When it comes to inflatable play equipment, safety matters. At Airquee, we're committed to delivering products that are both enjoyable and safe for everyone who uses them. The PIPA testing scheme is one of the ways we maintain these industry leading standards. But what is PIPA, and why does it matter for your inflatables? Let's find out more.
Why is the PIPA testing scheme important?
PIPA stands for the Professional Inflatable Play Association. It's a UK-based inspection scheme designed specifically for inflatable play equipment. The scheme ensures that commercial inflatables used in the UK meet strict safety standards through a standardised testing process.
Commercial inflatable equipment tested under PIPA must comply with the BS EN 14960 standard, which sets out safety requirements for inflatables across Europe. When an inflatable passes these tests, it receives a PIPA tag - a unique reference number that allows you to verify the product's safety status online.
How Does PIPA Work?
The PIPA testing process involves several key steps:
-
Initial Inspection: Before an inflatable can be certified under the PIPA scheme, it must undergo an initial inspection. This involves a detailed examination of the inflatable’s design, materials, and construction to ensure it meets all relevant safety standards.
-
Testing Process: The testing process includes a variety of checks, such as measuring the air pressure, checking the strength of seams, verifying the stability of the structure, and ensuring that all safety features are functioning correctly.
-
PIPA Tagging: Once an inflatable has passed the inspection, it is issued a PIPA tag. This tag, a blue disc, is attached to the inflatable and includes a unique reference number that can be used to verify the equipment’s safety status online through the PIPA website.
-
Annual Inspections: To maintain PIPA certification, inflatables must undergo an annual inspection. This ensures that the equipment remains safe to use over time and that any wear and tear is identified and addressed promptly.
-
Online Database: The PIPA scheme maintains an online database where operators and customers can check the inspection status of any PIPA-tagged inflatable. This transparency is key to ensuring that only safe, certified inflatables are used in public settings.
How Airquee Uses the PIPA Scheme
At Airquee, we are committed to providing the highest quality and safest inflatable products on the market. That’s why we fully embrace the PIPA testing scheme for all our inflatables. Here’s how we incorporate PIPA into our operations:
-
Design with Safety in Mind: From the outset, we ensure that all our inflatables meet the strict safety requirements outlined in the BS EN 14960 standard. This commitment to safety from the start makes the PIPA certification process smoother and more efficient.
-
Rigorous Testing and Certification: Every inflatable we manufacture undergoes rigorous testing before it leaves our European factory This includes both internal testing by qualified PIPA inspectors to ensure that each product is safe, durable, and fit for use.
-
Annual Inspections: We don’t stop at initial certification. Our products are subject to annual PIPA inspections to ensure they continue to meet the high standards expected of them. This ongoing commitment to safety means that our inflatables remain reliable and safe throughout their lifespan.
-
Transparency and Trust: We believe in full transparency when it comes to safety. All our PIPA-certified inflatables are tagged and listed in the PIPA online database, allowing everyone to easily verify the safety status of any Airquee inflatable.
-
Customer Support and Education: We don’t just sell inflatables; we support our customers with the knowledge and resources they need to maintain and operate their inflatables safely and securely. We provide guidance on how to check PIPA tags, understand inspection results, and ensure ongoing compliance with safety standards.
Why PIPA Matters
The PIPA scheme is more than just a certification - it’s a commitment to safety. For operators, using PIPA-certified inflatables means providing a safe environment for users, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring compliance with UK regulations.
While the only requirement for inflatable test is by a competent person and not a PIPA test by using the PIPA scheme ensure you are using one of two tests supported by the HSE.
And, for customers and parents, it means peace of mind knowing that the inflatable play equipment their children are using has been thoroughly tested and certified as safe.
Safety First Approach
Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Airquee. The PIPA testing scheme plays a crucial role in our commitment to delivering industry-leading commercial inflatable products. By ensuring that our inflatables are PIPA-certified, we offer our customers not just a product, but the assurance that they are investing in safety, quality, and fun.
Whether you’re an operator looking to provide safe, certified inflatables or a parent seeking peace of mind, Airquee and the PIPA scheme are here to ensure that every bounce, slide, and jump is as safe as it is enjoyable.
What to Do Next?
Whether you’re an operator looking to provide safe, certified inflatables or a parent seeking peace of mind, Airquee Inflatables and the PIPA scheme are here to ensure that every bounce, slide, and jump is as safe as it is enjoyable.
If you have any questions about the PIPA scheme or need advice on selecting PIPA-certified inflatables, speak to the Airquee team. They are always happy to help.
