trained staff are fully complaint with safe set up and running of the equipment, you will be given a Hire sheet to sign on the day as well as a walk through with the trained delivery driver. Please note all this information is also supplied in the full terms and conditions upon booking, as well as being located on our T&C's page. If you have any questions, not matter how silly you think it is, we are always around to help and answer.

6 - Will you confirm my booking?
Of course, all bookings are taken via our interactive website, it keeps you up to date with your booking as well as any changes made to your booking. All booking are confirmed via email. Please note if you change any of your contact details, please update us, we can't contact you with the wrong email or phone number. Your get a series of emails from the point of booking to after your event. Please read all emails vigorously and inform us of any errors immediately.

7 - What happens if it rains?
This is a hard question to answer as a general rule, it really depends on the circumstances, location, equipment and person. Why not view our wet weather information located above to help answer your questions regards rain. Its worth also a quick review of our wind speed guide also located above for your reference.

8 - What age group is the equipment suitable for?
User height of each inflatable / soft play package or soft play item is located on the 'Users' tab, located to the right of the asset images. For more information, visit our FAQ's section for handy images. All user heights are located on our website, on the front of all inflatables as well on all test certificates.

Safety statement

Safety is paramount at all times. Rockin Ronnies Limited has the right to refuse a hire for any reason including, high winds, wet weather, bad access, inappropriate surface area, aggressive behaviour or force majeure beyond our reasonable control including but not limited to motor failure, acts of god or staff shortages. Failure to comply with any of the information above, on the full terms and conditions can also start the hire refusal process, subsequently loosing deposits or any payments made in relation to our cancellation and refunds policy. Non compliance to H&S, BS EN 14960-13, the electricity at work regulations as well as the health and safety at work act (1974) can delay or enforce cancellation or refusal of set up in the desired location.

Management supports refusal of jobs based on the judgement of staff decisions made, whom are better position / located to assess the situation correctly / safely. Staff and management decisions are final.