Bouncy Castle & Inflatable Safety

Whether they’re at a backyard party, school fair, or community event, bouncy castles and inflatable devices can be a lot of fun—if they’re used safely. Here are some friendly tips to keep everyone safe and happy if you’re setting one up or using a rental company. Take Action. Think Safe.

Amusement Rides & Inflatable Safety
Amusement Rides Bouncy Castle & Inflatable Safety

Stay Safe 

Make the most out of your ride  by following safety tips published by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions:

  • Remove shoes, glasses, and jewelry before entering.
  • Bounce in the center of the inflatable, away from the edges.
  • Keep hands free while bouncing and don’t hold onto anything.
  • Pay attention to other users and give each other space.
  • No rough play, pushing, or tackling allowed. Do not do somersaults or perform other stunts.
  • Stop if you feel dizzy or tired.
  • Food, drinks, and sharp objects should stay out of the inflatable.
  • Respect all age and weight limits for the device.
  • Use the entrance/exit carefully—no jumping off!
  • Exit quickly if the inflatable starts to deflate.

Never force anyone, especially children, to ride an attraction they don’t want to ride.

bouncy castle.jpg

Hosting an Event with Inflatables

If you are organizing an event that will feature bouncy castles or inflatable devices, make sure:

  • Inflated devices are properly anchored (with stakes or ballasts), so they don’t move or turn over during play or because of a gust of wind.
  • Inflatables are installed on level ground away from structures, trees, and dangerous areas. (Ideally, inflatables should sit on asphalt, hard compact soil, or a grassy area free of rocks or sharp objects.)
  • Inflatables are never be operated on days with a windspeed over the maximum allowable for the device. Operating them on windy days can be hazardous. If the wind picks up during your event, have the operator evacuate all riders and put the inflatables away. 
  • The inflated devices at your event don’t get overcrowded. 
  • At least one adult is present at all times when children are using the inflatables. 
  • Children are discouraged from performing somersaults and other stunts.

Checking Operator and Device Safety at Your Event

If you are organizing an event that will feature bouncy castles or inflatable devices, make sure:

  • Inflated devices are properly anchored (with stakes or ballasts), so they don’t move or turn over during play or because of a gust of wind.
  • Inflatables are installed on level ground away from structures, trees, and dangerous areas. (Ideally, inflatables should sit on asphalt, hard compact soil, or a grassy area free of rocks or sharp objects.)
  • Inflatables are never be operated on days with a windspeed over the maximum allowable for the device. Operating them on windy days can be hazardous. If the wind picks up during your event, have the operator evacuate all riders and put the inflatables away. 
  • The inflated devices at your event don’t get overcrowded.
  • At least one adult is present at all times when children are using the inflatables.
  • Children are discouraged from performing somersaults and other stunts.

 

TSSA Keeps You Safe

Ontario’s Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) regulates inflatable devices designed to entertain thrill-seekers, such as: 

  • Inflatable bouncy castles, boxing rings with inflated floors and crawl-throughs
  • Inflatable wet/dry slides
  • Inflataparks
  • Inflatable bungee runs, etc.

To protect the safety of children and other users at carnivals, fairs, amusement parks, and other venues and events, we work with park owners and ride operators to make sure that operators are licensed, inflatable are permitted to operate, and mechanics are certified. TSSA also inspects the inflatables to make sure they are safe. 

What’s Regulated? What’s Not?

Not all inflatable devices are regulated by TSSA.

Regulated Inflatables

Regulated inflatables typically have an inflated floor for bouncing or traversing a course. They may be covered or open-top. Regulated devices typically include inflatable slides.

Regulated devices must conform to specific regulations, codes, and safety standards and must have a TSSA-issued Amusement Device Permit to operate in Ontario. See “What to Do When You’re Hosting an Event with Inflatables” above for more details.

If your device is both an “air-supported” structure and an “amusement device,” TSSA regulates it, and it requires a permit. 

An air-supported structure:

  • Incorporates a structural and mechanical system, and
  • Uses internal air pressure and a high-strength fabric or film to achieve its strength, shape, and stability.

An amusement device is something that moves users or causes them to be moved. In other words, it has one or more of the following:

  • An inflated floor or surface on which patrons play, jump or bounce.
  • Bungee cords that help or restrict the movement of someone using it.
  • An inflated slide.

For example, a boxing ring with an inflatable floor is both an air-supported structure and an amusement device. TSSA regulates it.  

Exemptions

TSSA does not regulate the use of inflatable devices at private dwellings that are used exclusively by the owner or occupants and their guests. (Note: Churches, schools, and parks are never considered private dwellings, even if they are hosting private events.)

TSSA does not regulate specific kinds of devices:

  • Inflatable pads or mattresses that are used solely as a cushion to soften a fall. 
  • Concession-style games where people on the ground use the device, but do not play inside it—for example, inflatable pitching tents, football throws, or golf simulator tents.
  • Oversized inflatable board games such as chess or checkers.
  • Mazes, tents, houses, or similar walk-through devices that do not have an inflated floor.
  • Boundary fences for sporting events, miniature go-karts, or tricycles, if these fences enclose an area without an inflated floor.

Please see TSSA’s Inflatable and Bungee Device Decision Tree (pdf) to check if an inflatable device is regulated.  If you’re unsure, contact TSSA Amusement Devices Engineering at addesignsubmittal@tssa.org. 

Reporting Safety Concerns

If you see anything related to a bouncy castle or inflatable that appears unsafe, report it to TSSA—24 hours a day, 7 days a week—by calling +1-877-682-8772. Choose Option 1 to be connected to our incident hotline (managed by the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Energy’s Spills Action Centre). 

If you witness an accident, call 911 and stay on the line to provide information about your exact location. 

Resources

Amusement Wheels Image