Are jumping castles safe? An amusement ride safety expert explains
Here’s what inflatable operators are supposed to do – and where the risks arise.
On Saturday, five children were hospitalized following two separate incidents involving jumping castles being lifted by strong winds. In one case, two children were ejected from a jumping castle during a birthday party in Victoria, sustaining upper body injuries. In the second incident, which occurred in Sydney, two children and an infant were injured.
Experts in amusement ride safety confirm that, for the most part, jumping castles are safe when operators adhere to established guidelines. These guidelines are established through Australia's health and safety laws, specifically the Work Health and Safety Act in most states and the Occupational Health and Safety Act in Victoria.
Inflatable amusement rides in Australia must comply with the Australian Standard AS 3533.4.1:2018, which mandates that any inflatable ride with a platform height of 3 meters or more must be "plant registered," ensuring it has been inspected for safety and registered with authorities.
The primary risk associated with jumping castles is weather-related, particularly high winds. The incidents in Geelong and Sydney seem to have been exacerbated by wind gusts exceeding 40 kilometers per hour. In the 2021 tragedy at Hillcrest Primary School in Tasmania, six children died and three were seriously injured when a jumping castle was lifted by a violent gust of wind.
While the operator was not found guilty of any crime, as the wind was deemed "unforeseeable," the incident highlights the potential dangers of high winds.
Climate change may exacerbate these risks, as more intense gusts and extreme weather patterns become more common. Additionally, there are concerns about the quality of inflatable castles imported from overseas, as they may not meet Australian safety standards or consumer protection laws.
While there may be some gaps in the current safety regime, it is important to note that the vast majority of jumping castle operators in Australia follow regulations. Consumers can ensure safety by checking if the product adheres to AS 3533.4.1 and looking for compliance labels. When operating a jumping castle, pay attention to wind speeds using the Beaufort Scale; if small tree branches begin to sway, it is advisable to deflate the device.
Regulators should consider addressing import loopholes and ensuring strict adherence to safety standards, while operators must prioritize following guidelines and monitoring weather conditions.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
