Written by Luke
After being in this industry for over 15 years, you learn a lot about safety and just how bad some set-ups can be. Below is how we would find a good business if we were looking to hire inflatables.
We have split it into two sections:
- What to look for before you book
- What to look for once your hire company arrives
What to look for before you book
Insurance and Testing
The basics first: insurance. Some companies have their insurance documents available on their website, while others provide them on request. Both are fine, but always check that they have valid insurance before booking.
The second basic is inflatable testing. Inflatables should be inspected by a competent person to the BS EN 14960 standard. Ask to see a valid test certificate before booking.
At Best Party Hire, we use the PIPA Scheme as it keeps the testing information online, making it easy for customers to check that the inflatable has been properly tested and is up to date.
Check the socials
I would also check if the company has active social media pages and that they update them regularly. It does not look great if there have been no posts for several months, as it can make it look like the business is no longer active.
Also check if they have up-to-date Google reviews. Recent reviews help show that the company is still trading regularly and that customers are happy with the service they are receiving.
Do they keep their website updated
Or is it years out of date and confusing to use?
An up-to-date website helps show that the business is active and takes pride in what they do. You should be able to find clear prices, contact details, safety information, and recent photos without struggling to navigate the site.
What to look for once your hire company arrives
They should arrive in a van. Anyone arriving by car is likely to struggle, risk damaging their suspension, and will not be able to complete more than a couple of hires during the day. The van should also be in reasonable condition. A well-maintained van can be a good sign that the business looks after its equipment properly.
Check How the Inflatable Is Secured
Do they supply sandbags for indoor hires and suitable safety mats for the step area? These mats should be 2 inches thick and extend at least 1.2 metres from the step to help reduce injuries if children fall.
When outside, do they peg in all the anchor points? It is a basic requirement that every inflatable has a minimum of six anchor points and that every point is securely pegged into the ground.
A major red flag is someone using sandbags outdoors.
Check the Electrical Equipment Is Safe
Are the extension leads IP66 rated and in good condition? Split cables, damaged plugs, or taped-up wires can be very dangerous, especially in wet weather.
Cable reels should also be fully unwound during use to help prevent overheating and reduce the risk of fire.
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