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Dave measuring the entrance of a pink inflatable during an inspection

PIPA testing for inflatables

Initial and annual PIPA inspections for eligible ride-on equipment and non-ride-on games, with the applicable tag and database record provided when equipment passes.

Call the officeWhy PIPA?

What is PIPA?

PIPA, the Professional Inflatable Play Association, operates the UK's Inflatable Play Inspection Scheme. The scheme is supported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), giving operators and customers confidence that eligible equipment has been independently inspected by a competent inspector.

Equipment within scope includes eligible bouncy castles, disco domes, inflatable slides, obstacle courses, bouncing pillows, bungee runs and other inflatables designed for bouncing or sliding. Eligible constant-air non-ride-on games are also included.

A unit that passes is PIPA tagged and recorded on the official PIPA database with its online inspection report. Dave carries out these inspections through Little Monsters, a registered PIPA Inspection Body, and is also an RPII-registered Annual Inflatable Inspector.

PIPA inspection scheme

Tag, database record and online report

Which test do I need?

The right route depends on whether the equipment falls within the PIPA scheme. You do not need to work that out alone: send the office the make, model and a photo if you are unsure.

PIPA testing

For inflatable play equipment within the current PIPA scheme. A passing inspection provides the applicable PIPA tag, database registration and online inspection report. No separate certificate is issued for PIPA-scope equipment.

Usually relevant to: eligible castles, slides, obstacle courses, bouncing pillows, bungee runs and constant-air non-ride-on games.

Explore PIPA testing

In-house inspections

For some non-mechanical inflatable equipment outside PIPA scope, subject to Dave reviewing the device and confirming he is competent to inspect it. An in-house report and separately charged certificate can be provided where applicable. This can include inflatable rodeo beds, which Dave can also repair and reskin, but not the mechanical mechanism. Other devices require a specialist inspection body.

Not certain where yours fits? Dave will confirm before the booking.

Explore in-house inspections

What can be PIPA tested?

The PIPA scheme covers specific types of commercial inflatable play equipment. Its scope develops over time, so Dave will confirm the correct inspection route for your particular unit before booking.

  • Castles, slides and courses

    Eligible castles, flatbeds, enclosed units, combo bounce-and-slides, inflatable slides and obstacle courses.

  • Specialist play equipment

    Eligible bouncing pillows, disco domes and snowglobes are within scope. Bungee runs that meet BS EN 14960-4 are eligible, but devices made before Part 4 are not yet included.

  • Non-ride-on games

    Eligible constant-air games include many archery and axe games, dartboards, shootouts, bowling alleys, side stalls and sports games.

  • Bouncing pillows

    Permanently installed bouncing pillows can be PIPA tested by inspectors who have completed the relevant additional training. See Dave's bouncing-pillow service.

  • Water and toddler equipment

    Eligible water slides are within scope. Toddler playzones can only be inspected by inspectors who have completed PIPA's additional module.

  • Equipment outside the scheme

    An out-of-scope inflatable may still need inspection. Dave can advise whether he is competent to inspect it and issue an in-house report.

What happens during a PIPA test

Dave checks the equipment against the applicable requirements and records the result through the PIPA scheme.

  • Physical inspection

    Dimensions, structure, seams, anchor points, pressure, markings and other applicable safety checks.

  • Separate electrical service

    PAT for agreed blowers is included in Dave's day rate as a separate service, not as part of the PIPA scheme inspection. See testing costs.

  • Documents and markings

    Dave checks the available manufacturer information, operating instructions, identification and applicable user-limit markings.

  • Findings explained

    Any faults or advisories are recorded and explained, including the work needed before a failed unit can pass. Dave can handle many inflatable repairs.

  • Tag and database record

    Applicable PIPA tags and records are completed when the unit passes inspection.

  • Online inspection report

    The PIPA scheme record includes the online inspection report for a passing unit, so no separate certificate is issued.

Non-ride-on games can now qualify

PIPA now includes eligible constant-air games such as football shootouts and dartboards, basketball games, inflatable bowling alleys, mini golf cages, archery or axe games, inflatable four-in-a-row and side-stall games.

Not every inflatable game qualifies. Dave may be able to inspect the inflatable parts of some ride-on or out-of-scope equipment and issue an in-house report after reviewing the device. Any such report covers only the inflatable component named in it; it does not certify an associated mechanism or complete amusement device.

Dave can repair and reskin inflatable rodeo beds, but does not inspect the mechanical mechanism. For the complete rodeo device and ADIPS certification, use an ADIPS-registered inspection body.

Constant-air non-ride-on games

Eligibility confirmed from the individual device

From enquiry to paperwork

  • 1. Tell us what you have

    Send the equipment types, quantities, location and preferred date. Photos help when the correct test or a repair is unclear.

  • 2. Confirm the test route

    Dave checks which units are eligible for PIPA, which he may be competent to inspect in-house and which require another specialist before the visit is priced.

  • 3. Confirm the visit

    The office confirms the expected time, travel, likely cost and practical arrangements before reserving the slot.

  • 4. Prepare the equipment

    Have the agreed units, blowers, paperwork and enough suitable space ready so Dave can work through the booking efficiently.

  • 5. Inspect and explain

    Dave carries out the work himself, records the findings and explains any faults or repairs that need attention.

  • 6. Complete the paperwork

    Applicable PIPA records and tags, or in-house reports and requested certificates, are completed after each passing inspection.

Failures and re-tests

Every failure is different. Dave will explain what has failed, what work is required and the re-test cost for that unit before any repair or return visit is agreed.

Re-tests quoted individually

Based on the fault and work required

References