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Testing the nations inflatables

Frequently Asked Questions

Please look here for some frequently asked questions

Q: Is it a legal requirement to have all units inspected every year?
A: Yes, since 2006 when the European standard (EN14960) was introduced it is a legal requirement that all inflatable products must be annually inspected by a competent person. TOP

Q: I have been in the industry for many years, am I a competent person?
A: No, by definition a competent person is someone who through industry testing and examinations have proven knowledge for testing the type of equipment being used. With inflatable play equipment the main inspection body is the RPII. TOP

Q: I have purchased an inflatable direct from an overseas factory, what do I need to do?
A: You will need us to complete both a design review and initial inspection, in reality the two are completed together at this stage and we will issue you with both certificates if they pass testing. TOP


Q: What is the difference between a RPII inspection and PIPA inspection?
A: Nothing, they are the same, a PIPA inspection can only be completed by an RPII inspector, the only difference is that PIPA is a database of tested equipment. TOP


Q: Why does a PIPA test cost more than a standard RPII safety test?
A: The actual test is the same, the only additional costs are to pay for the TAG (for new units) and annual certification.  TOP

Q: I have a castle which is two years old, can it be PIPA tagged or is this for new units only?
A: Yes all castles no matter the age can be tested and added to the register.      TOP


Q: Does a Bungee Run/ Gladiator Duel need to be PIPA tagged?

A:  NO, PIPA is mainly concerned with inflatable's whose main purpose is bouncing and sliding, the inflatable on a bungee run or gladiator duel is considered a safety device as the main purpose of the activity is something different. These units still need inspected under a standard RPII inspection annually as this will highlight any potential problems you may have.  TOP

Q: What happens if my equipment fails a test?
A: Technically the same as a car MOT, if a unit fails you should remove it from use by the general public either until the problem can be rectified or permanently. We will be able to advise on approximate costs to repair a unit and if it is financially viable for you to do so. TOP

Q: What are the main reasons for a fail?
A: Obviously there are many reasons why an inflatable product could fail the standards required, the most common are listed below:

Damage to webbing on tie down points - this is a quick and easy problem to fix and does not cost much.

Insufficient numbers of tie down points – It is quick and easy to add additional tie down points to most designs.

Holes where stitching has failed – most of the time these are easy to rectify.

Low Air pressure – normally this is caused due to damage, again these are normally easily identified and fixed. 

Walls are not at 90’ to bed – this is a manufacturing defect, most times this will require return to the factory.

Walls are not sufficiently high for intended users – we will advise and record the maximum height of users on units

Entrapment – This is basically a hole where a user could get a foot or body entrapped which could lead to injury, these are again normally quite easy to rectify with the addition of cover panels.

Blower Tubes are too close to inflatable – the cone of the Blower must be at least 1.2m from the castle itself, if this is not the case it is quite an easy fix to extend as required.

Steps are not large enough – A step should come out 1.5 times the maximum height of the bouncing bed and overlap side posts or walls. Where this is not the case we will either be required to complete a risk assessment or the inflatable will need to be returned to the factory for the step to be extended.

Steel Pegs are tested and will fail if they have sharp edges (burring)  – You should routinely take a file or grinder to any sharp edges on pegs to prevent harm to staff.

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Q: How long does a test take?
A: For standard bouncing castles the actual test takes about 60 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes to complete the certification and register. For larger two part obstacle courses or activity castles this can go up to 1-2 hours for the testing. TOP

Q: How do I get my inflatable's inspected
A: Contact us via email or telephone and we will book you in  for inspections. TOP

Q: Where can you inspect inflatable's
A: you can either come to us or we can come to you, obviously the weather will have to be good, if you come to us we have an indoor area where we can inspect up to a 6x6m castle or a 4m wide obstacle course. TOP

Q: What information do I need to supply
A: Previous test reports owners manuals for every inflatable you need inspecting. TOP

Q: How much will it cost?
A: Its all to do with size and complexity, the starting price for inspections only is £50 for a 4x4 standard bouncy castle. A 10m obstacle course single piece with a few biff bashes and small slide will be around £100, a larger obstacle course 20m two piece with obstacles, biff bashes and squeezes and a large slide will be around £190. This is all to do with the time involved checking the inflatable, a standard 4x4 takes around 1 hour to inspect and 30 minuets for the paperwork, a large obstacle can take 3-4 hours and 30 minuets for the paperwork.

PIPA Tags £8 and Certificates £18 extra  TOP

Q: What else do you inspect
A: The inflation fans and 1 lead will be PAT tested with every inflatable, we also check all of the ground stakes for each inflatable's as these are also covered in the RPII inspection and covered by BSEN 14960:2006 regulations. TOP

Q: Will you check all my spare leads and fans?
A: While we are there we can also PAT test all your fans and leads but these will be charged at, Fans £4, 10m leads £3, 15m Leads £4, 20m Leads £4.50, Y Connectors £2.50.TOP