Bounce houses have become a popular form of entertainment for children's parties and events, but it's important for parents to be aware of the safety standards and regulations in place to ensure the safe use of these inflatable structures. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the safety standards and regulations for bounce houses and what parents need to know to ensure the safety of their children while they're playing in them.
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ASTM International Standards: The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International has established safety standards for the design, construction, and performance of inflatable bounce houses. These standards cover things like material strength, size and weight limits, and safety features such as emergency exits. Parents should look for inflatable structures that meet or exceed these standards to ensure the safety of their children.
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Safety inspections: Inflatable bounce houses should be inspected regularly by a qualified inspector to ensure that they meet safety standards and are in good working condition. Parents should ask the bounce house rental company or the operator of the bounce house if the equipment has been inspected recently and if there are any safety concerns.
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Safety guidelines: Parents should also be aware of safety guidelines for the use of inflatable bounce houses. These guidelines include things like limiting the number of children inside the bounce house at one time, ensuring that children are supervised at all times, and not allowing children to wear shoes or other sharp objects inside the bounce house.
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Weather conditions: Inflatable bounce houses should not be used in inclement weather conditions such as high winds, rain, or lightning. Parents should also be aware that bounce houses can become extremely hot in the sun, so it's important to provide shade and water for children to prevent heat exhaustion.
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Proper installation and setup: It's important to ensure that the bounce house is properly installed and set up in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Parents should be aware that bounce houses should be placed on a level surface, properly anchored, and have an adequate airflow to prevent over-heating.
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Proper maintenance: Parents should also be aware that inflatable bounce houses require regular maintenance, including cleaning and sanitizing, to ensure that they are safe for use. Parents should ask the bounce house rental company or operator about their maintenance procedures to ensure that they meet or exceed industry standards.
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Insurance: Parents should also be aware that most bounce house rental companies carry liability insurance, but it's important to check with the company to ensure that they have adequate coverage. This can provide parents with peace of mind in case of accidents or injuries.
Overall, safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to inflatable bounce houses. Parents should be aware of the safety standards and regulations in place, and should take the necessary steps to ensure the safe use of these structures for their children. By following these guidelines and being aware of the potential risks, parents can ensure that their children have a safe and enjoyable experience while playing in a bounce house.
Take a look at a collection of Bounce Houses and inflatables here.