Amusement rides and inflatables

Amusement rides and inflatables are a popular attraction at many events. They require additional safety measures and compliance to make sure everyone who uses them is safe, particularly children.

Compliance 

• All amusement rides and inflatable structures must comply with relevant safety standards and regulations, including the WorkSafe Victoria regulations which mandate that amusement rides and inflatables are safe for public use.
• Inflatable or motorised rides must comply with Australian Standards (AS 3533) for amusement devices.
• Rides and inflatables must also meet engineering certification and be inspected regularly to ensure they are in good working condition.

Operator certification

• All rides and inflatables must be inspected by a qualified technician or operator before and after each use to cover structural integrity, electrical systems, anchoring and any other potential hazards. Suppliers are responsible for maintaining their equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines and for conducting regular safety checks during the event.
• We strongly encourage event organisers to engage a registered engineer, registered building practitioner or erector of prescribed structures to inspect and provide a certificate of compliance prior to operation. This goes beyond the supplier’s internal checks and provides independent assurance that the structure is safe. Our Outdoor Event Policy and Guidelines require this certification as a mandatory requirement for some structures. Organisers should plan for this and budget accordingly.

Inspection and maintenance

• All rides and inflatables must be inspected by a qualified technician or operator before and after each use to cover structural integrity, electrical systems (if applicable), anchoring and any other potential hazards.
• Look after equipment according to manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines.
• Conduct regular safety checks during the event.

Age and height restrictions

• Clearly define and communicate age and height restrictions for each ride or inflatable. This helps keep people safe by preventing individuals from using equipment that they are not suited for.
• Have staff at each ride/inflatable to enforce these restrictions and properly supervise participants.

Safety barriers and supervision

• Safety barriers should be installed around the perimeter of the ride or inflatable to keep attendees a safe distance from the moving parts, generators, electrical components or bounce areas.
• Ensure there are sufficient staff to monitor the ride, help manage queues, enforce safety rules and provide assistance in case of an emergency.

Emergency procedures

• Put clear emergency procedures in place in case of an accident or equipment failure.
• Train staff in basic first aid and evacuation procedures for the ride or inflatable in use.
• Place a first aid station nearby and clearly display emergency contact information for attendees and staff.

Weather considerations

• If the event is outdoors, always have a plan for how to manage amusement rides and inflatables in the event of adverse weather conditions like high winds, rain or lightning. Many inflatables, for example, can be dangerous in wet conditions and rides may need to be shut down during storms.
• Have protocols for suspending operations during bad weather and promptly inform attendees about these.

Insurance and liability

• The amusement ride or inflatable provider must carry appropriate Public Liability Insurance to cover accidents or injuries related to their equipment.
• The insurance should cover both participants and spectators in case of malfunction or operator error.

Location and space requirements

• Carefully consider the location of rides and inflatables so there's enough space for safe operation and movement of attendees. For example, inflatable structures should be placed on level ground with sufficient space around them for participants to enter and exit safely.
• Don't locate rides or inflatables in high-traffic or emergency evacuation routes. Make sure there are proper pathways in and out. 

Other considerations

• Use clear and visible signage to communicate safety guidelines, age/height restrictions and emergency procedures to attendees. Place these signs at the entrance to each ride or inflatable.
• Ensure your overall event insurance covers incidents related to amusement rides and inflatables. This is particularly important if there are third-party providers involved in the operation of these attractions.
• Where possible make rides and inflatables accessible to people with disability. This may include providing ramps for wheelchair users or training staff to assist attendees with disability.
• If you are hiring amusement rides or inflatables from a third-party provider, your contracts should clearly outline the vendor’s responsibilities including setup, maintenance, insurance and safety protocols.