PIPA Inspection Scheme
What it is, why it exists, and what it covers
The PIPA Inspection Scheme provides a recognised framework for the inspection of inflatable play equipment used by the public.
It allows operators to demonstrate that equipment has been inspected by a suitably trained person and assessed against accepted safety standards relied upon by insurers, venues and local authorities.
PIPA Inspection Scheme – At a Glance
To provide a consistent and recognised inspection system for inflatable play equipment used by the public.
Inflatable hire operators, event organisers, venues and local authorities.
Clear evidence of inspection for insurers, councils and venue operators.
Legal & Safety Context
Why inflatable inspection matters
When inflatable equipment is made available to the public in return for payment, responsibilities arise under UK health and safety legislation. These responsibilities focus on ensuring equipment is safe for use and properly maintained.
Inspection under PUWER
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) require work equipment, including inflatable play equipment, to be inspected by a competent person at suitable intervals.
Shared responsibility
Responsibilities may apply to operators, hirers, employees and venue owners, depending on how and where inflatable equipment is provided.
What Is a Competent Person?
A key requirement of inflatable safety inspection is that testing is carried out by individuals with appropriate training, knowledge and experience.
Inspectors registered with the PIPA scheme have passed specialist assessments and operate within a recognised inspection framework.
Registration provides confidence that inspections are carried out consistently and in line with accepted industry practice.
Alternative inspection methods may be used where appropriate, provided they can demonstrate equivalent competence and standards.
Recognition & Best Practice
The PIPA Inspection Scheme is widely recognised within the inflatable play industry and is commonly accepted by insurers, venues and local authorities as evidence of best practice.
Using a formally recognised inspection scheme helps operators demonstrate that inspections have been carried out in a structured, consistent and professional manner.
BS EN 14960 – Inflatable Play Equipment
The European standard covering the design, manufacture, inspection and operation of inflatable play equipment.
Structural integrity, anchoring, materials, seams, fans and safe operating parameters.
Due to copyright restrictions, BS EN 14960 must be purchased from the British Standards Institution.
Inspections carried out through inflatable safety testing assess compliance with this standard where applicable.
Scope of the PIPA Inspection Scheme
- Bouncy castles
- Inflatable slides
- Inflatable obstacle courses
- Devices classed as toys
- Inflatables designed for pools
- Privately owned non-hire inflatables
- Bungee runs and rodeo bulls
Equipment falling outside this scope may still require inspection through alternative routes such as inflatable games inspection.
PIPA Inspection & Advice
If you require PIPA inspection, certification or advice on whether your inflatable equipment falls within the scheme, we are happy to help.
We also offer inflatable safety testing and mobile PIPA testing across Wales.
Phone: 07967 955773
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