Tests / PIPA / What required?

Does a bouncy castle need a test?

Short answer: No - there is no legal requirement for a separate “test certificate” to hire or own a bouncy castle, but there are clear standards and sensible safety steps every owner or hirer should expect. A properly manufactured inflatable should meet the British/European standard BS EN 14960 (often shortened to BS14960), and the inflatable should be inspected by a competent person on a regular basis.

What the standard means and where the certificate comes from

Manufacture to BS EN 14960 When a bouncy castle is made to BS EN 14960, the manufacturer will normally hold documentation or a certificate showing the product was designed and tested to that standard. That paperwork demonstrates the inflatable was manufactured to the recognised safety and performance requirements.
No ongoing “mandatory test certificate” for every hire After manufacture, it’s the responsibility of the owner/operator to keep the inflatable safe. The standard and common industry practice require regular inspections by a competent person (for example, a trained technician or experienced inspector) to check for damage, repairs, or modifications that could affect safety. The operator should keep records of those inspections.
Where you’ll see the code Many inflatables have the standard or compliance information sewn or printed on them (for example, on the front step or a label). Operators usually keep the supporting paperwork in their files.

Does a bouncy castle need a PIPA tag?

What is the PIPA scheme? The PIPA (Play Inspection and Play Association) scheme is a voluntary register where companies can list inflatables that have been inspected by approved third‑party inspectors. If an inflatable is listed on PIPA’s site it will often carry a blue tag with a QR code linking to the listing. PIPA is a convenience and marketing tool for some operators and hirers, but it is not a legal requirement.
Why some companies (including us) don’t use PIPA. Many reputable operators choose not to use PIPA because it adds cost - PIPA listings usually involve third‑party inspection fees - and because the scheme is optional. Operators can still meet BS EN 14960 and keep competent‑person inspection records without being on the PIPA register.

What’s legal and what’s not

Legal requirements

The law expects employers and businesses to manage risks and provide safe equipment under general health and safety legislation, but there is no specific law forcing a bouncy castle to have a PIPA tag or a separate “test certificate.” The key legal expectation is that equipment is safe and maintained. The standard requires inspection by a competent person; keeping inspection records is best practice and evidence of compliance.

Illegal or unsafe practices to watch for
1. Hiring inflatables that are visibly damaged, have poor repairs, or show signs of unauthorised modification.
2. Operators who cannot produce any inspection records or who refuse to show evidence of maintenance.
3. Using inflatables in unsuitable weather or without proper anchoring and supervision.

Insurance, PAT testing and other paperwork

Insurance It’s strongly recommended that inflatable operators carry public liability insurance, and most professional companies do. However, there is no specific law that forces every operator to have insurance - although running without it is risky and will make hiring from them unwise.

PAT testing and electrical safety Many operators PAT test blowers and electrical equipment as part of good practice. PAT testing is sensible and common, but it is not explicitly required by BS EN 14960 for the inflatable itself. Operators should still ensure blowers and electrical items are safe and maintained.

What to check when hiring a bouncy castle

Before you hire, ask the company for evidence of the following:

Insurance certificate - proof of public liability insurance.
Inspection records - evidence the inflatable has manufacted to BS EN 14960.
PAT test certificate (for blowers and electrical equipment) - good practice, even if not strictly required by the inflatable standard.
Clear safety briefing and supervision plan - how many children, age limits, anchoring, and weather policy.

If a supplier can’t or won’t show these basics, look elsewhere.

Quick recap

A bouncy castle does not legally require a separate “test certificate” for every hire, but it should be manufactured to BS EN 14960 and inspected regularly by a competent person. Keep inspection records.
PIPA is voluntary - useful for some hirers but not required.
Insurance and PAT testing are best practice and commonly provided by professional companies, but they are not absolute legal requirements under the inflatable standard.

Safety help

Are bouncy castles safe? - This page explains common safety concerns and practical steps to reduce risk when using inflatables, including supervision, age/weight limits, and correct anchoring. It’s a useful primer for parents and event organisers who want to understand how risks are managed.

Safety for schools and events - This page focuses on guidance for schools and organisers, covering risk assessments, supervision, and how the company supports safe use at larger or organised events. It’s aimed at helping institutions meet their duty of care when booking inflatables.

For help or advise on safety and documents, feel free to call Steve on 07902989694 or contact us here.