A professional bouncy castle is often the shining centerpiece of every event and a guarantee for enthusiastic guests and an exuberant atmosphere. It promises hours of fun and unforgettable moments. But keeping this promise without incident requires more than just connecting a blower. This guide is your comprehensive roadmap to ensure your guests' fun is accompanied by uncompromising safety.
At a glance: The instructions in 5 steps
Step 1: Site analysis and professional preparation
Carefully inspect the entire area and remove any pointed or sharp-edged objects (stones, glass, branches). Plan a clear safety zone of at least 1.8 meters around the sides and 3.5 meters in the entry and exit areas and check the airspace for obstacles such as power lines.
Step 2: Lay out the protective tarpaulin and position the bouncy castle
Spread the robust groundsheet completely over the prepared surface. This protects the PVC material from abrasion and contamination. Unroll the bouncy castle on the tarp and position it so that the entrance area faces the audience and the fan connection is convenient to the power source.
Step 3: Check connections and connect blower
A critical, often overlooked step: Check and securely close all air release zippers on the bounce house. Next, securely connect the air fill hose to the blower nozzle, ensuring the hose is straight and without kinks for optimal airflow.
Step 4: Inflate and anchor according to standards
Connect the blower to a dedicated circuit and turn it on. Once the bouncy castle is fully inflated and bulging, it must be immediately secured to all designated anchoring points. Drive pegs into soft ground at a 45 degree angle or secure the castle on hard ground with heavy ballast weights (e.g. water bags with sufficient weight).
Step 5: Establish operating rules and ensure oversight
Designate a responsible adult supervisor to actively monitor operations at all times. Communicate clear usage rules to participants and enforce them consistently to ensure the safety of all guests and control the maximum number of users.
The structure in detail: Your expert knowledge for a safe event
For all organizers who want to know in detail, we will examine every aspect of the preparation and construction in detail, based on the European safety standard DIN EN 14960.
Chapter 1: Preparation – The foundation for a safe event
1.1 Smart location selection: The perfect foundation
Choosing the right location is the first critical step. The surface must meet two main criteria: it must be level and free of hazards. Before laying out the tarpaulin, the entire area must be carefully walked and all pointed or sharp-edged objects such as stones, broken glass, branches or nails removed.
1.2 Safety zones and distances: Space for a safe experience
A bouncy castle must never be placed directly next to obstacles. A free, unhindered security zone must be established around them. The European standard DIN EN 14960, which applies to commercial bouncy castles, provides clear guidelines that should also serve as the gold standard for private use: a free space of at least 1.8 meters on three sides and at least 3.5 meters in the entry and exit area.
1.3 The equipment checklist: Is everything ready?
Nothing is more frustrating than discovering in the middle of construction that a crucial part is missing. A complete inspection of the equipment before starting is therefore essential. The following table summarizes all the necessary components and serves as a practical checklist.
1.4 The weather check: risk management for your event
Weather is a crucial factor that cannot be ignored. The Wind Limit: This is an absolute and non-negotiable safety rule. The operation of a bouncy castle must be stopped at the latest when wind force 5 (corresponds to 29-38 km/h).
An unforgettable event with safety and fun
Building a bouncy castle is an uncomplicated undertaking if you do it right. However, the real key to success lies in conscientious preparation, uncompromising anchoring and constant, active supervision. These three pillars are responsible for safety and ensure that an exciting event becomes an all-round positive memory.
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