Guidelines for the Safe Use of Jumping Castles

November 27, 2012 - 8 minutes read

Updated 2024
If you are holding a special event at your church and considering hiring a jumping castle for children, it’s crucial to be aware of the hazards, risks, and safety requirements involved. Unfortunately, on some occasions serious injuries have occurred where jumping castles were incorrectly set up or where supervision of children was lacking.

Insurance specialist ACS Financial also reports noticing a trend where churches and other organisations are purchasing rather than hiring jumping castles to use at their events, often without having done adequate due diligence first. This includes assessing the risks and responsibilities from several perspectives – including workplace health and safety, legislation compliance, and liability insurance coverage (more on these topics below).

The risks of jumping castles

Common injuries from jumping castles include broken bones, dislocations, lacerations, twisted ankles, and electric shocks, even to the point of disability and death in some cases.

The incorrect use of these devices has led to many serious incidents over the years. For example, a child was seriously injured in 2017 in Queensland when a jumping castle became airborne from a sudden gust of wind due to it being inadequately secured. And who can forget the tragic incident in Tasmania in 2021 where six children died and three others were injured after a freak wind lifted the device they were using into the air? This tragedy is alleged to have occurred because the castle was secured at only four of its eight anchorage points, and even then it was done incorrectly.

Jumping castle requirements

Commercial jumping castles must adhere to Australian Standard 3533.4.1-2018 regarding the manufacture, design, operation, and maintenance of inflatable devices. The Standard stipulates that the device must be able to withstand wind speeds of up to 40km/h, and should be properly anchored to prevent it from being lifted by strong wind gusts. Other design safety issues referred to in the Standard relate to material flammability, entrapment points, avoidance of sharp or hard objects, and the use of impact-absorbing material at entrances and exits.

The Standard does not apply to jumping castles that can be purchased for private use as these come under the definition of ‘toys’. However, it’s important to be aware that commercial operators can purchase and hire out these devices also. In any case, it’s important to have adequate safety procedures in place when hiring jumping castles.

Should you hire or buy?

When you hire a jumping castle, you are responsible for ensuring its safe setup and operation. You should also check that the equipment adheres to the Standard, that it has been inspected after each use and regularly maintained, and that the hirer has Public Liability cover for its use.

Choosing to buy rather than hire increases your risks and liability, as you will be taking on full responsibility for the safety of the equipment. This includes ensuring it is inspected, maintained, and repaired as required (also see below for more information on using your own equipment).

Some states require inflatable devices to be registered annually, so if you do choose to buy a jumping castle, you should check WHS Regulations in your state to determine if you need to register it.

Additional considerations for bought equipment

If you use your own equipment you will need to have full Public Liability cover in case of incidents. To be fully covered the activities should be run by members who are appropriately skilled and qualified, and who have risk management and reporting procedures in place.

ACS Financial defines a skilled and qualified member as a responsible adult who:

• Has been fully instructed in the use of the equipment and has a risk assessment plan in place.
• Is familiar with the equipment – including knowing how to set it up, pack it up, and supervise users.

Other criteria for insurance coverage include that:

• The equipment is regularly checked for wear & tear and damage.
• The generators/blowers are regularly inspected and tested for electrical safety by a qualified tradesperson.
• Manufacturer guidelines are documented and followed – including regarding weight restrictions and person capacity.
• Weather conditions are closely monitored and actions are taken to suspend the use of the equipment where they are unfavourable (e.g. there are high winds, heavy rain or storms).

If the above criteria cannot be met, the activities should be suspended, or at least run or overseen by qualified external contractors who are fully covered by their own Public Liability insurance policy.

Note that loaning or hiring out your equipment to others is not recommended – if you do so your CCI Public Liability policy will not cover you for that event.

Contact the CCI team if you have any concerns or questions about your liability cover.

General guidelines for jumping castle operation

The following applies whether you hire or buy a jumping castle:

• Check that the equipment meets the requirements of the Standard.
• Make sure the device is set up correctly and anchored at all times according to instructions.
• Avoid using jumping castles on very windy days, and suspend use if very strong wind gusts occur.
• Proper supervision is vital – make sure there is an adult supervisor at all times and that he or she is trained in the operation of the equipment. Use a trained professional if necessary.
• Communicate and enforce the rules for use – for example, no rough play or climbing, no food or drink, and removal of shoes, glasses, and jewellery before entry.
• Limit the number of users to reduce the risk of collisions, and avoid mixing age groups of users.
• Ensure that the device has an electrical safety switch installed.
• Make sure there are no hard or sharp objects nearby that could injure children while using or exiting the castle.

Links for more information

For more detailed guidance go to WorkSafe Victoria or SafeWork

To obtain copies of the Standard, go to the Standards Australia website

To download a risk management form for events, go to our forms page (scroll down to find the form).

Written by Tess Oliver

Tags: children, volunteers