Basic Operating & Safety Instructions

Safe Use of Your Inflatable

At AW Inflatables, safety comes first.

Once our team has professionally installed and checked your inflatable, it is important that the equipment is properly supervised and used in accordance with these operating instructions throughout the hire period.

The person responsible for the booking should ensure that all supervising adults understand these rules before allowing anyone to use the equipment.

Adult Supervision

A responsible adult aged 18 or over must supervise the inflatable at all times while it is available for use.

The supervising adult must:

✓ Remain present and attentive

✓ Control the number of users

✓ Monitor user behaviour

✓ Ensure users follow the safety rules

✓ Separate users of significantly different sizes or abilities where necessary

✓ Prevent overcrowding

✓ Stop unsafe behaviour immediately

✓ Stop use if conditions become unsafe

An inflatable must never be left operating and available for unsupervised use.

For larger events or attractions, additional attendants may be required.

Before Allowing Anyone to Use the Inflatable

Before use begins, visually check that:

✓ The inflatable appears fully inflated

✓ Safety mats are correctly positioned

✓ The inflatable remains securely anchored

✓ Entrances and exits are clear

✓ The surrounding area is free from obvious hazards

✓ Blower tubes appear properly connected

✓ Electrical cables have not been disturbed

✓ There is no obvious damage to the inflatable

✓ Weather conditions remain suitable for operation

If anything doesn't look right:

Stop use and contact AW Inflatables.

Do not attempt to modify, move or repair the equipment yourself.

User Safety Rules

Everyone using the inflatable must follow the rules for the individual equipment.

Before entering, users should remove items that could cause injury or damage, including:

❌ Shoes

❌ Sharp objects

❌ Jewellery that could catch or cause injury

❌ Keys

❌ Toys or hard objects

❌ Loose items from pockets

Glasses should be removed where safe and practical.

Safe Behaviour

Users must:

✓ Enter and exit correctly

✓ Follow instructions from the supervising adult or operator

✓ Observe the stated user numbers and restrictions

✓ Play appropriately for the attraction

✓ Leave immediately when instructed

The following must not be permitted:

❌ Somersaults or flips

❌ Rough play

❌ Fighting or pushing

❌ Climbing on inflatable walls

❌ Hanging from walls or netting

❌ Deliberately bouncing into other users

❌ Overcrowding

❌ Sitting or bouncing on the entrance apron

❌ Unsafe tricks

❌ Interfering with equipment, blowers or anchor points

Separate Users by Size & Ability

Users of significantly different sizes should not use the inflatable together where this creates an increased risk of collision or injury.

In particular, avoid mixing:

Small children with much larger children

Children with adults

unless the individual equipment is specifically designed and operated for that type of use.

Where necessary, organise separate sessions for different age or size groups.

Maximum User Numbers

Every inflatable has operating limits.

The supervising adult must ensure these limits are followed.

Maximum numbers can vary depending on:

• Inflatable design

• User height

• User size

• Type of attraction

• Manufacturer's requirements

Never overcrowd an inflatable.

Fewer users at one time is always preferable to unsafe overcrowding.

The Entrance & Safety Step

The entrance apron or step is designed to help users safely enter and leave the inflatable.

It is not an additional bouncing area.

Do not allow users to sit, play, wrestle or bounce on the entrance area.

Keep the entrance clear so users can safely enter and exit.

No Food or Drink

Do not allow the following onto inflatable equipment:

❌ Food

❌ Drinks

❌ Chewing gum

❌ Sweets

These can create choking, slipping, hygiene and equipment-damage risks.

Prohibited Items & Substances

The following must not be used on or around our inflatable equipment:

❌ Face Paint

❌ Glitter

❌ Slime

❌ Silly String

❌ Confetti

❌ Party Poppers

❌ Pens or Crayons

❌ Water Pistols

❌ Garden Hoses

❌ Sprinklers

❌ Smoking or Vaping

❌ Naked Flames

❌ Pets

These substances and activities can damage equipment or create additional safety risks.

Water Is Not Permitted

Unless you have specifically hired equipment designed and authorised by AW Inflatables for water use:

DO NOT WET THE INFLATABLE.

Do not use:

❌ Hoses

❌ Sprinklers

❌ Water Pistols

❌ Buckets of Water

❌ Paddling Pools against the inflatable

Water can make inflatable surfaces extremely slippery and may affect safe operation.

Additional cleaning and drying charges may apply where equipment is deliberately wet.

Outdoor Weather Safety

Weather conditions can change throughout the hire period.

The supervising adult must continue to monitor conditions.

Stop using the inflatable during:

⚠️ Unsafe winds or gusts

⚠️ Heavy rain

⚠️ Thunderstorms

⚠️ Lightning

⚠️ Flooding

⚠️ Other conditions that make continued operation unsafe

Wind Limit – Maximum 24mph

Outdoor inflatable equipment must not be operated where wind speeds or gusts exceed the permitted operating limit.

As a general rule for AW Inflatables equipment:

DO NOT OPERATE ABOVE 24MPH

This includes wind gusts, not simply average wind speed.

Equipment may need to be taken out of use at lower wind speeds where its individual operating limit, location, exposure or surrounding conditions require it.

If AW Inflatables instructs you to stop using the equipment, that instruction must be followed immediately.

What to Do if Weather Becomes Unsafe

If conditions become unsafe:

1. Stop use immediately.

2. Ask all users to leave safely.

3. Prevent anyone from re-entering.

4. Contact AW Inflatables if assistance is required.

Do not continue operating an inflatable simply because your party or event is still taking place.

Safety always takes priority.

Regular Checks During Your Hire

The supervising adult should regularly visually check the equipment throughout the hire.

Look for:

✓ Inflatable remaining fully inflated

✓ Safety mats remaining correctly positioned

✓ Anchor points appearing secure

✓ Blower tubes remaining connected

✓ Electrical cables remaining undisturbed

✓ No obvious damage

✓ Clear entrances and exits

✓ Suitable weather conditions

If you notice anything unusual, stop use and contact us.

Never Move the Inflatable

Once AW Inflatables has installed the equipment:

DO NOT MOVE OR REPOSITION IT.

Moving an inflatable can affect:

• Anchoring

• Safety distances

• Electrical connections

• Blower positioning

• Ground fixings

• Safe operation

Only authorised AW Inflatables personnel should reposition installed equipment.

Do Not Interfere With Anchoring

Never:

❌ Remove stakes

❌ Move weights

❌ Release anchor straps

❌ Adjust anchoring

❌ Remove ground fixings

❌ Attach anything to anchor points

If you believe an anchor has become loose or disturbed, stop use immediately and contact AW Inflatables.

Blower or Power Failure

If the inflatable begins losing pressure or the blower stops:

1. Stop use immediately.

2. Calmly instruct all users to exit.

3. Keep everyone away from the inflatable.

4. Do not allow anyone back on the equipment.

From a safe position, you may check for an obvious issue such as whether the electrical supply has been accidentally switched off.

Do not dismantle, open, repair or modify the blower or electrical equipment.

If normal inflation is not immediately restored or you are unsure of the cause, contact AW Inflatables.

Do not resume use until the inflatable is fully inflated and you are satisfied it is safe to do so.

Never Cover the Blower

Blowers require unrestricted airflow.

Never:

❌ Cover the blower

❌ Place clothing or bags over it

❌ Allow children to play around it

❌ Block the air intake

❌ Place objects against it

Keep the blower area clear throughout the hire.

Smoking, Vaping & Flames

Smoking and vaping are not permitted on or immediately around inflatable equipment.

Keep:

🔥 BBQs

🔥 Fire pits

🔥 Patio heaters

🔥 Candles

🔥 Fireworks

🔥 Other heat or flame sources

well away from the inflatable, blower and electrical equipment.

Pets

Pets must be kept away from inflatable equipment.

Claws can puncture or damage inflatable material, and animals around entrances, cables and blowers can create additional hazards.

At the End of Your Hire

Unless specifically instructed otherwise by AW Inflatables:

Please leave the equipment inflated for our collection team.

Ensure users stop using the equipment at the agreed finish time and prevent further access while awaiting collection.

DO NOT:

❌ Deflate the equipment yourself

❌ Remove anchoring

❌ Disconnect equipment

❌ Fold or roll the inflatable

❌ Attempt to pack equipment away

❌ Move the inflatable

Only authorised AW Inflatables personnel should dismantle and pack away our equipment.

If You're Unsure – Stop Use & Contact Us

If at any point you are concerned about:

• Equipment condition

• Inflation

• Anchoring

• Weather

• Wind

• Electrical supply

• User safety

• Damage

• Any other safety issue

Stop using the equipment and contact AW Inflatables.

Never continue using equipment if you believe something may be unsafe.

Your Responsibility During the Hire

Once equipment has been safely installed and handed over, the hirer is responsible for ensuring it is appropriately supervised and operated in accordance with:

• These instructions

• Equipment-specific rules

• Safety signage

• Instructions provided by AW Inflatables

• The Terms & Conditions of Hire

These basic instructions do not replace equipment-specific operating requirements.