Are Bouncy Castles Safe? A Parent’s Guide to PIPA Testing
You’ve booked the venue, written the invites, and picked out the cake. Now comes the big question: how do I keep the kids entertained — and safe — at the party? For many parents, a bouncy castle feels like the perfect solution: active fun, happy children, and endless giggles. But then the worry creeps in… are bouncy castles safe?
The short answer: yes, they absolutely can be — if you hire from a professional company that puts safety first. This is where PIPA testing and proper standards come in.
What Makes a Bouncy Castle Safe?
Bouncy castles are designed for fun, but they’re also carefully engineered pieces of equipment. Just like a car needs an MOT, inflatables need regular testing and inspection to make sure they’re in top condition.
The key things that make a bouncy castle safe include:
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Strong materials designed to withstand hours of jumping.
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Secure anchoring so they don’t move in the wind.
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Protective netting and walls to prevent falls.
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Clear safety rules (like no shoes, no food, and sensible age limits).
But the most important part? Independent safety testing. That’s where PIPA comes in.
What is PIPA Testing?
PIPA stands for Pertexa Inflatable Play Accreditation — a nationally recognised safety scheme backed by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). It’s the gold standard for inflatable safety in the UK.
When you see that a bouncy castle has a PIPA tag, you know it has been:
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Inspected by a qualified tester trained to national standards.
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Checked against BS EN 14960, the European safety standard for inflatables.
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Issued a unique tag number, which you can look up on the official PIPA website.
This isn’t just a one-off test either. Every inflatable must be retested every 12 months to stay compliant. At Best Party Hire, we keep all our inflatables up to date, so parents can book with complete confidence.
How Can Parents Check for Safety?
Here’s a quick checklist for mums, dads, and organisers to make sure their chosen inflatable is safe:
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Ask about PIPA tags. Every tested inflatable will have a visible tag with a number. You can even look it up online for peace of mind.
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Check the setup. A professional company (like us!) will secure the castle with strong stakes or weights, and explain safety rules before leaving.
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Look at cleanliness. Safe also means hygienic. All equipment should arrive freshly cleaned and ready for play.
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Know the rules. Follow the guidance on numbers, age ranges, and supervision. No inflatable is safe without a watchful adult nearby.
Why Choose Best Party Hire?
At Best Party Hire, safety is our number one priority. Here’s why parents across Leamington Spa, Warwick, Banbury and the surrounding areas trust us:
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All inflatables are PIPA tested and tagged — you can check every castle online.
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We only use equipment that meets BS EN 14960 standards.
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Fully insured and professionally trained team.
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Clean and hygienic equipment, every single time.
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Hassle-free delivery and setup — we take care of everything, so you don’t have to stress.
We know parents want the best for their little ones, and that’s exactly what we provide: safe, fun, family-friendly entertainment that everyone can enjoy.
Ready to Book?
Bouncy castles are safe, magical, and the highlight of any party — as long as they’re hired from the right company. With PIPA testing, professional setup, and clear safety rules, you can relax knowing your children are bouncing in safe hands.
📞 Call us today on 07761 907 472
📧 Email: luke@bestpartyhire.com
🌐 Visit: www.bestpartyhire.com
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Book now, and let’s make your next party unforgettable — and completely safe. 🎈
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