There are four types of safety inspections required for inflatables:
- Conformity to Design Inspection
- Initial Inspection
- Annual Inspection
- Routine Inspection
The first three inspections (1, 2, and 3) must be performed by a qualified inspector. Today, we will focus on the Routine Inspection (4), which is the responsibility of YOU or your employees.
Routine Inspection
A routine inspection must be carried out every time the inflatable is made available for use.
Why is a Routine Inspection Necessary?
Even if you have years of experience with inflatables, it is crucial to document your routine inspection procedure. In the event of an accident or incident, you will likely be required to provide evidence of your inspection. Being able to present a completed routine inspection sheet from your records will serve as important proof for your insurance provider or legal parties involved, such as the barrister for the injured party.
Routine Inspection Checklist
Before making the inflatable available for public use, ensure the following:
- Site Suitability: The location must be appropriate for the inflatable setup.
- Anchorage: All anchorage points must be secure and in place.
- Ancillary Equipment: Ensure impact-absorbing mats and other safety equipment are correctly positioned.
- Inflatable Condition: Check for any significant holes, tears, or rips in the fabric or seams.
- Blower Use: Verify that the correct blower is being used.
- Air Pressure: Ensure internal air pressure is sufficient for a firm, stable structure.
- Electrical Safety: No exposed electrical parts, and ensure there is no damage to cables, plugs, sockets, or switches.
- Blower Positioning: Make sure the blower is safely positioned and that the mesh guards are intact.
Important Notice
The inflatable must not be used by the public until all defects identified during the routine inspection are resolved.
Documentation
In case of an incident, you will be asked about the safety measures taken and required to produce documentation. This will include the routine inspection sheet filled out for the specific hire.
Do I Need to Complete an Inspection Sheet for Every Hire?
Yes, you must complete and keep a routine inspection sheet for every hire. This document should be filed with the hire agreement for that particular event and retained for at least six years.
This procedure is a requirement under the IIHF Insurance Scheme and serves to protect both you, the hirer, and the integrity of the scheme.
Contact The IIHF
If you have any questions at all regarding the inflatable industry in Ireland, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at the Irish Inflatable Hirers Federation. We’re here to help!
