Revision of Inflatable standard BS EN 14960:2006

The above European Standard , Inflatable play equipment -Safety requirements and test methods, has been in use for almost three years and has now been scheduled for revision. The Working Group which produced the Standard, WG9, is being re-convened in order to consider proposals for amendments put forward by relevant bodies from EU countries.

The Standard has been adopted by all the major industry organisations in the UK, namely:

• IPMA....The Inflatable Play Manufactuers Association
• AIMODS ... Association of Inflatable Manufacturers, Operators, Designers & Suppliers
• BIHA ... British Inflatable Hirers Association
• NAIH ... National Association of Inflatable Hirers
• RPII .... Register of Play Inspectors International

However, it is important to be aware that:

The Standard has to be adopted by all EU countries and replaces any previous Standards or Codes Of Practice.

It does not have the status of law.

The application of BE EN 14960:2006 by designers, manufacturers and operators of inflatable play equipment and the inspection by RPII qualified inspectors is considered to be best practice by the Health & Safety Executive.

Work will start on the revision of the Standard in mid 2009 and already the members of IPMA have proposed a revision with regard to the length of slide run-outs....reference 4.2.11 Run-out.......the proposal is that Table 2 - Length of slide run out be deleted and the wording to be changed to -

"The length of the run-out section measured from the end of the radius or angle at the bottom of the sliding section, shall be a minimum of  50% of the height of the highest platform of the slide, measured from the ground. The minimum length shall be at least 300mm."

You are invited to send any comments and proposals to the RPII  who will pass them onto the UK Representatives on the Working Committee WG9. These should be forwarded to Mr Noel Harris the RPII Administrator either by email or by hard copy as below

RPII

Email : noel@sportsandplay.com

Postal Address: RPII, Federation House, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. CV8 2RF