In May 2004 prEN 14960 was issued. This is the Draft European Norm for “Inflatable Play Equipment – Safety requirements and test methods”. The document was sent to all EEC countries for public comment at that time. This process has now been completed and by December 9th, 2004 all comment had been received and distributed to members of WG9, the CEN Committee involved in producing the standards.

It is envisaged that the European Standard will be completed and issued during 2006 towards the end of the year.

In the meantime the UK Inflatables Industry has adopted prEN 14960 with a few minor obvious drafting amendments.

Those organisations involved include the following:

1. IPMA Inflatable Play Manufacturers Association.
2. AIMODS Association of Inflatable Manufacturers, Operators, Designers.
3. BIHA British Inflatable Hirers Association / & Suppliers.
4. NAIH National Association of Inflatable Hirers.

This means that from 1st January 2005 all items purchased and sold by IPMA or AIMODS Members will conform to prEN 14960 or by mature product status coupled to risk assessment will meet the appropriate safety requirements.

The UK Industry – the four organisations listed above have also adopted the Pertexa Inflatable Play Accreditation Scheme (PIPA) which has been fully endorsed by the UK Health & Safety Executive.

For new products – either existing or new designs it will mean that Design Reviews and Initial Test will be mandatory to ensure the products comply with prEN 14960.

For every play inflatable in use within the UK an independent annual inspection will be essential.

Design Reviews, Initial Tests and Annual Inspections are required to be carried out by a competent person – the PIPA Scheme insists these are solely carried out by Register of Play Inspector International qualified inspectors. These are qualified similar to an Accountant or Engineer and have to pass a theoretical and practical examination.

John Simmons is retained by the Company as a Technical Consultant. He is the Chairman of IPMA, a member of the “Inflatables CEN Committee” and a Director of the Register of Play Inspectors International.

Therefore, if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

Product Safety
August 2004

We are proud to be a member of Inflatable Play Manufactures Association (IPMA) which promotes safe design, manufacture and use of inflatables. An IPMA quality assurance label is attached to all our inflatables guaranteeing quality and safety to every customer.
As well as our own 12 months guarantee and full repair and after sales service, our range of inflatables are designed and manufactured to comply with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Guidance Note PM76. A valid manufacturing certificate accompanies every inflatable we produce.