MUTA represents manufacturers, designers, operators and suppliers of inflatable play equipment such as bouncy castles and inflatable slides, who form the AIMODS section of the Association. MUTA also administers the annual PIPA scheme of testing inflatable play equipment – many of AIMODS’ members carry out PIPA inspections.
If you are buying a bouncy castle or hiring one in for a party or other event, you must ensure that it complies with health and safety law – bouncy castles and inflatable slides must be inspected annually to ensure that they are safe. Before making your choice you should check that equipment has had a valid PIPA test by requesting a PIPA tag number from the hirer and checking its status on the website.
PIPA maintains the only national database of inflatable play equipment that meets the highest standards – all applicable inflatable play equipment supplied by reputable hirers, manufacturers or importers will be “tagged” with a unique number which stays with the inflatable throughout its life, and PIPA-tested annually.
The tag number is logged into the central database where the results of its initial test and subsequent annual tests are recorded. This database is publicly accessible and the inspection status of any tagged equipment can be checked 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, a certificate is issued with each test.
Remember that, unless you have made other arrangements, supervision of children on and around the equipment is your responsibility.
PIPA — the background
In 1998, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) combined with the Health and Safety At Work Act to make it compulsory to have bouncy castles and inflatable slides tested by a competent inspector at suitable intervals.
AIMODS has worked with the Inflatable Play Manufacturers Association, the Register of Play Inspectors International, bouncy castle hire groups and the Health and Safety Executive to develop a system of best practice, a national scheme of testing and a formal industry standard. The scheme was launched in 2004 and the European Standard 14960, which currently forms the basis of tests, was introduced in 2006.
PIPA testing is not a legal requirement, but the scheme is endorsed by the HSE as industry best practice and a valid PIPA certificate would normally demonstrate compliance with the law.
For further information, please visit the PIPA website.
Joining AIMODS
Members of AIMODS subscribe to the relevant Code of Practice – for manufacturers or operators. In addition to benefits enjoyed by other MUTA members, AIMODS members who are registered PIPA inspection bodies receive a third off the price of tags and certificates.
Click here for further information on joining the Association.