Insurance & Safety

At Funtime we take safety very seriously and our record is second-to-none. We take every safety precaution required by the industry and more. All our equipment is tested at least annually, and risk assessments and method statements are always to hand with every piece of equipment we provide. We use only the very best equipment, and we are the only company to be backed and recommended by a leading UK inflatable manufacturer.

For full regulations on health and safety in the inflatables industry, please view HSE Sheet No.7 >

Insurance

Funtime is covered by £5 million Public Liability Insurance. Our insurers are a UK-based company which is regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Most Local Authorities will now only accept policies that are underwritten by UK companies.

Public Liability Insurance must also be held by the hire company to work at any school, Local Authority hall, playgroup, public hall, RAF or any MOD property. For these venues, £5 million Public Liability Insurance is usually the lowest grade requirement that is accepted in most circumstances, but sometimes it is more. Therefore we suggest if you are asking for varied quotations, to 'know your venue and know your hirer'.

Public Liability Insurance cover for the hirer of any of our items is available from Bridle Insurance.

PIPA Testing

PIPA testing for inflatables is the same principle as MOT testing for a car. At each annual inspection, a safe and legal inflatable will be given a certificate and round blue disk with a serial number. This serial number allows you to check the history of the inflatable, and any inflatable without one is likely to have been condemned! At Funtime we offer PIPA tested bouncy castles and inflatables as standard.

For more information and to check a serial number, visit the PIPA website >

Note that PIPA testing currently only applies to bouncy castles, slides and obstacle courses only. Therefore, bungee runs, gladiator jousts and other inflatable games may not hold the PIPA certificates, though we are hoping that HSE & Trading Standards make it compulsory for all Inflatables.

Crash Mats

Crash mats MUST be supplied with all slides. Bouncy castles that are to be erected on hard surfaces MUST also be supplied with mats. All reputable firms are aware that mats are compulsory, and provision of these should not be used as a selling aid.

Sandbags/Pegs

Dangers can arise when inflatable equipment is not properly secured. The requirement set out in HSE No.7 states that bouncy castles and inflatables must be anchored to the ground with the use of stakes. Where this is not possible, for example on concrete or gravel, sandbags must be attached to all anchor points on the unit. Please note that this is also compulsory for bouncy castles and inflatables being used indoors.

Electrical Safety

All our electrical leads are fitted with RCD power breakers. We also use outdoor 3 pin plugs and sockets. For larger equipment, a power conditioner will be used. These are all essential for safe use of the equipment.

First Aid

All our operators have completed first aid training provided by The St John's Ambulance Service. We also comply with "Best Practice" which is required under the Health & Safety at work act 1974.

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