inflatable devices ballot april-2015

Designation: X XXXX-XX

Work Item Number: WK48002

Date: 03/23/2015

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This document is not an ASTM standard; it is under consideration within an ASTM technical committee but has not received all approvals required to become an ASTM standard. You agree not to reproduce or circulate or quote, in whole or in part, this document outside of ASTM Committee/Society activities, or submit it to any other organization or standards bodies (whether national, international, or other) except with the approval of the Chairman of the Committee having jurisdiction and the written authorization of the President of the Society. If you do not agree with these conditions please immediately destroy all copies of the document. Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. All Rights Reserved.

Ballot Rationale: 1

The original ASTM standard for inflatable amusement devices, F2374, was published in 2

2004 and has not been significantly updated since then. Rising injury rates within the 3

NEISS data and media reports of incidents involving inflatable devices that became wind 4

borne with patrons inside brought pressure from the Consumer Product Safety 5

Commission and other regulatory agencies to improve the standard. 6

Key areas of focus for this new standard include: secure anchoring, use of impact 7

attenuation materials to reduce risk of serious head injuries resulting from falls, and 8

expanded operational guidelines for installers, attendants, and patrons. 9

The task group welcomes all constructive feedback. If you’re voting negative, please 10

provide specific suggestions to address the deficiencies. 11

If you have any questions, contact one of the task group chairs: 12

Kathy Fackler - Administrative lead - [email protected] 13

Bob Field - Design and Manufacturing - [email protected] 14

Kevin Wieging - Operations and Patron Education - [email protected] 15

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Standard Practice for 18

Design, Manufacture, Installation, Operation, Maintenance, 19

Inspection and Major Modification of Air Inflatable Devices1 20

This standard is issued under the fixed designation X XXXX; the number immediately following the designation 21 indicates the year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses 22 indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript epsilon () indicates an editorial change since the last revision or 23 reapproval. 24

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1. Scope 26

1.1 The purpose of this practice is to delineate requirements regarding the design, 27

manufacture, installation, operation, maintenance, inspection and major modification of air 28

inflatable devices with the primary purpose of amusement, entertainment or recreation. 29

1 This Practice/Guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices and is

the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F24.61 on Adventure Attractions. Current edition approved XXX. XX, XXXX. Published XX XXXX. DOI: 10.1520/XXXXX-XX.

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1.2 This standard applies to air inflatable devices used primarily in amusement, 30

entertainment or recreational applications. Such applications include but are not limited to 31

amusement parks, theme parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, rental companies, 32

fitness centers, gyms, gymnastics facilities, jump centers, sports facilities, skate parks, camps, 33

shopping centers, temporary special events, carnivals and municipal parks. 34

1.3 This practice establishes guidelines that will provide a level of conformity for the purpose 35

of reducing potential hazards to patrons, attendants, and spectators. 36

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the hazards associated with air inflatable 37

devices. The standard’s existence alone will not prevent injuries. Like other physical activities, 38

air inflatable device use involves the risk of injury, particularly if the equipment is used 39

improperly or if users exceed their capabilities, endurance, training, or experience. 40

1.5 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory 41

material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be 42

considered as requirements of the standard. 43

1.6 This practice includes an annex (mandatory), which provides additional information (for 44

example, rationale, background, interpretations, drawings, commentary, and so forth) to improve 45

the user’s understanding and application of the criteria presented in this practice. The annex 46

information shall be interpreted as mandatory criteria. 47

1.7 This practice includes an appendix (non-mandatory), which provides additional 48

information (for example, rationale, background, interpretations, drawings, commentary, and so 49

forth.) to improve the user’s understanding and application of the criteria presented in this 50

practice. The appendix information shall not be interpreted as mandatory criteria. 51

1.8 This standard includes the following sections: 52

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Section 53

Scope 1 54

Referenced Documents 2 55

Terminology 3 56

Significance and Use 4 57

Quality, Manufacture, Construction and Installation 5 58

Materials 6 59

General Design 7 60

Anchoring Systems 8 61

Type-Specific Design Criteria 9 62

Ancillary Support Equipment 10 63

Major Modification 11 64

Information Plate 12 65

Information Requirements 13 66

Certifications 14 67

Performance Criteria 15 68

Classification of Injuries and Illnesses 16 69

Notification Requirements 17 70

Manufacturer Responsibilities 18 71

Owner/Operator Responsibilities 19 72

Patron Education 20 73

Patron Responsibility 21 74

Keywords 22 75

Annex Annex A1 76

Appendix Appendix X1 77

1.9 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values 78

given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information 79

only and are not considered standard. 80

1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated 81

with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and 82

health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 83

84

2. Referenced Documents 85

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2.1 ASTM Standards: 86

D3787, “Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textiles-Constant-Rate-of-Traverse 87

(CRT) Ball Burst Test. 88

F770, Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides 89

and Devices. 90

F1159, Standard Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices that are Outside the 91

Purview of Other F24 Design Standards. 92

F2375, Practice for Design, Manufacture, Installation and Testing of Climbing Nets and 93

Netting/Mesh used in Amusement Rides, Devices, Play Areas and Attractions 94

F2974, Standard Guide for Auditing Amusement Rides and Devices 95

NFPA 70, Article 525.23, Section 4, Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) Protection. 96

F355, Laboratory testing of attenuation materials. 97

F2397, Standard Specification for Protective Headgear. 98

F1772, Standard Specification for Harnesses for Rescue, Safety, and Sport Activities. 99

100

3. Terminology 101

3.1 Reference Terminology F747. 102

3.2 .2 Air Inflatable Device, n— an inflated device used for amusement, entertainment or 103

recreation that does not require, other than a supporting continuous air blower, the use of 104

mechanical assistance to operate. 105

3.3 Attendant, n— individual responsible for the operation of the inflatable amusement 106

device, supervising participants, emergency evacuation, and monitoring weather conditions 107

while device is in operation. 108

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3.4 Braided Rope, n— cylindrically produced rope made by intertwining, maypole fashion, 109

several to many strands according to a definite pattern with adjacent strands normally containing 110

yarns of the opposite twist. 111

3.5 Captured Air Inflatable, n— a structure or device that maintains inflation without the 112

need for a constant air supply. 113

3.6 Containment, n—in inflatable amusement device, the action of keeping something 114

potential harmful under control. 115

3.7 Continuous Air Inflatable, n— a structure or device that requires constant air to be 116

supplied to maintain structure, form, shape or integrity. 117

3.8 Dynamic, adj—in rope, has stretch incorporated in its construction. 118

3.9 Egress, n— the action of leaving or exiting a place. 119

3.10 Entrapment Point, n— any area of an inflatable device which may ensnare a patron(s) 120

and does not allow a smooth transition through that device. 121

3.11 Head Injury Criterion, HIC, n—a measure of impact likelihood of head injury arising 122

from an impact 123

3.12 Impact Attenuation, n— property of a surface that, through localized deformation or 124

displacement, absorbs the energy of an impact in a way that reduces the magnitudes of peak 125

impact force and peak acceleration. 126

3.13 Impact Attenuation Mat, n— an impact absorbing material designed to reduce the risk 127

of a serious head injury if a patron falls from an inflatable device. 128

3.14 Ingress, n— a place or means of access: an entrance. 129

3.15 Non-Slip, adj— any surface that does not promote a loss of traction. 130

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3.16 Obstruction, n— in inflatable amusement device, any non-inflated device or structure 131

contained in or around an air inflatable device. 132

3.17 Owner/ Operator, n— person, entity or organization that is responsible for the 133

maintenance, installation and operation of an inflatable amusement device. 134

3.18 Pressure Relief Valve, n— spring controlled valve that bleeds excess pressure from an 135

inflatable device when full inflation has been achieved. 136

3.19 Professional Engineer, PE, n— a licensed engineer who is recognized by an accredited 137

organization. 138

3.20 Tensile Strength, n— in rope, average strength of new rope under laboratory conditions. 139

3.21 Use Zone, n—the surface under and around an inflatable amusement device onto which 140

a child falling from or exiting from the equipment would be expected to land. 141

3.22 Working Load, n— in rope, tensile strength divided by a factor that more accurately 142

reflects the maximum load that should be applied to a given rope to assure a comfortable safety 143

margin and longevity of the line. 144

4. Significance and Use 145

4.1 This practice is intended to provide consistent criteria, references and operational 146

considerations in the specifications, management and construction of air inflatable devices. 147

4.2 This practice is intended to be taken into consideration by designers, engineers, 148

manufacturers, appropriate inspectors, owners and operators who are involved with the design, 149

construction, manufacture, installation, operation, maintenance, inspection or major modification 150

of air inflatable devices. 151

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4.3 This practice does apply to air inflatable devices commonly referred to as a bounce, slide, 152

obstacle course, challenge course, interactive play, game, movie screen, misting station, tunnel, 153

air bag, climbing wall or combination unit. 154

4.4 This practice does apply to air inflatable devices used as an element or in combination 155

with another air inflatable device, trampoline, trampoline court, adventure attraction, adventure 156

course, zip line, swing, ball, trapeze bar, mechanical bull, surf simulator, climbing structure, pit, 157

inflatable impact attenuation system, amusement ride or amusement device. 158

4.5 This practice does apply to air inflatable devices that deploy a membrane over or in 159

combination with a pit or box structure. 160

4.6 This practice does apply to air inflatable devices that are designed for dry use, wet use or 161

a combination of wet/dry use. 162

4.7 This practice does not apply to consumer captured air or constant air inflatable devices 163

designed exclusively for home use. 164

4.8 This practice does not apply to stand alone captured air inflatable devices that are 165

designed to be worn by a patron or a patron is contained within the elevated pressure area, the 166

device is designed to be mobile during its intended use, the device does not include an anchoring 167

or ballasting system and the device contains less than 270 cubic feet of air. Examples include 168

but are not limited to: a sumo wrestling suit, a soccer suit, a water walking ball, a sports ball, a 169

hamster ball, a hill-rolling ball. 170

4.9 This practice does not apply to constant air inflatable devices where the structures shape 171

is maintained by air pressure, the patrons are contained within the elevated pressure area and the 172

device contains more than 100,000 cubic feet of air. 173

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4.10 This practice does not apply to captured air inflatable devices designed to be used 174

primarily in or on water. 175

4.11 This practice does not apply to inflatable personal flotation devices or inflatable 176

restraint cushions. 177

4.12 This standard does not apply to non-participatory static inflatable displays used for 178

advertising and promotion. 179

5. Quality, Manufacture, Construction and Installation 180

5.1 Quality, manufacture, construction and installation shall be in accordance with Practice 181

F1193, F1159, F2375, D3787, and F770. 182

5.2 All components shall be installed as per designer and manufacturer specifications. 183

5.3 There shall be no Entrapment Points as defined by F1487. 184

5.4 The number of patrons and maximum size of each patron that the structure can safely 185

contain at any one time is specified in the operations manual and on the safety labeling per 186

manufacturers designation for patron capacities. Occupancy cannot exceed maximum number of 187

patrons and patron size cannot exceed maximum weight per patron posted on the device. 188

5.4.1 The maximum number of patrons with maximum weight (per person) along with 189

maximum height and minimum height shall be indicated on the safety label. 190

5.4.2 Manufacturers of air inflatable devices shall identify limitations in size of individuals 191

utilizing an inflatable device at any given time. 192

5.5 There shall be no hard or sharp angles in any part of the air inflatable device that is 193

accessible to patrons during use. Such items include outside seams with a raw edge, square 194

inflated corners and sharp pointed cones. 195

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6. Materials 196

6.1 Material (Fabric) Strength 197

6.1.1 Fabrics shall be of adequate tear and tensile strength for the weight of the intended 198

users and have sufficient air retention abilities to enable the air inflatable device, when 199

pressurized to the levels specified in the operation manual, to resume its intended shape after 200

distortion under load. 201

6.1.2 Fabrics used in those parts of the air inflatable device that are subject to force or stress 202

as applied by the patrons or the anchorage system shall comply with ASTM D5446. Standard 203

Practice for Determining Physical Properties of Fabrics, Yarns, and Sewing Thread Used in 204

Inflatable Restraints. 205

6.1.2.1 Minimum tear strength of 81 warp and 83 weft when tested in accordance with 206

method D3787, Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textiles-Constant-Rate-of- 207

Traverse (CRT) Ball Burst Test. 208

6.1.2.2 Minimum tensile strength of 444 warp and 441 weft when used in accordance with 209

ASTM D3787. Lower strength fabrics may be used in decorative parts that do not come in 210

contact with patrons. Such fabrics shall be of adequate tear and tensile strength to withstand the 211

design operating pressure. 212

NOTE 1: Cold flex cracking and surface coating adhesions are both measurable parameters 213

that should be considered by the designer as they affect performance of the fabric and must 214

comply with ASTM D3787. 215

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216 Figure 1: Fabric weft and warp 217

6.2 Flammability 218

6.2.1 Coated fabric used for air inflatable devices must comply with Fire testing NFPA 701 219

STANDARD METHOD II. Standard Method for Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles 220

and Film. 221

6.2.2 NFPA 701 testing documentation must be current within 5 years of inspection date for 222

the inflatable device. Tests to be performed by an independent testing facility. 223

6.2.3 Inflatable manufacturer shall maintain flammability test results for material used on the 224

air inflatable device. 225

6.3 Painted or Printed Surfaces 226

6.3.1 Painted or Printed Coated Fabric used in the construction of air inflatable devices must 227

be non-toxic with Phthalate levels not to exceed 0.009 (90 ppm). 228

6.3.2 Painted or Printed materials must comply with NFPA 701 STANDARD METHOD II 229

for Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Film. 230

6.4 Phthalates 231

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6.4.1 Coated Fabric used in the construction of air inflatable devices must be non-toxic with 232

Phthalate levels not to exceed 0.009 (90 ppm). 233

6.5 Thread 234

6.5.1 Equivalent 207 Denier Polyester Thread to be used on air inflatable device in 235

compliance with ASTM D3787. 236

6.6 Netting or Mesh 237

6.6.1 Netting or mesh used in the construction of an air inflatable device must comply with 238

ASTM F2375. Mesh size should be small enough to prevent an 8 mm (.314961”) test probe from 239

passing through. 240

241 Figure 2: Woven mesh 242

6.7 Zippers (Entrance and or Deflation ports) 243

6.7.1 Zippers shall withstand the air pressure generated within the air inflatable device 244

according to manufacturers designated requirements. 245

6.7.2 Zipper pulls shall be accessible to use from both sides. Zippers for deflation purposes 246

shall have the pull concealed from view by use of a flap or pocket. 247

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248 Figure 3: Examples of zipper protection 249

6.8 Impact Attenuation Mats 250

6.8.1 Impact attenuation materials for perimeter areas around ingress and egress areas of 251

inflatable devices must be in accordance with Test Method F355 and section 15.1. 252

7. General Design 253

7.1 Professional Engineer Review and Testing 254

7.1.1 All air inflatable device designs with an inflated floor (mattress) must be reviewed by a 255

Professional Engineer for compliance with this standard practice. 256

7.1.2 All air inflatable device designs with an inflated floor (mattress) shall be Professional 257

Engineer certified for Wind Load calculations based on manufacturer’s stated maximum wind 258

speed for any given air inflatable device. 259

7.1.3 All air inflatable device designs with an inflated floor (mattress) must be in accordance 260

with the applicable testing criteria for steps, ramps and play area surfaces in section 15.2. 261

7.2 Use Zone 262

7.2.1 Patrons should not be able to come into contact with an obstruction placed inside or 263

adjacent to the air inflatable device when in use or during unintended deflation. 264

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7.2.2 Any hard object positioned over the playing area and supported by air pressure that 265

could come in contact with a patron, shall meet the impact attenuation method of testing F355. 266

7.3 Emergency Evacuation 267

7.3.1 The design of the inflatable device shall be sufficient to allow for evacuation in the 268

event of sudden deflation. 269

7.3.2 Exit point(s) for evacuation of the device shall be provided on the inflatable device. 270

7.4 Inflatables Utilizing Water 271

7.4.1 The use of a non-slip surface must be incorporated into the climbing areas of the 272

device. 273

7.4.2 Egress areas must have a non-slip surface for safe exiting of the device. 274

7.5 Inflation Blowers / Blower Ports (Tubes) 275

7.5.1 Inflation blower tubes shall be designed to enable the positioning of the blower location 276

to minimize the risk to patrons. 277

7.5.2 Inflation Blowers shall not be positioned in the fall zone surrounding the ingress and 278

egress areas of the air inflatable device. 279

7.5.3 Inflation blowers shall have a non-return valve to prevent back pressure from escaping 280

the air inflatable device in the event of a power loss. 281

8. Anchoring Systems 282

8.1 Sufficient anchor points shall be provided and located such as to enable stability and 283

restraint to be maintained under the designer’s stated operating conditions. Including but not 284

limited to all potential forces of wind and internal pressures from patrons while in use. 285

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286 Figure 4: Anchor points 287

8.2 The number of anchor points located on the inflatable device shall be designed to 288

accommodate horizontal and vertical loads, acting simultaneously. 289

290 Figure 5: Anchoring example 291

8.3 An anchoring system shall be designed to reduce the risk of injury to operators or patrons 292

from tripping or falling. 293

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8.4 Anchoring systems on all surfaces must comply with wind load calculations supplied by 294

a Professional Engineer, for required weight to secure the inflatable on each anchoring point 295

based on manufacturers stated wind speed limitations. 296

8.5 The anchoring system of each inflatable device must be designed to have a "Computable 297

Anchoring System Capacity" that is higher than the computed “Operating Loads” due to the 298

Design Sustained Wind/Wind Gust Speed by a Factor of Safety (FOS) that is greater than or 299

equal to 1.5. The ratio of allowable working unit stress is defined as: 300

8.6 Staking 301

8.6.1 Correct staking for optimum holding power is demonstrated in Figure 6. 302

303 Figure 6: Correct vs. incorrect staking 304

8.6.2 Metal anchors (stake) should be embedded a minimum of 70% the overall length of the 305

anchor for optimum pull resistance as shown in Figure 7. 306

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307 Figure 7: Stake depth 308

8.6.3 Anchor (stake) Diameter should be a minimum of 5/8” (.625”) with an optimum 309

diameter of 1.0”. The larger the diameter of the anchor (stake) the greater the holding power. As 310

shown in Figure 8. 311

312 Figure 8: Anchor diameter 313

8.6.4 The strength of various types of soil is an important detail for estimating pullout 314

capacity of an anchor (stake). Stake penetration resistance offered by a stake during installation 315

provides a rough estimate as to ground conditions being dry or saturated. Stakes driven into a 316

saturated ground provides approximately half the pulling capacity of the stakes driven into the 317

same ground under dry conditions 318

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8.6.5 The correct way to attach an anchor tether to a metal stake is to use a tied knot that will 319

minimize the reduction of tensile strength of the tether used for anchoring the air inflatable 320

device. An example of one style accepted type of knot is the Taut-Line Hitch which is an 321

adjustable knot that will continue to tighten during use. See Figure 9. 322

323 Figure 9: Taut-line hitch knot 324

8.6.6 Figure 10 shows the relationship between penetrations of a stake into varying ground 325

surfaces with Pullout Capacities. The chart is based on 1.0” diameter stake, driven 70% into 326

surface. Each blow measured using a 16 lb Sledge Hammer with normal swing. 327

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328 Figure 10: Stake penetration per soil type 329

330

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9. Type-Specific Design Criteria 331

9.1 Inflatable Slides / Water Slides 332

9.1.1 Ingress, entry climb area shall include a non-slip surface with equally spaced steps or 333

footholds with hand or grab rails on climb cover or containment walls. 334

335 Figure 11: Ingress, entry climb area 336

9.1.2 Upper landing shall include a transition area no less than 36” x 36” to facilitate from 337

standing climb to seated position for sliding. 338

339 Figure 12: Upper landing transition area 340

9.1.3 Containment wall height shall be a minimum of 36 inches on slides with elevated 341

landing (platform) height of 132” (inches) or higher. 342

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343 Figure 13: Containment wall height for landing heights 132" or higher 344

9.1.4 Containment wall height shall be a minimum of 28 inches on slides with elevated 345

landing (platform) height of 131” (inches) or lower. 346

347 Figure 14: Containment wall height for landing heights 131" or lower 348

9.1.5 Protective cover shall be provided over slide and climb areas to prevent patron from 349

standing, jumping or diving down the slope. Protective cover shall encompass an area over the 350

climb and slide areas with a minimum of 1/3 the slope length of the slide. 351

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352 Figure 15: Protective cover over slide and climb area 353

9.1.6 Landing surface (run out) shall be sufficient in length so that patron cannot reach the 354

bumper or barrier wall at the end of inflatable device, with testing performed using the maximum 355

per person weight as a test method. 356

357 Figure 16: Impact mat for slide 358

9.1.7 Where a landing barrier (wall or bump) or a run out as defined by 9.1.6 is provided, the 359

distance from the landing shall be sufficient to prevent patrons from prematurely exiting the 360

device. 361

9.1.8 Egress area shall allow safe transition to the ground. 362

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9.1.9 Impact attenuation mat shall be in accordance with 15.1 and 18.3.5.1. 363

9.1.10 There shall be no Entrapment Points as defined by F1487 Section 6.1. 364

9.1.11 The manufacturer of an air inflatable device shall test the design for structural 365

integrity with stated capacity of patron weight when continuous air supply has been removed and 366

shall not cause an entrapment point as defined by F1487 Section 6.1. 367

9.1.12 Inflatable slides used in conjunction with water shall use a Ground Fault Circuit 368

Interrupters (G.F.C.I) device per NFPA 70, Article 525.23, Section 4. This G.F.C.I device is to 369

be placed between the power supply and the inflation blower. 370

9.2 Inflatable Bouncers / Bouncer Combos (Containing a Slide or Obstacles) 371

9.2.1 Inflatable bouncers and bouncer combos design must be fully enclosed with a perimeter 372

barrier around all sides structurally tied together to prevent collapse of any portion of the 373

supporting barrier walls and to prevent patrons from falling out of the contained bouncer device. 374

Containment walls shall be a minimum of 1.25 times the height of the indicated maximum height 375

requirement for the device. 376

9.2.2 Supporting containment walls may either be inflated or enclosed with netting or mesh 377

per F2375. 378

9.2.3 Bouncer combos with an exterior slide shall have a protective cover over the slide 379

section to encompass the slide area equal to 1/3 the height of the slide. 380

9.2.4 Bouncer combos with an exterior slide shall have side containment walls with sufficient 381

height to guard patrons from falling out of the air inflatable device. 382

9.2.5 There shall be no entrapment points as defined by F1487 section 6.1. 383

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9.2.6 Inflatable bouncers and or combo devices shall be constructed so there are no 384

hazardous gaps in netting which fingers can be trapped when tested in accordance with test 385

procedures described in 6.6.1. 386

9.2.7 Inflatable bouncers and combos must have an entrance / exit ramp or step for transition 387

from play area to the ground (floor). The entrance ramp or step shall be wide enough to cover the 388

ingress and egress aperture. 389

390 Figure 17: Entrance/exit ramp or step 391

9.2.8 Fully enclosed inflatable bouncers and combo devices shall have a secondary 392

accessible escape opening in the roof of the structure. The escape opening may be enclosed with 393

Hook & Loop enclosure material or a zipper with a minimum of 48” opening. The escape 394

opening location shall be clearly marked from inside and outside the structure. 395


9.3 Inflatable Obstacle Courses and Interactive Games 397

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9.3.1 Inflatable obstacle courses, interactive games or any inflatable devices which include 398

areas to crawl through, crawl over, or crawl under any portion within the inflatable structure, 399

must have no entrapment areas as defined by F1487. 400

9.3.2 Containment walls shall be of sufficient height to contain patrons while the air 401

inflatable device is being operated in the manner for which it was designed. 402

9.3.3 Other than the ingress and egress areas, there shall be no open access areas that would 403

allow patrons to enter or exit the device while in use. 404

9.3.4 Elevated landings over obstacles or obstacle slides must be covered (Contained) to 405

prevent standing areas for patrons. 406

9.3.5 Containment walls on the device with a height lower than 36” shall have impact 407

attenuation mat protection per Test method F355 and 15.1 and 18.3.5.1 stationed below those 408

areas on the device. 409

410 Figure 18: Impact attenuation mat 411


9.4 Inflatable Structures (non inflated floor or play area) 413

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9.4.1 Inflatable structures used as a perimeter (barrier walls) interactive game or display or as 414

a shelter (tent / housing) require anchoring per Section 8. 415

9.4.2 Inflatable structures shall be constructed so there are no hazardous gaps in which 416

fingers can be trapped when tested in accordance with test procedures described in 6.6.1. 417

9.4.3 There shall be no Entrapment Points as defined by F1487. 418

9.4.4 All inflatable structures should have an entrance and exit. The entrance and exit may be 419

the same access point as long as not obstructed. 420

9.4.5 Inflatable tent or housing structures with full containment walls shall have, in addition 421

to an entrance and exit, a minimum of (1) posted emergency exit. The number of emergency 422

exits required shall be determined by the following: 423

9.4.5.1 If the size of the structure is less than 750 square feet or designed for less than 50 424

occupants, there shall be a minimum of (1) posted emergency exits. 425

9.4.5.2 Structures with a capacity of 50 or more occupants shall require a minimum of (2) 426

posted emergency exits. 427

9.4.5.3 The maximum number of occupants that can be accommodated at any one time 428

within the structure shall be considered. The maximum occupancy of a structure can be 429

calculated by using 11 square feet per occupant. For example: 750 square foot structure would 430

have a maximum of 68. (750 ÷ 11 = 68) 431

9.4.5.4 The maximum distance allowed for travel path from inside the air inflatable device to 432

an emergency exit is 200 feet or to local and municipal code requirements. 433

9.4.5.5 The collapse time of the structure in the event of loss of inflation pressure shall be no 434

less than one (1) minute. 435

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9.4.5.6 Emergency exits shall be lighted with visible signage. 436

9.5 Inflatable Structures (Captured Air / Sealed Air) Land Use. 437

9.5.1 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated 438

with use of captured air / sealed air inflatables. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard 439

to establish and determine appropriate safety and health practices and applicability of regulatory 440

limitations prior to use. 441

9.5.2 There shall be no Entrapment Points as defined by F1487. 442

9.5.3 Sufficient anchor points shall be provided and located such as to enable stability and 443

restraint to be maintained under the designer’s stated operating conditions, including but not 444

limited to all potential forces of wind and internal pressures from patrons while in use per 8.1. 445

9.5.4 A Pressure relief valve is required to bleed off excess pressure from an inflatable device 446

when full inflation has been achieved. When accessible during intended use, protruding parts of 447

the valve shall be rounded and not create entanglement or entrapment. 448

9.5.5 Internal air pressure should be within a range of 1 - 2.5 psi when inflatable is inflated in 449

normal temperature conditions. 450

NOTE 2: Cold temperatures may cause a loss in contained pressure resulting in structural 451

instability. 452

9.5.6 Land use Captured Air inflatable that utilize mesh or netting within the design shall 453

adhere to 6.6. 454

9.5.7 Land use Captured Air inflatable devices shall use impact attenuation mats per 15.1. 455

9.5.8 Land use Captured Air inflatable slides shall comply with 9.1. 456

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9.5.9 Land use Captured Air inflatable bouncers, combos (including combos with obstacles) 457

shall adhere to 9.2. 458

9.5.10 Land use Captured Air inflatable obstacle courses and interactive games shall comply 459

with 9.3. 460

9.5.11 Captured Air inflatable Balls, Orbs or Spheres that have the capability to roll and 461

encompass a patron shall be contained within a perimeter barrier. 462

10. Ancillary Support Equipment 463

10.1 Operator Warning System - The inflation system shall incorporate the use of an audio or 464

visual alert system to notify the attendant in the event of disruption of air flow per F2970 Section 465

7.24.15.1. 466

10.2 Joust Poles used in conjunction with an air inflatable device shall not contain any rigid 467

component that could cause injury. e.g.: metal pole, PVC pole, etc. 468

10.3 Boxing Gloves used in conjunction with an air inflatable device shall not have any 469

ridged component that can come in contact with a patron while being used. 470

10.4 Head Gear used in conjunction with an air inflatable device shall comply with F2397. 471

10.5 Climbing Harness used in conjunction with an air inflatable device shall comply with 472

F1772. 473

10.6 Climbing Rope - This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if 474

any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user to follow the rope manufacturer’s 475

requirements. 476

10.6.1 Testing of braided rope shall be done to measure the linear density, lay length and 477

braided pitch with a rope under a specified tension called the reference tension. 478

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10.6.2 The measured elongation of a braided rope shall be done to document the increase in 479

length of the rope when the tension to which it is subjected is increased from an initial value 480

(reference tension) to a value equal to 50% of the minimum specified breaking strength of the 481

rope. 482

10.6.3 The strength and application of rope, when used, shall be determined by the 483

designer/manufacturer of the inflatable device by applying standard structural engineering 484

practices for expected dynamic, live and dead loads and uses materials that are applicable for the 485

intended use. 486

10.6.4 The breaking force is the maximum force registered for a braided rope. The breaking 487

test shall be performed on a tensile testing machine with a constant rate of traverse of the moving 488

element. Breaking force values given in a rope specification supplied by a rope manufacturer are 489

only valid when this type of testing has been performed. 490

10.6.5 Rope and rope accessories in the primary load path shall have a minimum factor of 491

safety (FOS) of five (5). This calculation shall include dynamic load limits. 492

10.6.6 Climbing ropes shall be fixed at both ends and a maximum possible displacement 493

either side of its center line shall not exceed 10% of the distance between the points of fixing. 494

10.6.7 Ropes used in conjunction with inflatable devices shall be made of polyester fibers to 495

reduce degradation due to moisture and UV exposure. 496

10.6.8 The designer/manufacturer shall consider during the design analysis, the effects of the 497

environment and wear on the primary load path materials, including but not limited to ultra-498

violet light, heat, vermin and etc. 499

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500 Figure 19: Braided rope 501

10.6.9 Ropes used to rappel on an inflatable device must be a Dynamic type with a minimum 502

diameter of 9.5mm. 503

11. Major Modification 504

11.1 Major Modifications—As specified in Terminology F747, major modifications shall 505

not occur without written approval from the manufacturer. 506

11.1.1 In the event the manufacturer does not provide written approval for a major 507

modification, the owner/operator may retain a different manufacturer or designer/engineer to 508

complete or approve the major modification, or both. 509

12. Information Plate 510

12.1 The information given in 12.2 shall be included, where applicable, on the information 511

plate as specified in 12.2, and in the documented operating and maintenance instructions to be 512

furnished by the manufacturer or seller at the time of sale of each air inflatable device. 513

12.2 Information Plate—A manufacturer-issued information plate, printed in English, shall 514

be permanently affixed to the air inflatable device in a visible location, and shall be designed to 515

remain legible for the expected life of the air inflatable device. The plate shall include, but not be 516

restricted to, all applicable items listed in 12.2.1-12.2.8. 517

12.2.1 Serial Number—A manufacturer-issued unique identifying number or code affixed to 518

the air inflatable device in a permanent fashion. 519

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12.2.2 Name and Manufacturer—A manufacturer issued unique identifying air inflatable 520

device name, including the name of the manufacturer by city, state, and country. 521

12.2.3 Model Number—A manufacturer-issued unique identifying number or code assigned 522

to each manufactured type of air inflatable device having the same structural design or 523

components. 524

12.2.4 Date of Manufacture—The date (month and year) determined by the manufacturer 525

that the given air inflatable device met his required construction specifications. 526

12.2.5 Patron Capacity by Weight—Maximum total patron weight per air inflatable device. 527

12.2.6 Patron Capacity by Number—Maximum total number of adult or child patrons per air 528

inflatable device. 529

12.2.7 Attendants—Minimum number of attendants required when air inflatable device is in 530

operation or occupied by patrons. 531

12.2.8 Country of Origin—(Example: Made in _________). 532

12.3 The information plate shall state the air inflatable device was built in conformance with 533

this standard practice. 534

13. Information Requirements 535

13.1 The following instructions outline requirements under Practice F1193-06 as applicable 536

to air inflatable devices and include requirements not specified in Practice F1193-06 which are 537

necessary and unique to air inflatable devices. The designer, manufacturer, or supplier shall 538

supply to the owner, operator, purchaser or requesting regulatory authority prior to shipment, the 539

following information in accordance with Practice F1193-06. 540

13.2 Operational Instructions: 541

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13.2.1 Manufacturers of air inflatable devices shall deliver to the owner/operator and make 542

available to regulatory bodies applicable documentation per Practice F1193-06, Sections 10 and 543

11. 544

13.3 Maintenance Procedures: 545


available to regulatory bodies applicable documentation per Practice F1193-06, Section 13. 547

13.4 Inspection Requirements: 548


available to regulatory bodies applicable documentation per Practice F1193-06, Section 15. 550

13.5 Service Bulletins: 551


available to regulatory bodies supplemental notification bulletins in accordance with Practice 553

F1193-06, Section 14. 554

14. Certifications 555

14.1 The following instructions outline requirements under Practice F1193-06 as applicable 556

to air inflatable devices and include requirements not specified in Practice F1193-06 which are 557

necessary and unique to air inflatable devices. The designer, engineer or manufacturer shall 558

supply to the owner, operator, purchaser or requesting regulatory authority, prior to shipment, the 559

following certifications in accordance with Practice F1193-06. 560

14.2 Certification that the air inflatable device bed design, quality, manufacture, and 561

construction are in conformance with Practice F1193-06, and this standard practice. 562

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14.3 Certification that fabrics, textiles, containment netting or small mesh material used in 563

the construction of the air inflatable device have been treated with U/V degradation inhibitors, 564

and a representative sample has been tested and was found in accordance with this standard 565

practice. 566


the construction of the air inflatable device have been treated with flame and smoke spread 568

inhibitors, and a representative sample has been tested and was found in accordance with this 569

standard practice. 570


the construction of the air inflatable device contain no more than 90 ppm of lead. 572

14.6 Certification that the blower system, warning system and electrical system used in the 573

construction of the air inflatable device is in accordance with this standard practice. 574

15. Performance Criteria 575

15.1 Impact Attenuation Mat (HIC) Head Injury Criterion 576

15.1.1 Laboratory Testing of Impact Attenuation—New Materials: 577

15.1.1.1 Impact attenuation materials used to cover the ground (floor) surface areas around 578

the ingress and egress and shall limit the g-max (peak acceleration) to less than an average of 579

100 when a representative sample is tested in accordance with Test Method F355 using a 20 lb. 580

(9.09 kg) flathead (Missile A) dropped from a distance of 24 +.39, −0 in. (61 +1, −0 cm). 581

15.1.1.2 Representative samples shall be tested on an iron anvil, or concrete substrate. 582

15.1.1.3 The testing positions for each sample shall be determined by the attenuation material 583

manufacturer. 584

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15.1.1.4 Each sample shall be tested three times, with each drop being within five minutes of 585

each other. 586

15.1.1.5 The temperature of the impact attenuation materials shall be 68° +/- 18°F (20° 6 587

10°C). 588

15.1.1.6 Determine the average g-max score by averaging the g-max scores from the second 589

and third drops. 590

15.1.2 Field Testing of Impact Attenuation—In Service Materials: 591

15.1.2.1 Impact attenuation materials used to cover the ground (floor) surface areas around 592

the ingress and egress shall limit the g-max (peak acceleration) to less than an average of 180 593

when a representative sample is tested in accordance with Test Method F355 using a 20 lb. (9.09 594

kg) flathead (Missile A) dropped from a distance of 24 +.39, −0 in. (61 +1, −0 cm). 595

15.1.2.2 Representative samples may be tested in place as determined by the attenuation 596

material manufacturer or owner/operator. 597

15.1.3 Impact attenuation mats shall be labeled with testing certification to meet F355. 598

15.2 Weight Testing 599

15.2.1 Test Procedure: Ramp or Step: 600

15.2.1.1 Ensure the air inflatable device is inflated to its specified minimum air pressure. 601

15.2.1.2 Select an appropriate weight to be applied per Table 1 and create a mechanism that 602

allows it to be applied over a circle of approximately 15” diameter. 603

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604 Table 1 605

15.2.1.3 Place the weight indicated in Table 1, in turn, onto each test position selected on 606

ramp or step. Test positions shall be approximately 15” from the edge of the ramp and spaced in 607

15” intervals across the ramp or step. 608

15.2.1.4 Record whether the weight is held off the ground by the inflatable device or not. 609

15.2.2 Test Procedure: Play Surface Area: For playing surface areas consisting of different 610

heights, the following test shall be carried out on the section of the surface lowest to ground 611

level. 612

15.2.2.1 Ensure the air inflatable device is inflated to its specified minimum air pressure. 613

15.2.2.2 Select an appropriate weight to be applied per Table 2 and create a mechanism that 614

allows it to be applied over a circle of approximately 15” diameter. 615

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616 Table 2 617

15.2.2.3 Place the weight indicated in Table 2, at the following two test positions: (1) the 618

geometric center of the mattress surface (see Figure 20), and (2) a distance equivalent to the 619

height of the playing areas in from an open side or entry/exit point and in the center of that 620

opening (see Figure 21). 621

Figure 20: First test position

Figure 21: Second test position

622

15.2.2.4 Record whether the weight is held off the ground by the inflatable device or not. 623

16. Classification of Injuries and Illnesses 624

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16.1 The administration of emergency healthcare services and treatment shall be recorded as 625

deemed appropriate by the owner/ operator of the inflatable amusement to include the 626

documentation of all first aid treatment, including minor injury and illnesses, in a first aid log. 627

Injuries and illnesses other than minor injuries shall be reported on a first aid incident report in 628

accordance with 16.2. 629

16.2 First Aid incident report - A first aid incident report shall be completed for injuries or 630

illnesses that result in hospital admission or where medical treatment is given, recommended, or 631

may be required at a future date. All injuries or illness reported and other than those classified as 632

minor can be presumed to be in this category. 633

16.3 Recorded information- Information recorded in the first aid incident report shall 634

include, but not be limited to, the following, where applicable: 635

16.3.1 Date the incident occurred. 636

16.3.2 Name Address and telephone number of the person to receive emergency healthcare 637

service or treatment. 638

16.3.3 Age of the person to receive emergency healthcare service or treatment. 639

16.3.4 Manufacturer’s name, make and model of the inflatable amusement attraction where 640

or on which the incident occurred. 641

16.3.5 Name(s) of person(s) who installed the device prior to the incident and the designated 642

attendant(s) on duty when the incident occurred. Indicate whether the installer(s) and 643

attendant(s) were employed by the owner/operator or were designated by the renter. 644

16.3.6 Description of the injury or illness. Physical description of the injury or illness. 645

Description of the events causing and related to the incident. 646

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16.3.7 Description of the first aid service or treatment administered, including medications 647

given. 648

16.3.8 Additional information as deemed appropriate by the owner/ operator of the inflatable 649

amusement device. 650

17. Notification Requirements 651

17.1 Air inflatable devices represented as complying with this practice shall meet all 652

applicable requirements specified herein. Anyone representing compliance with this standard 653

shall keep such essential records as are necessary to document any claim that the requirements 654

within this standard have been met. 655

17.2 The owner/operator of an air inflatable device shall notify the appropriate 656

manufacturer(s) of any known incident that resulted in a serious injury within seven days of the 657

occurrence of the incidence. 658

17.3 The manufacturer shall notify the appropriate owner(s)/operator(s) of similar air 659

inflatable devices an incident that resulted in a serious injury promptly upon the determination by 660

the manufacturer that the incident is significantly repeatable. 661

17.3.1 Such manufacturer notification shall be a bulletin as specified in Practice F1193-06, 662

Section 14. 663

18. Manufacturer Responsibilities 664

18.1 Manufacturers and or suppliers of inflatable products must give proper warnings of the 665

hazards and risks of their products so that consumers (patrons) can make informed decisions 666

regarding their use. 667

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18.2 Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and/or retailers of inflatable amusement devices, 668

shall notify owner/operators of any supplemental bulletins or modifications of an air inflatable 669

device, and shall conform to Practices F1193 and F770. 670

18.3 Manufacturer shall supply a comprehensive instructional manual with each specific 671

design of air inflatable device, to include but not be limited to the following mandatory 672

information: 673

18.3.1 Static and dynamic dimensions of the air inflatable device. 674

18.3.2 Anchoring procedure with diagramed example per section 8. 675

18.3.3 Maximum tested wind load speed limitations of the air inflatable device per supplied 676

Professional Engineer calculations. 677

18.3.4 Diagramed entrance and exits of the device including emergency evacuation 678

procedures. 679

18.3.5 Instructions on identifying the Use Zone and addressing impact attenuation 680

requirements in egress and ingress areas, as well as any play area sections of the inflatable device 681

with a containment wall lower than the stated minimum heights in Section 9. 682

18.3.5.1 The inflatable manufacturer shall require owner/operators of air inflatable devices to 683

identify the Use Zone surrounding the air inflated device and utilize an attenuation mat in all 684

areas identified as being a risk of injury to users of the device. 685

18.3.6 Instructions on safe operation of the device by patrons to include, but not be limited 686

to, correct entering and exiting of the air inflatable device, correct positioning for sliding and 687

climbing within the device. 688

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18.3.7 Physical load limitations of the inflatable device to include minimum and maximum 689

height, and weights of patrons utilizing the air inflatable device along with maximum patron 690

capacity. 691

18.3.8 Daily use inspection check list for the air inflatable device. 692

18.3.9 Number and proper size of blowers to use to properly inflate the air inflatable device. 693

18.3.9.1 The manufacturer shall direct the operator of an air inflatable device that is used in 694

conjunction with water to use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (G.F.C.I) device per NFPA 70, 695

Article 525.23, Section 4. 696

18.3.10 As part of the purchase of an air inflatable device, the owner/operator shall be 697

provided with clear and concise inspection, maintenance, and repair instructions, prepared by the 698

designer/engineer and/or manufacturer, including, but not limited to: what, where, and how to 699

install, operate, inspect, maintain, and repair. 700

18.3.10.1 Inspection and maintenance instructions shall be in checklist format to facilitate 701

ease of use. 702

18.4 The manufacturer shall direct the owner of an inflatable device to provide all necessary 703

manufacturers’ operating information and requirements to the operator of the air inflatable 704

device prior to its use. This information shall include but may not be limited to the following: 705

18.4.1 Staffing – minimum number of operators and attendants required. 706

18.4.2 Supervision – where to locate staff to ensure constant observation of all parts of the 707

playing areas and all activity on the inflatable, admission of patrons to the air inflatable device in 708

a controlled and safe manner, keeping the entrance free from obstruction at all times and use of a 709

whistle or other method of signaling to attract the attention of the patrons. 710

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18.4.3 Environmental conditions affecting the setup of the device and patrons on the air 711

inflatable device (e.g., site suitability, heat, moisture, treatments for surfaces). 712

18.4.4 Patron’s dress code – suitable attire, including footwear, eyewear and removal of hard, 713

sharp, loose or dangerous objects. 714

18.4.5 Activity controls – separation of larger or more boisterous users from smaller or more 715

timid ones, prevention of patrons from climbing or hanging on the containing walls, prevention 716

of inappropriate activities (e.g., somersaults and rough play), restrictions on consumption of 717

food, drink and gum, and the enforcement of traversing position on slides. 718

18.4.6 The procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency or accident. This 719

includes, but is not limited to, a loss of supporting air pressure to the air inflatable device, 720

hazardous weather conditions, injury, etc. 721

18.4.7 Refueling procedures – evacuation of the inflatable prior to refueling of a blower 722

powered by an internal combustion engine or a generator must be stored away from the air 723

inflatable device while in use. 724

19. Owner/Operator Responsibilities 725

19.1 Inflatable amusement device owner/operators shall review the manufacturer’s 726

specifications, maintenance, and repair instructions in accordance with practice F-1193 and shall 727

have written operating procedures for the inflatable device, which are an integral part of their 728

installation, maintenance and attendant training programs. These procedures shall include but 729

not be limited to: 730

19.1.1 Setup, takedown, and storage specifications and procedures. 731

19.1.2 Service and adjustment procedures for all components used in conjunction with the 732

inflatable device. 733

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19.1.3 Daily, weekly, monthly, or other periodic minimum service and component checklists. 734

19.1.4 The manufacturer’s specifications for inflation, including specifications for number of 735

blowers and required rated capacity. 736

19.1.5 A plan for dealing with environmental conditions per 19.2. 737

19.1.6 Maximum capacity of device by weight and number of users. 738

19.1.7 Installation rules and guidelines per 19.3. 739

19.1.8 Patron rules and restrictions per 19.4. 740

19.1.9 Attendant rules and guidelines per 19.5. 741

19.1.10 Training procedures for installers and attendants per 19.3.9 and 19.5.5. 742

19.1.11 Signage or other systems to convey safety rules and restrictions to patrons and 743

attendants per 19.6. 744

19.2 Environmental Conditions - The owner/operator shall provide installers and attendants 745

with guidelines concerning environmental conditions that include, but are not limited to: 746

19.2.1 Requirements for conditions such as slope, topography, and surface type. 747

19.2.2 Requirements for proximity to hazards such as roads, cliffs, bodies of water, tree 748

branches, overhead wires or buried utilities. 749

19.2.2.1 Inflatable amusement devices shall not be placed within 20’ in any direction from 750

outdoor aerial utility lines. 751

19.2.2.2 Inflatable amusement devices shall not be placed in public right of ways and shall be 752

placed away from motor vehicle traffic. 753

19.2.3 Requirements for lightening, thunderstorm, gusting or sustained wind, rain, and other 754

hazardous weather-related conditions. 755

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19.2.3.1 Inflatable amusement devices shall NOT be used when the wind is in excess of the 756

maximum wind speed specified by the manufacturer. 757

19.3 Installation 758

19.3.1 The installer shall verify that all components and equipment are functioning to the 759

design and manufacture specifications. 760

19.3.2 Inflatable amusement devices shall be operated away from environmental hazards in 761

accordance with 19.2. 762

19.3.3 The inflatable amusement device shall be set up on an event site free from debris. A 763

protective ground cover shall be used underneath the inflatable device where appropriate in 764

accordance with manufacturer’s specifications. 765

19.3.4 The operator of an inflatable amusement device shall connect size and type of blower 766

to appropriate inflation points specified by the manufacturer for each inflatable amusement 767

device, keeping blower intake grates free from debris and avoiding kinks in blower shrouds. 768

19.3.4.1 An air inflatable device that is used in conjunction with water shall use a Ground 769

Fault Circuit Interrupters (G.F.C.I) device per NFPA 70, Article 525.23, Section 4. 770

19.3.5 The inflatable amusement device shall always be anchored and secured in accordance 771

with the manufacturer’s specifications using appropriate anchoring devices per Section 8. 772

19.3.5.1 Anchor ropes, tethers, or tie downs shall be attached at all anchor points to 773

adequately secure the inflatable amusement device. The anchor devices shall be in accordance 774

with manufacturer’s recommendations. 775

19.3.5.2 Operational automotive equipment or other mobile transportation device shall not be 776

used as an anchor point for inflatable amusement devices. 777

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19.3.6 The installer of an inflatable amusement device shall identify the Use Zone for the 778

device per manufacturer’s instructions and ensure that appropriate impact attenuation materials 779

are used to mitigate potential fall hazards of patrons. 780

19.3.7 Lighting shall be provided for operation of inflatable amusement devices, if necessary, 781

to provide the attendant clear visibility of all patrons using the equipment. 782

19.3.8 Signage or other safety education materials shall be installed according to the 783

owner/operator’s operational plan and Section 20. 784

19.3.9 The owner/operator shall provide training for installers on each inflatable device. 785

This training shall include, but not be limited to, the information in this section (19.3). 786

19.3.9.1 The owner/operator of an inflatable device shall verify in writing that the installer 787

assuming responsibility for installing the device has received training and understands the 788

intended use for the inflatable amusement device prior to allowing operation. 789

19.3.10 Rules for Installers 790

19.3.10.1 An inflatable amusement device shall only be installed by a person who has 791

successfully completed training specified by the owner/operator for that device. 792

19.3.10.2 Installers shall follow the procedures and rules specified in the training provided by 793

the owner/operator. 794

19.3.10.3 An inflatable amusement device shall not be installed by an individual who is 795

under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 796

19.4 Patron Rules and Restrictions – The owner/operator shall maintain a list of rules and 797

restrictions governing patron use of the inflatable amusement device that comply with the 798

manufacturer’s recommendations. They shall include, but not be limited to: 799

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19.4.1 Patrons must comply with height, weight, age and other physical requirements or 800

restrictions established by the manufacturer or the owner/operator. 801

19.4.1.1 The owner/operator or attendant of an inflatable device may deny entry to the device 802

to any person if, in the opinion of the owner/operator or attendant, the entry may cause above 803

normal exposure to risk of discomfort or injury to the person who desires to enter, or if, in the 804

opinion of the owner/operator or attendant, the entry may jeopardize the safety of other patrons, 805

attendants or employees. 806

19.4.2 Patrons must comply with restrictions on attire, jewelry, and eyeglasses that may 807

present a hazard to themselves, other patrons, or the equipment. 808

19.4.2.1 Hard, sharp, or dangerous objects (such as loose fitting jewelry, eyeglasses, buckles, 809

pens, pins, badges, etc.) must be removed prior to using an inflatable device. 810

19.4.2.2 Shoes must be removed prior to using an inflatable amusement device. 811

19.4.3 Patrons must refrain from chewing gum, eating, or drinking inside the inflatable 812


19.4.4 Patrons may not obstruct the entrance or exit, or play on the outside of the inflatable 814


19.4.5 Patrons may not climb and or hang on the interior walls of any inflatable amusement 816

device unless the surface is designed and designated for climbing use. 817

19.4.5.1 Front flips, back flips, or diving are strictly prohibited and can result in serious 818

injury. 819

19.4.5.2 Kicking, punching, or other aggressive bodily contact beyond intended use of the 820

inflatable amusement device is prohibited during participation. 821

19.5 Attendants 822

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19.5.1 The owner/ operator shall provide or designate the appropriate number of attendants 823

required when the inflatable device is in use to effectively monitor activity, control access to the 824

device and explain rules to patrons prior to participating. 825

19.5.2 Attendant minimum age shall be16 years of age or per local jurisdiction. 826

19.5.3 The attendant plan for an inflatable amusement device shall include specification of 827

areas for controlled ingress/egress, spectators, and use by patron participants. 828

19.5.4 In deciding how many attendants are required, the owner/operator shall consider 829

factors including but not limited to the following: 830

19.5.4.1 The manufacturer’s recommendation or requirement. 831

19.5.4.2 The number of patrons using the inflatable device. 832

19.5.4.3 The age of patrons using the inflatable device. 833

19.5.4.4 The environment in which the inflatable device is located. 834

19.5.4.5 Line of sight for attendants based on the positioning of the inflatable amusement 835

devices and controlled access to areas. 836

19.5.5 The owner/operator shall provide minimum attendant training on each inflatable 837

device. This training shall include the following, as applicable: 838

19.5.5.1 Number and location of attendants required to monitor unit when patrons are 839

participating. 840

19.5.5.2 Review of patron rules and restrictions, and warning signs posted on inflatable 841

amusement device with opportunity for questions and explanation. 842

19.5.5.3 Review of the hazardous weather policy, including safe evacuation of the device, 843

deflation, and guidelines on resuming operation after the hazardous conditions have passed. 844

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19.5.5.4 Written rules and warnings to be left with the attendant for use during operation of 845

the inflatable amusement device. This material may stress certain critical safety rules, such as 846

“NO FLIPS” or “Do NOT operate in high winds”, at the discretion of the owner/operator. 847

19.5.6 Guidelines on developing a method of operation to admit patrons to the inflatable 848

device in a controlled manner, help patrons understand the rules for safe intended use of device, 849

and enforce those rules while patrons are using the device. 850

19.5.6.1 Patrons shall be grouped together based on similar size using height, weight, and age 851

criteria for participation at the same time. Unevenly matched patrons shall not be allowed to use 852

the device together. 853

19.5.6.2 Children should only be allowed to participate with permission from their parent or 854

guardian, and while being supervised by a trained attendant. 855

19.5.6.3 Patrons shall not be permitted to crowd or overload individual sections of an air 856

inflatable amusement device, beyond the limits defined in the written operating procedure. 857

19.5.7 The owner/operator of an inflatable device shall verify in writing that the attendant 858

assuming responsibility for operating the device has received training and understands the 859

intended use for the inflatable amusement device prior to allowing operation. 860

19.5.8 Rules for Attendants 861

19.5.8.1 Attendants shall not operate an inflatable amusement device unless they have 862

successfully completed training specified by the owner/operator for that device. 863

19.5.8.2 Attendants shall operate the inflatable as specified in the training provided by the 864

owner/operator. 865

19.5.8.3 Attendants shall not allow participants on an inflatable amusement device during 866

inflation or deflation of the inflatable unit. 867

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19.5.8.4 Attendants shall remain stationed appropriately, according to the training plan, in 868

order to clearly observe all participants are adhering to safety warnings and rules for safe 869

participation. 870

19.5.8.5 Attendants shall incorporate the use of a whistle or signaling device and take 871

appropriate action at the first sign of misbehavior involving a violation of the posted rules. 872

19.5.8.6 Attendants shall not operate any inflatable amusement device while under the 873

influence of drugs or alcohol. 874

19.6 Signage for Patrons and Attendants – The owner/operator shall clearly post signage at 875

the entrance of the device indicating prohibited behaviors and safe participation guidelines that 876

can be understood by adults and children. The signs should include: 877

19.6.1 Signage requirements provided by the manufacturer. 878

19.6.2 Warning to cease use during high winds or inclement weather conditions. 879

19.6.3 The maximum capacity by height, weight, or number of users as per manufacturer 880

recommendations. 881

19.6.4 Patron rules and restrictions identified in section 19.4, using both illustrations and 882

words to explain rules for safe participation. 883

19.6.5 Warning of assumed risks involving participation on an inflatable amusement device 884

that require physical exertion, movement, and the inherent health risks involved. 885

19.6.6 A notice that participants should NOT use the inflatable device if they are currently 886

under the supervised care of a physician, have existing head, neck, back, muscle or joint injuries, 887

or may be pregnant. 888

19.6.7 Reminders to attendants regarding critical safety rules identified in 19.5. 889

19.7 Maintenance and Inspection Program 890

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19.7.1 Based on the manufacturer’s recommendations, each owner/operator shall implement 891

a program of maintenance, testing, and inspection providing for the duties and responsibilities 892

necessary in the care of each inflatable amusement device. This program of maintenance shall 893

include a checklist to be made available to each person performing the regularly scheduled 894

maintenance on each device. The owner/operator’s checklist (on a device-by-device basis) shall 895

include but not be limited to: 896

19.7.1.1 Description of preventive maintenance assignments to be performed. 897

19.7.1.2 Description of inspections to be performed. 898

19.7.1.3 Special safety instructions, where applicable. 899

19.7.1.4 Any additional recommendations of the owner/operator. 900

19.7.2 The owner/operator of the inflatable amusement device shall provide training for each 901

person performing the regularly scheduled maintenance on the device, pertaining to their 902

assigned duties. This training shall include, but not be limited to, the following: 903

19.7.2.1 Instruction on inspection and preventive maintenance procedures. 904

19.7.2.2 Instruction on the specific duties of the assigned position. 905

19.7.3 This information shall be logged and kept for each inflatable device for a period of (12 906

months) from date of last entry. The log information shall remain updated for the life span of the 907

inflatable device. The logged information shall include but not be limited to the following. 908

19.7.3.1 Daily use inspections checklist completed per manufacturer’s instructions for that 909

device, with date entry. 910

19.7.3.2 Dated and descriptive repairs made to the inflatable device, if any, since last 911

inspection. 912

19.7.3.3 Name of person(s) making updates to log. 913

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19.7.4 The owner/operator of an inflatable amusement device shall promptly notify the 914

manufacturer of an incident, failure, or malfunction which, in his judgment, seriously affects the 915

continued proper operation of the device and is information of which the manufacturer should be 916

aware. 917

20. Patron Education 918

20.1 Instructions, when required by the manufacturer, owner or operator concerning air 919

inflatable device rules shall be delivered to patrons prior to participation on the air inflatable 920

device. 921

20.2 Instructions may be delivered to patrons using video, audio, or computer based 922

programs, prerecorded spiel, written document, signage, verbal instruction or other delivery 923

method approved by the owner or operator. 924

20.3 The owner/operator shall convey to participants the substance of the patron 925

responsibility requirements found in Section 21. 926

21. Patron Responsibility 927

21.1 There are inherent risks in the participation in or on any air inflatable device. Patrons of 928

an air inflatable device, by participation, accept the risks inherent in such participation of which 929

the ordinary prudent person is or should be aware. Patrons and parents or guardians granting 930

permission have a duty to exercise good judgment and act in a responsible manner while using 931

the air inflatable device and to obey all oral or written warnings prior to or during participation. 932

21.2 Patrons and those chaperoning child patrons have a duty to not participate in or on any 933

inflatable device when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 934

21.3 Patrons and those chaperoning child patrons have a duty to properly use all air inflatable 935

device safety equipment that is provided for participation. 936

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21.4 Patrons and those chaperoning child patrons have a duty to not allow participation in or 937

on any inflatable device if the participant has preexisting medical conditions, circulatory 938

conditions, heart or lung conditions, recent surgeries, back or neck conditions, high blood 939

pressure, any history of spine, musculoskeletal or head injury, or may be pregnant. 940

21.5 Patrons and those chaperoning child patrons have a duty to conform with or meet 941

height, weight, or age restrictions imposed by the manufacturer or owner to use or participate in 942

the air inflatable device activity. 943

21.6 Before participating in an air inflatable activity, patrons have a duty to consider their 944

own physical, mental and emotional limitations, as well as their level of experience using 945

equipment of this type. 946

21.6.1 Parents and chaperones of child patrons have a duty to consider the suitability of the 947

inflatable activity for the child. In addition to the criteria described in 21.6, consideration should 948

include situational factors, such as the child expressing fear, being over-tired, or being too 949

rambunctious to follow rules and instructions. 950

21.7 Patrons and those chaperoning child patrons have a duty to remove restricted attire from 951

participants, including hard, sharp, or dangerous objects (such as buckles, eyeglasses, pens, 952

purses, badges, and so forth) 953

21.8 Patrons have a duty to avoid uncontrolled or overly aggressive bodily contract with 954

other patrons. 955

21.9 Patrons have a duty to avoid intentionally crowding or overloading individual sections 956

of the air inflatable device. 957

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21.10 Patrons have a duty to not attempt flips, dives, or other movements that might result in 958

landing on the head or neck. Serious injury, paralysis, or death, can occur even when landing on 959

the air inflatable device bed. 960

22. Keywords 961

22.1 amusement device; attendant; basketball; bounce; challenge course; climbing wall; 962

combination unit; construction; design; dodgeball; family entertainment center; fitness center; 963

game; gym; gymnastics; inflatable device; inspection; interactive play; jump center; 964

maintenance; misting station; movie screen; obstacle course; operation; recreational equipment; 965

slide; sports equipment; trampoline court; volleyball 966

967

968

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ANNEX 969

(Mandatory Information) 970

A1. 971

A1.1 972

A1.1.1 973

974

975

APPENDIX 976

(Nonmandatory Information) 977

Introduction: This appendix has been added to propose a series of options or instructions 978

that offer direction without recommending a definite course of action. The purpose is to 979

offer guidance based on a consensus of viewpoints but not to establish a standard practice 980

to follow in all cases. The intent is to increase the awareness of the user concerning 981

available information within a given subject area, while providing information from which 982

subsequent programs may be derived. 983

X1. 984

X1.1 Windspeed limits 985

X1.1.1 Various manufacturers’ recommend maximum windspeeds from 15 to 20 mph 986

depending on device specifications; however, attendants should unload and deflate any inflatable 987

amusement device when the wind speed exceeds 25 mph. 988

989