Amusement and Inflatable Devices at Events

Whether it be a bouncy castle, tea-cup ride or a water-based inflatable island, Waipā District Council follows the best practice set by Worksafe along with council processes for appropriate use on our public spaces.

Amusement devices

Amusement devices include any fairground rides and any other mechanically powered unit that is used for rider entertainment. These include but are not limited to:

• bumper boats
• bumper cars
• bungee jumping (when a mobile crane and platform are used)
• can-Am cars
• fairground machinery (eg merry-go-rounds, Ferris wheels, roller coasters etc)
• indoor go-kart operations
• jet skis (if in a restricted area)
• minibikes (three- and four-wheel all-terrain vehicles).

Amusement devices must be registered with WorkSafe by the device owner, after it has been certified by a registered engineer.

Before you can operate the amusement device, you must obtain all of the following. Allow sufficient time to obtain:

• Engineer’s Examination
• Certificate of Registration - processed by Worksafe NZ within 20 working days -
• Application forms are available on the build Waikato website
• Permit to operate - applications must be made at least 3 days prior to when the applicant intends to use the amusement device.

For more information go to worksafe.govt.nz

Land-borne inflatable devices

Operators of land-borne inflatable devices (LBI), such as bouncy castles and slides, must meet set conditions set out by Worksafe. While these devices are not required to be registered, operators and event organisers have responsibility for ensuring that all activities comply with sections 30 and 36 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

Before you can operate a land borne inflatable device (LBI), you must provide all of the following.

Allow sufficient time to obtain:

• Provide evidence that their LBI devices meet the requirements of Australian Standard 3533.4.1
• All practicable steps have been taken to ensure staff, users and the people within the vicinityare kept safe from being harmed
• Demonstrate how the risk to health and safety associated with their use will be managed

For more information go to worksafe.govt.nz

Water-born inflatable devices

Operators of water-borne inflatable devices (WBI), such as bouncy castles and slides, must meet set conditions set out by Worksafe NZ. Council follows the Worksafe NZ recommendation that event organisers do not use any WBI operator that is unable to clearly demonstrate that they meet the requirements of Australian Standard 3533.4.1 – 2017.

As a person conducting a business or undertaking a WBI you have a duty to ensure the health and safety of your workers and members of the public involved with the operation of a WBI.

Some of the steps you, the event organiser, and your contractor can take to manage the risks from WBIs are:

• making sure that your WBI and its operation comply with Australian Standard 3533.4.5 – 2017 Water-borne Inflatable Devices
• carrying out a risk assessment to identify site specific and any other risks
• making sure operators are familiar with the equipment and know what they’re doing with confidence
• making sure that manufacturer guidance on the design, installation and operation of the WBI is adhered to.

To find out more about the standards, Council’s expectations, risks and mitigation practises visit Worksafe NZ’s water borne advice here.