Operating Manual

OPERATING MANUAL

POOL INFLATABLE STOP !! Read me first…..

This manual contains BOING’s official manufacturer’s Instructions and Safety recommendations for owners and operators of BOING swimming pool inflatable play equipment. This manual gives general recommendations for operating pool inflatables. There may be additional instructions or recommendation for some inflatable units which are enclosed with the product. You should familiarise yourself with all relevant regulations and codes of practice/guidance notes under the laws of the country where the inflatable is used. As the owner/operator, it is your responsibility to give instruction to all operators and users in the proper safe use of the unit. It is strongly recommended that your read this manual before attempting to set up, dismantle or operate the equipment to which it relates, even if you have used similar equipment before. No illustration in this manual is intended per se as an instruction or recommendation. The illustrations do not form part of any safety policy or code of practice. The situations depicted are imaginary and are not intended to be taken literally. On the contrary, every cartoon illustrates some form of undesirable practice or behaviour by pool staff and/or users. BOING hopes that by showing the fictional situations in humorous way it will help to drive home the point so that pool management and staff remember what not to do as well as what they ought to do.

Any misuse or failure to adhere to the instructions and recommendations contained in this manual will render void the 24 month warranty.

2 CONTENTS

GENERAL 4 Notices and Acknowledgements (Legal) 4 Product Description 4 Quality of Design and Manufacture 5

BASIC OPERATING PROCEDURES 7 Assembly and erection of the inflatable 8 Setting up – Assembly procedures – Safety mats 8 Deflation – Dismantling – Packing procedures 11

STAFFING AND SUPERVISION 13 Ratios 13 Training 13 Risk Assessment and check list 13 Insurance (public liability and employer’s liability) 14

RULES OF PLAY 15 General 15 Slides 15 Signage 16

SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 17 Basic security precautions 17 Outdoor use 18 Electrical precautions 18 Accident procedures 18

CLEANING – HYGIENE 19 General 19 Chemicals 19

MAINTENANCE - SERVICE AND INSPECTIONS PROCEDURES 20 Recommended inspection schedule 20 24 month warranty – what it covers 20 Disposal 21

AN ILLUSTRATIVE GUIDE TO SITING AND ANCHORING POOL INFLATALBES 22

3 GENERAL

Notices and acknowledgements In this manual, all references to BOING mean BOING N.V. BOING is also a trademark/trade name and registered trademark of BOING N.V. Any other brand and/or product name mentioned, may be a trademark and/or registered trademark of the relevant company and is hereby acknowledged. This manual is provided for information purposes only. Nothing in this manual is to be construed in any way as varying the terms of sale of the goods to which it applies. All the information included in this manual is subject to change without notice. Reasonable care has been taken when preparing the contents of this Manual. However, BOING accepts no responsibility for any error or omission or misuse.

Product Description Water based inflatables have been in use in swimming pools in different countries for a number of years. These units were initially used in traditional swimming pools because they faced competition from leisure pools. However these inflatables have become so popular with customers that most leisure pools are now using them as attractions. Use of this type of inflatable unit should be programmed into regular sessions. BOING’s customer research indicates that when these sessions are correctly marketed, the unit should soon recover the initial investment.

BOING manufactures two types of water based inflatable unit :

. Constant flow inflatables . Sealed inflatables

Constant flow inflatables are manufactured using machine stitched seams. They use a continuous electric fan to maintain air pressure whilst the unit is in use, via a minimum of 10m of flexible 100mm air pipe. Sealed pool inflatables have high frequency welded seams. They are inflated by a small hand held electric fan and then stoppered before placing them on the water. BOING’s constant flow units are generally designed to be anchored to the side of the pool so that the unit runs from the shallow end to the deep end. Siting and supervision consideration are dealt with below. Participants jump from the pool side into the landing section of the inflatable, one at a time. The users then try to traverse the various obstacles until jumping or sliding off the end into the water. The anchor able sealed units and centrally located constant flow units. BOING’s smaller sealed units, the Slippadebob and Flopadop, are designed to free float in the learner or non-swimmer pools.

Slides The inflatable water slides are designed for very specific use and require direct supervision. The Jungle Rapids slide is designed to attach to a 3m diving platform or purpose built steel access structure. It is not intended to be used in any other way. The Dolphin Slide or Shark Slide is a self-contained anchor able unit designed to be used in a similar way to the obstacle course-type units. Due to their height they are for sliding down only and are not designed for jumping or diving off.

All pool inflatables have the following common traits :

. They are made of a reinforced flexible PVC based fabric. . They are filled with air when operational. . When packed away, the volume of space they take up is a fraction of their inflated size. . They can be set up in a matter of minutes, and usually packed away within 15 minutes.

4 Quality of Design and Manufacture BOING has invested heavily in the latest Computer Assisted Design and Manufacturing equipment (CAD/CAM). This has enabled BOING to lead the field by developing the newest designs to capture the imagination of children. This industry-leading facility also allows special inflatables to be rapidly made to order so that our customers’ own concepts are brought into reality. One of the benefits of this high level of computerisation is the accuracy of fabric cutting. This in turn leads to the most consistent quality of product in the leisure inflatable industry. To maintain its quality at the highest levels, BOING does not sub-contract any of its production. Applied painted artwork on our inflatables is always non toxic.

BOING inflatables are all made in our own factories from the highest quality fire retardant reinforced PVC coated fabric developed by our suppliers to meet our own specifications. Constructed from polyester weave thickly coated on both sides with PVC, it is a heavy duty tensile material made with a gloss finish to resist dirt. It is non-toxic, certified fire retardant and has a nominal weight of 650 gm/sq. metre. The coated fabric is machine stitched together with a minimum of four lines of stitching per seam using a rot resistant Polyester thread.

After every use in the pool, it is strongly recommended that operators rinse the unit with clean fresh untreated water and allow to dry completely before packing away.

Please note that the useful working life of swimming pool inflatable units will vary depending on usage, and exposure to the chemically aggressive environment in which the pool inflatables are used. The chemicals used in water treatment, other contaminants which may be present, solvents and proprietary cleaning agents, all can have a deleterious effect on the coated fabrics and their seams. They can also cause applied painted or screen printed artwork to degrade. After every use in the pool, it is strongly recommended that operators rinse the unit with clean fresh untreated water and allow to dry completely before packing away.

The continuous flow principle – Why fans are left running

(This section does not apply to sealed pool inflatable units)

As the structure is held together by stitched seams, air will always escape from the hundreds of perforations produced during stitching. These perforations gradually increase in size during the working life of the unit. Air must be continuously supplied under pressure to keep the unit properly inflated. This is the ‘continuous flow’ principle. The fan specified by BOING compensates for the gradually increased air loss due to ageing and can also cope with any small rip (up to @ 5 cm). Constant flow inflatables are supplied with an electrically powered fan. Sealed units are not supplied with a fan but it can be supplied separately.

CAUTION All constant flow inflatables use a high pressure fan. For safety reasons, it is vital to use the correct fan specified for the inflatable unit. If the unit start to show signs of loss of air pressure, play should be suspended immediately and the cause of the pressure loss investigated before users are allowed back onto the unit and play is resumed. Before using any electrical fan with a pool inflatable, you should refer to the section on electrical safety on page 17 of this manual.

Locating fans in public areas is not advisable.

5 Common causes of pressure loss include interruption of electrical power supply to the fan, accidental disruption of inlet or outlet pipes, or physical damage to the inflatable itself.

BASIC OPERATING PROCEDURES

Safety Considerations Some useful Codes of Practice have been published. BOING strongly advises all owners and operators of its pool inflatables to obtain and read them.

The main hazards associated with pool inflatables themselves are :

. The size of the larger inflatables is such that the bottom of the pool may not be visible from all angles and someone trapped beneath the inflatable itself or lying on the bottom of the pool may not be visible to supervisory staff. There are underwater surveillance systems available to reduce this type of hazard.

. It may be difficult to supervise the activities of children swimming under the inflatable.

. The users can pose a risk to themselves and each other due to reckless or boisterous behaviour.

6 . Inadequately anchored inflatables can drift into deeper water with weak or non-swimmers on board, or can drift too close to the pool edge, risking injuries due to users colliding with the pool edge.

(Diagrams showing the positioning and anchoring of units can be found in the Appendix at the end of this manual.)

. With outdoor pools, there is a risk of strong or gusty wind affecting the stability of the inflatable.

. During designated inflatable sessions, unless the use of the pool is exclusive to users of the inflatable, other swimmers or pool users should be segregated from the immediate area around the inflatable. A roped-off landing area should also be provided where the users exit from the inflatable.

Use of other pool features, e.g. wave machines or water canon, may be incompatible with inflatable sessions.

Other risks The main hazard arises from the use of electrical appliances in wet areas. This can not be over- emphasized. The principle of ‘continuous flow’ operation of pool inflatables makes the use of such electrical appliances unavoidable. Further guidance on overcoming this hazard appears in section 5 below : In extreme situations of overloading or over-inflation, the fabric itself may split leading to deflation.

Assembly and erection of the inflatable BOING inflatable equipment is designed to be erected and dismantled quickly and safely, it the recommendations in this manual are followed.

CAUTION Before attempting to unload, move, site, inflate or use BOING inflatable equipment you should read the contents of this manual thoroughly.

Handling with care The unit itself will be supplied rolled up with the filler pipe and outlet pipe (if applicable) on the outside, and the whole bundle tied with a strap or rope. Inflatables can be quite heavy, especially if wet. It is vital to have enough able-bodied helpers to carry out loading, unloading, setting up/assembly and dismantling without individuals hurting themselves unintentionally. You have a legal duty to assess and eliminate or reduce the risk of injury to employees and others which can result from manual handling operations. This applies to all operations involving transporting, loading, unloading, setting up, dismantling, packing or moving inflatables.

Cold Hazard The fabric from which the unit is made can be easily

7 Damaged if the unit is unrolled or inflated whilst in a Very cold or frozen state. This may occur if the unit is Subjected to low or freezing temperatures whilst in Storage or transit. The coated fabric used in the unit Loses its flexible characteristics at 3 degrees Celsius or Below. In that very cold state, the fabric may crack During movement or inflation. Any resulting damage Is not covered by BOING’s warranty. If the unit is found To be too cold for use, it must be allowed to warm up gradually and progressively until the fabric regains its normal flexible characteristics.

Setting up / Assembly Procedures

Setting up and Operation Please note that non-swimmers or weak swimmers should not use this type of inflatable.

It is essential that the pool inflatable is transported from the storage area to the inflation area near the pool, carefully and not dragged as this will cause damage including tears and grazes to the fabric. A trolley should be used if necessary. The surface of the area where the inflatable is to be inflated, should be non-abrasive and clear of any protrusions or object which might damage the inflatable.

Constant flow inflatables The unit should be fully unrolled alongside the swimming pool and one end of the flexible air pipe inserted into an air inlet. The air inlet is usually situated at the flat start end of the unit. However, on the Dolphin Slide for example there is an air inlet in both side stabilisation tubes. There is a strap and cam buckle permanently attached to the inlet and by wrapping the webbing round the air inlet twice and then feeding it through the cam buckle an air tight seal can be produced. Any other air inlets should be closed off using the attached webbing strap and cam buckle. The other end of the flexible pipe can be fitted over the air outlet of the fan an it is held in place with a jubilee clip which is tightened up using a flat ended screwdriver. Do not over tighten as this may damage the pipe or the fan outlet. Care must be used in siting the electric fan. Please refer also to section 5 on electrical safety. Fans required for constant flow inflatables should be sited well away from the pool side and any other wet areas. Swimmers should be prevented from having access to the fan. It is best for the fan to be permanently mounted on a wall in the pump room. The 10m of air pipe can then be fed through to the pool side. A 10m pipe is normally long enough for most pools but if necessary can be extended up to 15m. Use of air pipes longer than 15m is not recommend due to the potential reduction in air pressure.

The fan can be switched on and the unit inflated before putting it in the pool. When fully inflated, the unit should be safety checked using the daily check list. If no daily check list is available and its fan must be checked before each session to ensure that :

. The electric fan (blower) has no chafed or worn cables and is fixed securely so that is can not be pulled by the air pipe into the pool itself or any wet area.

. Electric plugs, sockets, and switches are not damaged in any way and the electric fan is connected to an earthed main supply via a RCD (Residual Current Device).

. The inflation pipe connections to the fan and the unit are firmly fixed and airtight (constant flow units only).

. There are no holes or rips in the surface or seams of the inflatable unit.

. When fully inflated, the structure is sufficiently firm.

. All anchor points are intact and not damaged.

8 Once the unit has been inflated and checked, it can be floated in to the correct position in the pool. Please refer to the relevant diagram in the Appendix to this manual. The unit can then be positioned in the pool using the anchor ropes. The normal method is by anchorage to the pool sides but suitably equipped pools may use the bottom method. The Loch Ness inflatable should be sited centrally in the pool with the start at the shallow end and the slide/exit in a minimum depth of 1.8m (The anchor lines should be positioned at 30 to 45 degrees to the edge of the pool). The sides of the main part of the unit, should not be nearer than 3.5m form the edge of the pool. Obstacle-type constant flow inflatables should be positioned between 1 and 1.5m from the shallow end at least 1m depth running to the deep end with at least 1.8m depth and 3.5m clearance from the end, with at least 3.5m clearance (disregarding stabilisers) at each side. If the unit is an obstacle course type of unit then the start section end, which is the end with the two short anchor ropes with rubber shock absorbers, should be anchored to the side op the pool first, with just enough tension to ensure that the distance between the start and the edge op the pool in between 1m and 1.5m. When units are placed in the water, they are first attached at the shallow end, then at a 45 degree angle to the deep end. The unit is then manoeuvred into the correct position by tightening the ropes at the deep end so that the unit is between 1 and 1.5m away from the shallow end. Any loose ends of anchor ropes should be tidied up and the air pipe positioned so that they are not a hazard to users. Anchor ropes should be left slack and lying along the surface of the water. Anchor ropes present a potential hazard to users who may fall onto them. To reduce the risk of injury, they should be smooth, padded where necessary, brightly coloured, and incorporate a rubber expansion piece/stabiliser. The ropes will become taut if the structure is forced from the desired position in the pool. The rubber compensators will halt the movement and return the unit to the desired position.

A final check should then be made :

That all anchor ropes and their attachments to the pool side are just sufficiently in tension to hold the unit in its correct position in relation to the sides and the bottom of the pool and that they will remain secure during the period of use. Under no circumstances, should any users be allowed to climb on the structure whilst it is out of the water or not correctly anchored.

DO NOT TRY THIS !

Never over inflate a sealed unit. All inflation must be done before the sealed unit is placed in the pool.

Sealed Unit Pool Inflatables Sealed units are inflated on the side of or near the pool. The electrical power cable to the hand-held fan must never be long enough to allow the hand-held fan to come into contact with water whilst still plugged into the mains.

9 When sufficiently filled with air, the sealed unit is sealed using the bung provided. Never over inflate a sealed unit. You should be able to depress the structure slightly with your thumb. Never over tighten the bung as this may lead to damage to the screw thread and cause air loss. Sealed pool inflatables should ideally be in the centre of the pool but never closer than 2m from the pool edge and in a minimum water depth of 1m. With some BOING smaller sealed inflatable units, anchorage points are not provided. These units are designed to be used in toddler or learner pools only. The same basic procedures including safety checks apply. However, at regular intervals during the session, especially on older sealed inflatables, the air pressure should be checked by the method referred to above. If it becomes necessary to top up the unit with air from the fan during the session, first the structure must be removed from the pool and precautions taken to ensure that the fan does not come into contact with water.

Outdoor Swimming Pools Particular care needs to be taken when pool inflatables are used in outdoor conditions. Unless the inflatable is held securely by the anchoring points it may break loose. Consideration needs to be given to weather conditions before the start of each outdoor session and any changes in weather conditions, actual or predicted. In the event of, or imminent possibility or suggestion of, thunder an lightning, the session should be stopped immediately and the air blower turned off as soon as it is safe to do so (see section on deflation/dismantling below). For outdoor use, a petrol or propane gas powered fan may be used instead of an electrical one. Use of such fans involves additional and different risk assessment and safety consideration which are outside the scope of this manual. You should refer to the safety instructions and/or operating manual provided by the supplier of the fan. If that does not expressly cover use in the context of a swimming pool, you should seek relevant advice directly from the manufacturer.

Wind Hazard

Inflatable structures should not be erected or used outdoors in high winds as it is both dangerous during use, and whilst inflating the unit. The unit will not remain stable under its weight alone, and can be lifted or overturned without warning by a gust of wind during inflation.

Deflation / Dismantling / Packing Procedures At the end of the session, staff must ensure that all users are safely off the inflatable and out of the pool. If applicable, the anchor ropes should be untied. The inflatable can then be carefully taken out of the water and carried (not dragged) to the area where it was originally unpacked. Units should be rinsed off with clean untreated, fresh water and then allowed to dry on the pool side before deflation and packing away. Adequate supervision should be provided to ensure members if the public do not climb on the inflatable when out of the water. The fan should be turned off before the air outlets are opened. To let the air out, open any air outlets by loosening the turnbuckle and undoing the strap. Next, disconnect the fan by loosening the turnbuckle, undoing the strap, and disconnecting the air pipe from the cone on the fan. Leave for at least 10 minutes to deflate, longer if it is a very large unit. Ensure that as much air as possible has escaped before starting to roll and pack the unit.

10 Sealed Pool Inflatables When dry, the cap or bung can then be removed from the inlet. The hand held fan can be used in reverse to draw the air out of the unit more quickly.

Packing Packing is the reverse of unpacking. It is strongly recommended that the inflatable is only packed when it is completely dry. To help prevent damage, if a unit has had to be packed when still damp, it should be unrolled again at the first opportunity and allowed to dry out thoroughly before packing it up. To help to keep the unit in good condition, it should never be stored for any length of time unless it is completely dry. The best shape for the packed unit is obtained by rolling the unit from one end to the other. It may take several attempts to roll it correctly but a sloppily rolled unit is far more difficult to move and is more likely to get damaged. With the filler/outlet pipes untwisted, shuffle from the end furthest away from the air inlet to the air inlet. This helps compact the material and expel any remaining air. Start rolling the unit towards the air inlet to make a big plastic ‘Swiss Roll’. Make sure the sides are parallel – do it again if they are not. If the unit is a large one, then have two people roll it and a third compresses the fabric by walking just in front of where the unit is being rolled. If the unit is rolled up properly, then tie it up with the rope or strap provided. Replace into bag.

The unit when packed, can be rolled or tumbled onto a trolley. With big units particularly, never try to lift them up completely. Use a sack truck or sack barrow or trolley. Never allow any member of staff to take avoidable personal risks or take risks yourself in the course of moving or lifting the unit. Make sure that enough fit helpers are available. BOING accepts no responsibility for any avoidable injury to persons who take unnecessary risks especially with their backs.

Storage The equipment must be stored away clean and dry particularly if its is to be stored for any length of time. Failure to do this will cause mildew to form which will stain and damage the fabric and may cause unpleasant smells. On no account should sealed units be stored inflated as expansion of the air contained within may occur due to heat gains resulting in the unit bursting.

11 STAFFING AND SUPERVISION

Ratios A suitable number of additional trained and qualified staff should be on duty to safety supervise the session. The number of attendants needed to supervise a pool inflatable session depends on the circumstances and is a matter of judgement for the owner or operator. The owner or operator is responsible for determining the minimum number of staff needed to operate and supervise the inflatable and ensure safety at all times.

Users, especially children, need supervision by a responsible person preferably and adult, who is capable of exercising authority over users.

Normal pool supervision duties must not be neglected, and it may not be appropriate for the same members of staff to attempt to do both sets of duties simultaneously. The number of staff required will depend on the size of the inflatable unit and the age range, responsible behaviour, and swimming abilities of the users. With obstacle course type inflatables, there should be a minimum of suitable trained and qualified attendants, one to control access onto the unit at the start of the course, and one generally responsible for the safety of users on the inflatable and from when they enter the water until they are clear of the pool. Users should be allowed to jump (not step) onto the first island, one at a time. It is the responsibility of the staff to control the numbers and ages of those allowed to get on and off the unit in the same session. Given the restricted visibility under the inflatable, staff must be alert to the possibility of a user experiencing difficulties in an obscured part of the pool, either underneath the structure or on the pool bottom. They must ensure that all potential blind spots and sides of the inflatable are covered. If necessary, an attendant should also be in the pool itself. The use of purpose- built underwater surveillance equipment should be considered. The attendants must also keep users clear of the unit, except during sessions when it is declared open for use. The attendants must be able to ensure that rules of play are being observed at all times. Attendants must also ensure that the fan(s) are not tampered with during play sessions.

Training The owner or operator of the inflatable, or the swimming pool manager, is also responsible for ensuring that each attendant receives adequate training in all aspects of the safe setting up, daily checks, dismantling, packing, cleaning, maintenance, supervision and operation of the inflatable. This should include knowledge of applicable guidance notes or codes of practice.

12 Risk Assessment and Check-List The owner or operator of the inflatable, or the swimming pool manager, is legally responsible for making a risk assessment of his own operating methods. This includes assessing potential risks to the public and employees as well, before making a health and safety plan.

BOING provides specimen check lists for daily and annual inspections of the unit. See section 7 of this manual. These check lists are not exhaustive and should be added to as necessary to suit the requirements of the individual owner or operator of the inflatable, or the swimming pool manager.

Insurance (Public Liability and Employer’s Liability)

Although accidents leading to injury are rare, it is strongly recommended by BOING that every operator of play equipment should take out public liability insurance cover, against the risk of claims by users or members of public from any incidents associated with operation of the play equipment, or incidents which may occur at the public event concerned. It is recommended you obtain advice from your local insurance broker.

13 RULES OF PLAY

General It is the responsibility of the owner or operator of the inflatable, or the swimming pool manager to make a risk assessment of his own operating methods, and to devise suitable Rules of Play. Owners and operators and swimming pool managers should display their Rules of Play in a manner which can be seen and read by all users before they are allowed on to the inflatable. All attendants should be familiar with those Rules of Play.

Ideally, the attendants should be equipped with a whistle to attract the attention of a particular user or group of users. The system of work should ensure that the users are admitted to the inflatable in a controlled and safe manner.

Some suggested guide-lines for the attendants are :

. Users should not approach the inflatable until given permission to do so. One attendant should control the entry to the unit and users should form an orderly queue. Users should jump onto the unit rather than stop on and only one person at a time should be on the landing area.

. No one may take onto the inflatable with them any hard sharp or dangerous objects, such as buckles, pens, keys, knives etc. Spectacles are best removed.

. Boisterous behaviour which might put themselves or others at risk, is to be curbed. Offenders should be warned in the first instance.

. Careless or reckless behaviour or intentional rough play including recklessly colliding with other pool users, or interference with anchor ropes or air pipes or fans, or repeated disregard of operators directions, is not to be allowed. Offenders should be dealt with by immediate expulsion.

. Ensure that users using the inflatable at the same time are all of a similar size and ability.

. Under no circumstances should the users be allowed to climb on the structure whilst it is out of the water or not correctly anchored.

It is recommended that a sign board should be erected close to the front of the unit, listing the above points and any specific rules of play.

Slides In addition to the general rules for use of pool inflatables, slides such as the Dolphin Slide inflatable present other hazards as well. They require constant supervision when in use. Inflatable slides should be positioned in an even depth of water with a minimum depth of 1.2m at the exit point/landing zone. The clearance from the sides of the pool (disregarding the stabiliser tubes of the dolphin slide) should not be nearer than @ 3.5m from the edge of the pool. From the edge of the pool to the landing area should be @ 4.5m. Enough water should be provided on the sliding surface to

14 enable users to slide down easily. If its is allowed to become dry during use, there is a risk to users of friction burns or grazes. Separate rules for play need to be devised. This is a responsibility of the Pool Manager/operator.

Considerations include :

. Only one person should go down the slide at any one time.

. They should only go if the slide and landing area are clear.

. The slides are designed for users to go down feet first only.

. Diving off the slide into the pool is potentially hazardous.

. The slide will not function correctly under excessive loads.

. Users should not weigh more than about 80 kg.

. Such slides are more sensitive to wind hazards and extra attention to weather conditions is necessary for outdoor use.

Only one person should go down the slide at any one time.

Any damage to the fabric or seams of the slide must be considered a serious hazard in relation to the use of a slide if it is in a position which could cause (say) a foot or hand to become trapped whilst the user is sliding down the unit. The inflatable should be taken out of service until the damage has been repaired.

Signage It is recommended that in addition to safety signs, written rules of play applying to the use of pool inflatables should be devised and displayed in a prominent position where users will see them before they are allowed onto an inflatable unit. Such signage is a useful reminder for the staff.

SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Basic Security Precautions The public must be prevented at all times from having access to fans, electricity supply cables and outlets, generators or motorised fans and their fuel, exhaust or access to interfere with air inlet and outlet pipes, safety equipment, anchor ropes, and pool inlfatables when they are out of the water.

15 For adequate protection, it is necessary to have both physical barriers and vigilance by the attendants. As for barriers, the areas concerned should at least be roped off, plant rooms kept secure, and suitable signage used to warn and exclude the public. Inflatables in themselves are not dangerous, it is how they are used and how they are maintained that can be dangerous. Hazards to users of inflatables can be broken down into two parts : hazards relating to the equipment itself, and hazards relating to the operation of the equipment.

-- Hazards relating to the equipment

Electric Fans Electric equipment powered by a/c mains is inherently hazardous in a swimming pool or associated environment where moisture is present. Therefore stringent precautions must be taken to eliminate the risk of electric shock or burns.

Fans supplied by BOING for constant flow inflatables are originally Intended to be easily portable, but portability can present a Hazard with swimming pools. For swimming pool inflatables, it is Advisable to fix electric fans in a position well away from the pool And other wet areas. Permanent wall mounting in a pump room or Plant room is preferred. Such fans should be supplied from an Earthed socket with a RCD attached or fed from an earthed Supply with a built in a residual current breaker. The rated trip Setting should not exceed 30mA. It should be tested before each Use as recommended by its manufacturer, using the test button provided, and re-set. The 10m of air pipe can then be fed through to the pool side and attached to the inflatable unit. Longer lengths of air pipe up to 15m can be supplied if required, so there is no need to compromise the safe location of the fan. (Increased lengths beyond 15m of hose, reduce pressure. If sealed unit inflatables are to be inflated on the pool side, the electric cable to the fan should not be long enough to allow the fan to be immersed in the pool when it is plugged in.

Extension cables should not be used. Extra pipe should be used if necessary. Extensions can only be used inside the plant room and should be capable of carrying 13 amps.

Cables should NOT be in a position where people can trip over them.

Daily safety checks for fans must include checks for chafed or worn cables and that plugs, sockets and switches are not damaged in any way. Connection to the mains must be via a RCD, which in turn should be tested at least once daily and preferably before each use.

-- The inflatable structure

The inflatables itself is not hazardous as long as the unit is used correctly and is maintained in accordance with these instructions and repaired if damage occurs. The inflatable should always be inspected before each session in accordance with the daily check list. There is a potential risk which can occur whilst moving the unit around particularly if it is a large one. Care must be taken to prevent injury to pool staff and any bystanders. A suitable trolley should be used whenever possible, and the unit should be rolled tightly into manageable shape.

16 Outdoor Use The hazard associated with outdoor use of pool inflatables which pool staff must always assess before starting a session with the inflatable is adverse wind and weather. In outdoor pools, there is a risk of strong winds or gusts of wind affecting the stability of the inflatable structure. Fans should preferably be enclosed inside a plant room or hut but if the fans has to be sited outdoors it must be protected against the weather to prevent water penetration.

Electrical Precautions See previous section on hazards with electric fans. In an emergency, the electrical supply may have to be switched off with the result that the fan will stop. Once this happens, use of a continuous flow inflatable must stop immediately and it should be cleared of users.

Accident and Emergency Procedures In a well-managed swimming pool, all steps will have been taken to prevent the possibility of accidents. However, in the unfortunate event of an accident happening, the staff should follow established procedures and take appropriate action promptly and prepare a full report after the situation has been brought under control.

CLEANING – HYGIENE

General It is vital that children’s play equipment should be cleaned thoroughly at regular intervals and that the highest standards of hygiene are maintained. Good hygiene is of course a vital requirement of every pool. You should clean the PVC surface as necessary with a non-corrosive antibacterial cleaning solution, or as a temporary measure, a suitable non abrasive household cleaner.

Note : Some household cleaners can remove applied artwork, damage the PVC or rot the stitching.

Before using unfamiliar cleaners, always apply first on a small test area of fabric and/or artwork, preferably one which will not be noticeable during normal use. Care should be taken when cleaning applied artwork (especially when wet) as the paint may be damaged if rubbed hard or if chemically aggressive cleaning agents are used on painted areas.

Note : Spraying artwork areas with silicone will prevent it sticking and therefore increase its lifespan.

17 Chemicals To remove traces of pool water treatment chemicals from the inflatable and extend the life of the unit, it should always be rinsed thoroughly with untreated mains water and allowed to dry completely before packing and storing away.

MAINTENANCE SERVICE AND INSPECTION PROCEDURES

Recommended Inspection Schedule

The daily inspection should ensure that :

. All anchor points are intact and not damaged.

. Anchor ropes and their pool side mooring locations remain sound for continued use.

. The wall to tower fixings are not torn.

. There are no holes or rips in the surface or seams of the inflatable.

. When fully inflated, all vertical structures (when fitted) are firm and upright, and the pressure in the bed and access / landing / apron areas is sufficient to give a reliable and sound footing.

. The blower/inflation tube connection is good.

. The blower must have no loose bolts or screws, etc. and the mesh guards over the air inlet and outlet must be secure and undamaged.

18 . The RCD devise is fitted and working.

An annual safety inspection is recommended, at intervals of not longer than 14 months. A certificate will be issued confirming the result of the safety inspection and test. If repair or replacement should be deemed necessary, you will be advised accordingly.

Accidents involving breach of health and safety laws nowadays can lead to criminal prosecution of not only the individual responsible but also the owners or managers of the enterprise or leisure centre, including its directors. This is quite separate from civil claims for compensation by injured users or employees for which insurance cover should be taken out and its compulsory in many countries. BOING strongly recommends that you familiarise yourself with the legislation, regulations and codes of practice which apply to your activities in your country.

24 Month warranty – What it covers BOING has the option either to repair the unit, or Replace it with a new unit free of charge, or refund The price paid for it. The owner must return it to BOING for inspection and the choice of repair Replacement or refund is entirely at BOING’s Discretion. Wear and tear or damage resulting from neglect, Abuse or failure to comply with BOING’s instructions Is excluded. Modification or unapproved repairs will Void the warranty. Fans are not manufactured by BOING, so are sold with the benefit of the third party manufacturer’s own warranty. Fans are not covered by the BOING warranty, but BOING will take reasonable steps on behalf of its customers to see that the fan manufacturer honours the warranty on the fan.

Disposal The economic life of a inflatable depends on the degree and frequency of actual usage. The end of its useful working life can occur in as little as about 18-24 months. Land-based inflatables such as bouncy castles generally have a significantly longer useful working life than swimming pool inflatables, although both types of inflatable are made from similar materials using similar manufacturing methods and design details. It is also evident that some swimming pools cause faster deterioration of inflatable products than others. However, there are example of pool inflatables which have lasted for several years. One possible explanation is that this is due to the difference in water treatment regimes and general attitudes towards looking after equipment which can vary from one swimming pool to another. When it eventually becomes due for disposal, in no event should the unit be disposed of by burning it, as the PVC coated fabric will give off toxic smoke and gases during combustion. The proper authority or official agency should be contacted for advice regarding the best means of disposal in your area.

19 AN ILLUSTRATIVE GUIDE TO SITING AND ANCHORING POOL INFLATABLES

SEALED UNITS

. Anchorage lines should be at 30 degrees to the line of the inflatable.

. There should be at least 2m between the unit and the edge of the pool.

. For smaller structures, a minimum depth of 1m is required. For larger structures, a depth of at least 1.5m is required.

. Anchor lines should be smooth, non-abrasive and highly visible.

20 . Bottom anchoring method to a fixed point.

CONTINUOUS FLOW UNITS

. The minimum clearance from the pool side should be at least 3.5m.

. Anchor lines should be tensioned to ensure that the ‘start’ end remains 1 to 1.5m from the pool side.

. Anchor lines with rubber shock absorbers should be attached to the pools lane divider anchors.

. The distance from the pool side to the start of the structure should be between 1 – 1.5m.

21 It’s child’s play if you use the professionals.

BOING N.V.

22 The copyright in this publication including all its illustrations remains the property of BOING N.V. at all times, and its contents may not be further reproduced or copied without permission. BOING is a Registered Trademark of BOING N.V. All other trade marks appearing in this publication are hereby acknowledged.