Inflatable Jumpers Can Be Dangerous If Not Properly Maintained

Inflatable jumpers are a fun addition to any party. However, they can be dangerous if not properly maintained.

Lily Creech never expected that her daughter’s company picnic would end in her daughter being rushed to the hospital with a broken leg. The cause: an inflatable bounce house. This is a common injury with children playing on these structures.

Safety

Inflatable Jumpers are a staple of many backyards across the country, providing an exciting and fun way to enjoy a day outside. Unfortunately, however, they may also be a source of injury for kids who aren’t careful when using them. In fact, according to a recent study from the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, injuries related to inflatable toys have increased dramatically in recent years.

The researchers examined 114 patients who were brought to the emergency department due to injuries sustained in bounce houses and other similar play structures. Demographic data was collected along with information on how the injuries were sustained (mechanism of injury, anatomic location and side of involvement, etc). In addition, risk factors for these kinds of accidents were also assessed. These included lack of adult supervision, the use of inflatables by children of different ages and overcrowding.

To prevent injury, kids should be taught the rules of inflatable use. These should include no eating or drinking inside the bounce house and no rough play such as pushing other children off the inflatable or bouncing against the walls. Additionally, only children of the same age and size should be allowed inside at any given time. And it’s Inflatable Jumpers important that adults supervise the children at all times. If there is a weather event, such as lightning or high winds, everyone should exit the inflatable immediately and wait until conditions are safe for re-entry.

Maintenance

Inflatable Jumpers (also known as Bounce Houses, Moonwalks, Bouncing Castles, Astrojump, Jolly Jumps) are a great way to keep kids entertained for hours. They are also a great source of exercise, and can help improve motor skills, balance and coordination. They are very affordable, easy to clean and require very little maintenance. They can be used for a number of reasons including Holiday Parties, Birthday Party or just for regular playdates.

Like any other piece of equipment the inflatables must be properly cared for to maintain their life expectancy. This starts with cleaning, sanitizing and drying the bounce house before storing it. A good cleaning is usually a matter of vacuuming the inside to remove larger dust particles and then using a hose with cold water to wash the interior. If you are storing it for long periods of time it is good to use a antimicrobial spray to keep any mold or mildew at bay.

Another area of the inflatable that needs to be maintained regularly is the jumping mattress. This is the main floor of the bounce house and is often the most abused area due to continual jumping. It is very important to attend to any holes or rips in the jumper mattress as young children will invariably stick their fingers or hands into these openings and injure themselves. This can be easily accomplished with a vinyl patch kit.

Weather

The high-profile nature of recent wind-related bounce house incidents can serve as a useful reminder that even if inflatable amusements are used properly, there are still risks involved. These risks can be reduced by having a clear cancellation policy and by being proactive with weather monitoring.

According to ASTM standards, bounce houses should be evacuated and deflated when sustained winds exceed 25mph. This threshold should be based on the overall environment of the site where the inflatable will be used. This includes both the immediate area and the surrounding terrain, as well as a consideration of any local weather radar.

In addition to these safety requirements, the temperature of the vinyl should be considered when deciding whether to set up an inflatable in the winter. When the weather turns cold, vinyl molecules contract and the material becomes stiffer. This stiffness makes deflating the unit and rolling it up significantly more difficult, and can also cause the vinyl to crack.

While there may be a temptation to avoid outdoor hires in the winter, this can be counterproductive and result in lost bookings and potential revenue. Instead, a good rental business will keep the equipment ready for use and be prepared to evacuate the inflatable at the first sign of bad weather. This should be done in a calm and safe manner, with the inflatable being immediately deflated and turned off.

Cleaning

Cleaning and sanitizing your bounce houses isn’t just important for your reputation; it’s also essential to ensure the safety of your customers’ children. Inflatables that are not cleaned properly can expose kids to mold, mildew and other germs. Luckily, it’s easy to keep your bounce houses clean and safe with the right tools. You’ll need a shop vacuum, clean rags and cleaning solution as well as disinfectant spray or wipes.

The first step in cleaning a bounce house is to do a dry clean. This means removing any dropped personal items, like keys, retainers or crayons. Next, take the time to inspect the entire inflatable and all detachable parts for damage. This is also the perfect opportunity to check for lingering odors and caked-on grime. Scrub these areas with a soft bristle brush or sponge, but be careful not to scratch the vinyl.

Once you’ve done the dry clean, it’s time for a wet cleaning. Using your cleaning solution and clean rags, carefully clean Inflatable Jumpers every inch of the inflatable and all detachable components. Pay special attention to the corners, underside and any hidden nooks and crannies. Be sure to follow the cleaning product’s instructions for correct concentration, application method and contact time. When you’re finished, make sure the inflatable is completely dry before storing it away for the next use.