So this is a post I did not think we would be writing in JULY, but after a wiped out weekend of wet weather we are now experiencing high wind speeds, this is almost (if not more) concerning than torrential rain, please read on for more information and why we have to put your users safety above profit, EVERY TIME!
UPDATE 26th JULY 2023 : We are STILL hitting the speeds hard on the predictions here’s this coming weekend (shaking head in disbelief)
The reason why you cannot hire a bouncy castle when the wind speed exceeds 24 mph is primarily due to safety concerns. Bouncy castles, being large inflatable structures, can be greatly affected by strong winds. When wind speeds and/or gusts exceed a certain threshold, typically around 24 mph, it can pose significant risks such as instability, uncontrolled movement, or even overturning of the bouncy castle.
These safety measures are in place to protect individuals using the bouncy castle, as well as to prevent any potential accidents or injuries. It is important to prioritise the well-being and safety of those involved, and adhering to wind speed guidelines is a precautionary measure to minimise any potential hazards.
The HSE – The government body of health and safety executive, impress the following:
- No inflatable should be used in winds above 24 mph (38 kmph), which is Force 5 on the Beaufort Scale (small trees in leaf begin to sway)
- Certain inflatables may have a lower maximum wind speed for operation. Always check the manufacturer’s operating manual to confirm the maximum wind speed for the safe operation of the inflatable
BUT WILL IT BE OK IF IT IS PEGGED DOWN OR SANDBAGGED?
No, these legal recommendations are in place to assure liability and risk are minimal.
BUT YOU WILL LET DOWN THE CHILDREN!
We have to put safety first and as a responsible party or event planner, so should you, if you start searching for another company to use, you are being irresponsible, and so are the company if they assure you it will be ok (there are many cowboy operators who put profit over safety, they give this industry a very bad name!).
We strongly believe parents would prefer their children to be collected from a venue/event/party in one piece!
“I AM HAPPY TO TAKE THE RISK”
When sending a cancellation message around we are often met with resentment, and often get customer arguing that they “are happy to take the risk” , this is absolutely absurd and you are literally gambling with your children/users lives, often we get threats of leaving bad reviews on our social media – all this because we want their family and friends to be safe!!!
WE ARE MASSIVELY OUT OF POCKET
Lets be quite clear we DO NOT want to EVER cancel any hire, but we will when its unsafe, the costs to us are MUCH HIGHER than then initial deposit people have paid, for example we do not make a final decision until the day before, often when we have loaded the next days units on to the vans (2 members of staff 2 hours) , then offload to sort through the indoor and outdoor hires (2 members of staff 1 hour). Plus the amount of indoor hires that take place that cannot book the items you have reserved for your outdoor hire are also long gone.
WE WANT YOUR MONEY!
Having booked in staff stood around wasting time for a morning is not what we want to be paying for, we want them out on the road, delivering your inflatables, and getting paid, however if it is deemed unsafe, we take a huge loss of wages and costs, we promise our staff a set number of hours per week/weekend (subject to their contract), and cant just send them home because of mass cancellations.
So please, if we have to cancel, which we really dont want to do, especially at the peak time of the year, please do not think we are doing it for ANY OTHER REASON than your family/friends safety, we have NOT “let you down” , we have NOT “last minute ditched” you, we have actually “Done you a solid!”. We will happily move bookings and dates over with you.
