IPMA, RPII and PIPA working in partnership to increase standards

The Inflatable Play Manufacturers Association (IPMA) is the lead trade association representing the interests of manufacturers of inflatable play equipment in the UK providing members with a voice on industry issues.

IPMA works alongside other industry organisations including the Register of Play Inspectors International (RPII) and the PIPA Scheme, administered by the Performance Textiles Association in a bid to raise safety standards and general levels of professionalism. All IPMA members have at least one qualified RPII Inflatable Inspector on their staff and support the PIPA Scheme.

Best practice as recognised by the Health & Safety Executive is that your inflatables have either their Initial Test or Annual Test carried out by a qualified RPII Inspector, working within an inspection Body as part of the PIPA Scheme. Simply put being RPII qualified is the qualification that is recognised to confirm competency to inspect inflatable play equipment. The work of the Federation Of European Play Industries is extending the recognition within the EEC of the RPII qualification; candidates from Denmark, Italy, Romania and Spain have already been successful.

By increasing nationally and internationally awareness of good practice and the recognition of the European Standard, En14960:2006. IPMA Members are aiming and succeeding in improved children’s safety, together with the quality and performance of inflatable play equipment.

BUY WITH CONFIDENCE YOUR INFLATABLES WITH A PIPA TAG FROM AN IPMA MEMBER

IPMA was delighted to learn of the recent increase in the number of RPII inflatable inspectors from 32 to 49. For a list of qualified competent inspectors, please refer to www.playinspectors.com

Why buy from a member of IPMA?

• All member companies that are in the association have committed themselves to maintaining the highest standard of quality and service to a purchaser of inflatables.
• Member companies will provide a PIPA tag on their inflatables and issue a certificate confirming the safe design of the particular inflatable. This proves you have done everything possible as a purchaser in acquiring a safe inflatable.
• IPMA members conform to the Association's Code of Practice which sets out Guidelines under which all member companies are asked to conduct their business affairs to ensure that the products and services being offered by the members to their end customers are of a standard that is befitting a member of the Association.

www.inflatableplaymanufacturers.co.uk