What 12 Safety Checks Should You Do Before Every Inflatable Hire Setup?

In the UK hire market, most avoidable problems don’t come from one “big” mistake — they come from skipping small checks when you’re rushed, the weather changes, or the site looks “good enough.”

Use the 12 checks below as a repeatable pre-setup routine for bouncy castles, slide combos, assault courses, and most commercial inflatables. It’s written for real hire conditions: tight access, mixed surfaces, and unpredictable wind.

1) Confirm the booking details match the unit

Before unloading, verify the basics:

Unit type and size (footprint and height)
Indoor vs outdoor setup
Age group and expected users

This prevents forcing a unit into a space it shouldn’t be in — and avoids last-minute compromises that create risk.

2) Walk the site like a risk assessment

Do a quick perimeter walk and spot hazards early:

Slopes, steps, drop-offs, kerbs
Overhead hazards (trees, cables, low ceilings, lights)
Nearby water, traffic, fences, hot BBQ areas

If something feels questionable, move the setup location or don’t set up.

3) Check the surface for sharp or hidden hazards

Look and feel for:

Stones, glass, sharp debris
Sprinklers, drain covers, tent pegs, roots
Soft/wet ground after rain that won’t hold anchors

A clean, stable base reduces punctures, trips, and movement under load.

4) Confirm safe access and a clear emergency route

Make sure you can:

Move the unit safely without dragging it across rough ground
Keep the entrance area open (no furniture, gates, tight corners)
Maintain a clear route in case you need to deflate quickly

Crowds build fast at parties — plan for it before it happens.

5) Choose the correct anchoring method for the surface

This is one of the most important decisions on any setup:

Grass/soil: stakes (correct length, angle, and quantity)
Hardstanding: suitable ballast/weights (rated and secured properly)
Indoor: appropriate ballast and non-slip protection

Avoid “making do” with whatever is nearby. If you can’t anchor correctly, it’s a no-go.

6) Inspect anchor points and straps before inflation

Before anything is under pressure, check:

D-rings/anchor points are intact and firmly stitched
Straps aren’t frayed, torn, or UV-brittle
Buckles/knots are secure and tidy

If anything looks weak, swap it or repair it first — don’t gamble.

7) Check weather and wind against the unit’s limits

In the UK, conditions can change quickly. Don’t rely on “it feels calm.”

Check forecast wind and gusts for the hire window
Follow the manufacturer’s stated wind limit and your operating policy
Have a clear plan for pausing use or deflating if conditions shift

Professional operators cancel early rather than risk a late problem.

8) Inspect key wear points: bed, step, corners, netting, zips

Do a consistent “high-stress” inspection:

Base/bed wear areas (friction zones)
Front step and entrance corners (high load)
Netting/mesh (no tears, no loose stitching)
Zips/zip covers, Velcro, and safety flaps

These are the areas that take the punishment in day-to-day hire use.

9) Confirm labels and documentation are present

For UK hire operators, clear documentation matters as much as the unit:

Identification/safety labels visible
Operating guidance/manual available
Evidence the unit is built to the appropriate standard (commonly referenced: BS EN 14960) and your usual inspection records

Many hire businesses align their on-site routine with expectations typically associated with professional inspection frameworks, even when formal testing happens separately.

10) Electrical safety: RCD, cables, and blower condition

Check the whole power chain:

RCD protection in place and working
Cables undamaged and appropriately rated
Cables routed to avoid trip hazards (especially around the entrance)
Blower positioned securely, kept dry, and protected from tampering

A tidy cable route is one of the easiest “professional” upgrades you can make.

11) Inflate and observe: pressure, movement, stability

During inflation and immediately after:

Confirm even inflation and steady pressure
Check the unit isn’t “walking” or shifting
Re-check anchors/ballast after full inflation (loads change when fully pressurised)

A unit can look fine half-inflated and behave differently at full load.

12) Brief rules and supervision before anyone enters

Your final “go/no-go” check:

Capacity guidance (your policy + manufacturer guidance)
No shoes, no sharp objects, no food/drinks
One entrance/exit flow to reduce collisions
A named supervising adult/attendant briefed and ready

A 30-second briefing prevents 30 minutes of chaos.

Common UK setup mistakes these checks prevent

Anchoring “later” and forgetting once the queue forms
Setting up in a spot that looks flat but is slightly sloped
Leaving cables across the entrance route
Ignoring gust changes because the sky is blue
Letting the first group on before stability and anchors are re-checked

If you want fewer call-backs, fewer repairs, and calmer setups, these checks are the habits that get you there.

Final takeaway

Make these checks a routine, not a “when I remember” list. Consistency is what protects your kit, your customers, and your reputation — especially in the UK where weather and surfaces vary so much from one booking to the next.

It also helps when your inflatables arrive with clear manuals, strong anchoring points, and tidy safety labelling. That’s one reason many UK hire operators prefer established manufacturers (you’ll often hear names like East Inflatables mentioned) — not because it replaces good practice, but because it makes good practice easier to repeat on every setup.