Call for bouncy castle inspectors after girl (3) killed by ‘explosion’
THE Government is facing calls to urgently appoint inspectors to enforce safety legislation around bouncy castles.
The Irish Inflatable Hirers Association (IIHA), a lobby group representing bouncy castle operators, estimates that hundreds of businesses operate without an up-to-date safety certificate.
Under current laws the onus is on the operator of a bouncy castle or similar play equipment is to obtain a safety certificate.
Standards are set by the EU and take into account the manufacture and operation of such equipment. In 2016, 385 certificates were issued under the regulation which covers socalled fairground attractions.
Investigations are underway into the death of a girl in England after a bouncy castle on Norfolk beach reportedly “exploded”, throwing her into the air.
The three-year-old was rushed to hospital but later died. It is not yet known if safety issues were at play in the incident which lead to her death.
Gerry Frawley, head of the IIHA, said there is a “complete lack of enforcement” when it comes to monitoring safety standards. A review of the legislation covering this area is currently underway and Mr Frawley has called for this to be dealt with “urgently and not put on the long finger”.
Mr Frawley also urged parents to ask to see a safety certificate when booking a castle through an operator.
A spokesperson for the Department of the Environment said: “The drafting of the review report has commenced and further engagement with relevant stakeholders is envisaged”.
A timeline for the publication was not given.