Inspections reveal inflatable safety risks, urging organisers to prioritise safety at events.
Inflatable jumping castles and slides are popular attractions at events across Wyndham, including school fetes, sporting activities, and community celebrations. However, WorkSafe Victoria has raised safety concerns after recent inspections uncovered issues at two Melbourne schools, including an unanchored jumping castle, exposed electrical equipment, and an inflatable ride positioned under power lines.
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WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety, Sam Jenkin, emphasized that improperly set-up or unsupervised inflatables can pose serious hazards. “Well-meaning parents and volunteers organizing events on a budget may consider cheaper hire options, but backyard operators are not worth the risk,” said Mr. Jenkin. “It’s essential for event organisers to verify safety procedures and choose reputable operators.”
Following 380 inspections at 44 events this year, WorkSafe issued 41 improvement notices and identified 44 other safety issues that required immediate attention. Common problems found during these inspections included inadequate anchoring, insufficient weatherproofing on electrical blowers, and lack of supervision for inflatables, leading to risks for event attendees.
Under Victorian law, all event organisers have a duty to provide a safe environment for workers and the public. Community members are encouraged to report any concerns about inflatable safety to WorkSafe’s advisory service at 1800 136 089.
Inflatable Safety Guidelines for Event Organisers
To ensure safe use of inflatables at community events, organisers should:
> • Anchor inflatables securely, even during low wind conditions.
> • Monitor wind speeds and deflate the inflatable if it exceeds the maximum rated speed.
> • Provide safe entry and exit points to prevent entrapment hazards. > • Position electrical blowers away from public access and protect them from weather.
> • Ensure supervision by trained personnel during inflation and deflation. > • Conduct post-setup, daily, and annual checks for fabric wear and tear.
By following these guidelines, event organisers in Wyndham and beyond can help ensure that inflatables remain a safe and enjoyable feature at local gatherings.
