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All BIHA members, (currently trading), must follow a Code of Conduct. It is divided into a compulsory section and also a strongly recommended section.

Please note that this Code of Conduct is designed to not only make the industry safer, but to help operators run a more professional and profitable hire business. (Please also refer to the Standard: BS EN 14960:2006 for more detailed information on Best Practice)

***Please also read the Play Safe Do's and Don'ts and also Safe use and operation of play inflatables including bouncy castles

If a member deliberately violates any of the compulsory codes of conduct (or refuses to comply) then they will forfeit their right to continue in membership, until they can prove that they can conform to the code as laid out below.

If a member violates any of the strongly recommended codes of conduct, then they may, as a result, be frowned upon by their customers & competitors and lose business.

Compulsory:

1. All inflatables must be visually inspected at the start of each hire for any rips, holes or bulges, or signs of damage which could cause equipment failure.

2. All inflatables must be correctly staked down at all anchor points (usually minimum of 6) and guide ropes, where applicable, must be used. If the inflatable has to be sited on a hard surface such as concrete, wood or tarmac, then adequate heavy sand-bags must be attached to the anchor points to secure the inflatable. (Safety mats must also be used for entry/exit points when the inflatable is sited on a hard surface).

3. Every customer must be given a terms & conditions of hire form and either a safety cartoon sheet, or written safety/operating instructions (or similar) e.g. www.biha.org.uk/safecartoons1. Every customer must be made aware of the maximum age (or height) and maximum number of users permitted on the inflatable. Also, see www.biha.org.uk/free.htm where some "Terms & Conditions of Hire" forms can be downloaded.

4. Electrics must be PAT tested on an annual basis. (This includes blowers, extension reels, RCD's and the electric mechanism on rodeo bulls etc.) THIS IS THE LAW. RCD's (power breakers) must always be used and installed at the source (not attached to the blower or extension reel socket).

5. Operators must NEVER hire out "toy" bouncy castles, slides or other "toy" inflatables designed or classed for domestic use. These are not strong enough for commercial hiring.

6. Operators must always ensure that the age group of the users (e.g. children) is suitable for the size and type of inflatable. (e.g. a 12ft x 12ft bouncy castle is generally considered too small to accommodate teenagers).

7. Operators must always be polite & courteous to their customers, and other inflatable hire companies they come across.

8. In the event of very windy weather (Rule of thumb: wind speeds in excess of 25mph), the inflatable must be switched off. If the inflatable is sited on a hard surface with sand-bags, then it should be switched off in windy weather (Rule of thumb: wind-speeds in excess of 15mph.) The inflatable must not be used in the event of heavy rain (light showers are ok) because they can become very slippery when wet.

9. Operators must always ensure that any exposed electrical connections are fully waterproofed prior to use. Use of specially designed waterproof outdoor electrical connections is best or rain covers designed to cover the blower, and the extension reel completely.

10. Operators must use a slip-sheet on inflatable slides (medium to large slides) to prevent users from falling through a split seam. (This requirement is not compulsory on some children's slides where the drop may be small (e.g. 3 -- 5 feet, or 1m -- 1.5m). Although, it is recommended to have slip sheets on ALL slides.

11. Operators must never knowingly sell second-hand inflatables which are in a dangerous condition through any second-hand avenues e.g. eBay, the industry message board or the BIHA newsletter/alert.

12. Operators must ensure that responsible adults will be available to supervise children while playing on their inflatables.

13. All operators must have their inflatables tested by a "competant person" at appropriate intervals (i.e. yearly).

This is a legal requirement under PUWER 1998. (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations). See: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg291.pdf The BIHA strongly recommend that this test is carried out by a PIPA or RPII registered tester - see: http://www.pipa.org.uk

Currently, the PIPA scheme (best practice) applies to bouncy castles, inflatable slides and any other non-domestic play inflatables used by children (and adults!) for bouncing and sliding.. Please see: http://www.pipa.org.uk

Strongly Recommended:

It is strongly recommended that operators provide rain-covers for their bouncy castles (especially when used by children). This provides protection from the rain and the sun. It is strongly recommended that all operators buy Public Liability insurance for their inflatables. (£1m, £2m or £5m). Since March 2004 the cost has come down significantly. Operators who choose to run their business without PL insurance are being extremely unwise and to save a few pounds a year are playing a big risk with their personal finances. As PL insurance is now relatively cheap, all operators should have it automatically. In addition, many local authorities and organisations insist that the operator has PL insurance in place before they will book an inflatable(s). It is strongly recommended that the blower is sited at least 1.2 metres (approx. 4 feet) from the outer wall of the inflatable.

4. It is strongly recommended that adequate safety mats are provided at the opening of each inflatable and at the bottom of slides. (N.B. If the inflatable is sited on a hard surface such as concrete, then providing safety mats at entry/exit points is compulsory)