Guide · updated November 2026

Jumping castle and inflatable risk assessment

Inflatables are one of the highest-consequence risks at community events, mainly because of wind. Treat them seriously even at small events.

Hazard	What could happen	Before	Key controls	After
Inflatable lifted or tipped by wind	Children thrown or falling, serious injury or death	High	Hire only from an operator who supplies AS 3533 compliance, any required registration, a current inspection logbook and insurance · Anchored at every point the manufacturer specifies · Operator's wind limit written down, wind measured on site, and the device emptied and deflated when the limit is reached or wind is gusty · Never operated during storm warnings	Medium
Collisions and falls between users	Head, neck and limb injuries	High	Trained attendant supervising at all times · Users grouped by size and age · Manufacturer's maximum number of users enforced · No shoes, glasses or sharp objects · Soft matting at the entry and exit	Medium
Blower and electrical supply	Electric shock, entanglement, burns	Medium	Blower guarded and fenced off · RCD-protected supply · Leads tested and tagged and protected from foot traffic	Low

What to ask the hire operator for

Evidence of compliance with AS 3533 and any registration your state requires
Current inspection logbook and the daily check
Their maximum wind speed for each device, in writing, and how they measure wind on site
Anchoring method for your surface (grass vs hard ground)
A trained attendant for the whole time the device is in use
Certificate of currency for public liability

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Common questions

What wind speed should a jumping castle stop at?

Follow the manufacturer's and operator's limit for that device, which should be in writing. Stop and empty it immediately in gusty conditions or when a storm is approaching, even if average wind is below the limit.