Dave testing the blower and electrical equipment for an inflatable

Choose the right inflatable test

Compare PIPA and case-by-case in-house inspections, see what the visit includes and send the equipment details if you are unsure which route applies.

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

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.

Before the inspection

What should I send with my enquiry?

Send the equipment type, make or model where known, quantity, location and preferred date. A clear photograph helps Dave confirm the right test for unusual equipment.

Can Dave inspect equipment from any manufacturer?

The manufacturer alone does not decide whether Dave can inspect a unit. Send its make, model, photographs and available paperwork so he can confirm whether it falls within PIPA or whether he is competent to provide an in-house inspection. Some devices need a different specialist inspection body.

What needs to be ready on the day?

Have the agreed inflatables, their blowers and leads, manufacturer instructions, previous reports and tag details ready. Dave also needs enough suitable space to inflate and inspect each unit safely.

What does up to 20 units in a day mean?

The number depends on unit size, type, condition and how quickly each one can be set up and packed away. Having the equipment organised and help available for setup gives Dave more inspection time, but 20 is a maximum rather than a guarantee.

Can testing take place at my premises?

Yes. Testing at customer premises and travel across the UK are available for suitable bookings, or equipment can be brought to the Havant base by prior arrangement. The office will confirm whether the equipment list, journey and costs make the visit practical.

Can electrical equipment be tested at the same time?

PAT for agreed blowers is included in Dave's day rate as a separate electrical-maintenance service, not as part of the PIPA inspection. Extension leads are £2.50 + VAT per reel when tested during the same visit.

What happens if a unit fails?

Dave explains the required work and can often complete minor repairs on-site. Every failure is different, so any repair and re-test cost is based on what the unit has failed on.

How can I check Dave's credentials?

Dave is a PIPA inspector, is listed by RPII as an Annual Inflatable Inspector under Little Monsters and serves on the PIPA Leadership Group. Little Monsters is also a registered PIPA Inspection Body. Links to the official records are on the About Dave page.

References