Inflatables

“There are two ways to slide easily through life: to believe everything or to doubt everything. Both ways save us from thinking.”- Alfred Korzybski

ConsumerReports.org has an interesting story, Inflatable accidents are up, up and away. Inflatable structures like moonwalker and bounce houses are popular at fairs and parties but are not governed by any safety regulations. Few states other than New Jersey have set any standards for safe operation.

Broken bones and teeth arise when too many kids are jammed together jumping on top of each other. Or when the air fan abruptly stops and the structure collapses (one woman died when an inflatable rock climbing wall deflated.) In Ohio a boy was carried away (pictured above) as the inflatable slide took off in a strong breeze. There are report of broken necks from flips and somersaults.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission found 4,900 injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms from inflatables in 2005.

Bottom Line

Before letting your child use an inflatable at a carnival or festival, check to see if it is properly anchored and that children are supervised.

If you are renting one for a backyard event,

• Limit the number of users on the device
• Make sure the inflatable isn't overloaded or unstable
• Securely anchor the inflatable to the ground with pegs
• Place the blower so it can't accidentally be unplugged