​Adverse Weather Conditions Policy

1. Purpose
This policy outlines the procedures and guidelines for managing adverse weather conditions to ensure the safety of clients, participants, and staff, as well as the protection of equipment during events involving inflatable and soft play equipment.

2. Scope
This policy applies to all events where Jumping Joeys provides inflatable and soft play equipment. It covers pre-event planning, real-time monitoring during events, and post event procedures in response to adverse weather conditions.

3. Definitions
Adverse Weather Conditions Refers to weather conditions that pose a risk to safety and equipment integrity, including but not limited to winds exceeding 20km/ph, any form of rain, or wet ground areas caused by a recent rain event or overnight frost, any thunder or lightning identifiable within a 20km radius of the event, and temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, any form of hail.
Inflatable equipment refers to bounce houses, jumping castles, and other air-filled play structures.
Soft Play Equipment refers to foam-based play items, ball pits, and other non-inflatable play structures.

4.Responsibilities
Management: Ensure all staff are trained on this policy and monitor weather conditions via the BOM website daily in the lead up to events, and every 30 minutes during an event where inflatable equipment is used. Staff must follow all procedures outlined in this policy and corresponding risk management documents and communicate effectively with operators and clients regarding weather related decisions and limitations.
Clients: Must comply with all safety instructions provided by Jumping Joeys regarding the use and operation of the equipment in adverse weather conditions.

5.Pre-Event Procedures
Weather Monitoring:
- Once a date of hire is confirmed, weather forecasts via Bureau of Meteorology must be checked daily leading up to the date of hired period. If adverse weather is identified on the expected date of hire, the client must be notified at the earliest available time, and discuss possible options, including rescheduling, cancellation, or moving equipment/event indoors.
Cancellation Policy:
- Events can be cancelled or reschedules without penalty up to 48 hours before the event if adverse weather is predicted.
- Cancellations within 48 hours may incur a fee, but Jumping Joeys will make every effort to accommodate rescheduling.

6.On-the-Day Procedures
Securing the jumping castle:
-On the day, a trained employee will hammer 4 x 700mm long 17mm thick steel pegs into the ground at a 45degree angle, with tethered rope secured to the jumping castle to ensure the castle remains on the ground. On hard ground surfaces (eg. Concrete) 4 x 20kg sandbags will be used instead of ground pegs.
Real-Time Weather Monitoring:
- Jumping Joeys will check weather monitoring services every 30 minutes during the hired period, and create automated weather alerts via the BOM to identify if adverse weather conditions are expected, or may potentially develop during the hired period.
- Specifically, Jumping Joeys will be looking for change in wind speeds, rain occurrence and intensity, and potential storm developments.
Wind Speed Limits:
- If wind speeds exceed 20 km/h, immediately cease the use of all inflatable equipment. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for specific wind thresholds until the wind speeds reduce below 20km/h.
Rain, wet weather, and storms:
- Cease operations of all equipment if any rain, electrical storms, overnight frost, or any adverse weather event is detected during operation.
- Deflate all inflatable equipment promptly and secure all loose items to reduce the risk of additional property or physical damage or injury.
- Cover or move soft play equipment indoors to prevent water damage.
- Lightning and electrical storms: In the event of an electrical or lighting storm, including where thunder is audible, or lightning is visible within a 20km radius, all participants must immediately leave the inflatable and soft play areas. Equipment should be deflated and secured.
Temperature Limitations
Maximum Temperature: For the safety of all children, adults and staff, operations will cease if temperatures exceed 30°C.
- High temperatures can pose risks of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and increased material stress on jumping castles.
- Proper hydration and shaded areas should be available if operating in temperatures between 25°C and 30°C.
Minimum Temperature: Jumping castles and soft play areas will not be operated when temperatures fall below 10°C.
- Cold weather can reduce the flexibility of materials and increase the risk of injury due to the firming of surfaces.

7.Client Instructions
Pre-Event Communication:
- Clients will be briefed on the potential for adverse weather and the corresponding procedures during the event.
Emergency Procedures:
Instruct clients on how to safely cease use of the equipment, including turning off blowers, deflating inflatables, and securing all play items. These instructions will be provided to the client via a document provided on the day, as well as a verbal demonstration on the day of the event. (The document is attached below)
- Ensure clients understand the importance of adhering to these instructions to prevent accidents and equipment damage.

8.Post-Event Procedures
Inspections and damage assessments:
- After the hired period, staff will conduct a thorough inspection of all equipment for any damage caused by misuse of adverse weather.
- Document any findings and make necessary repairs before equipment is used again.
Incident Reporting:
- Any weather-related incidents must be reported to management immediately. Complete an incident report detailing the conditions, actions taken, times, and outcomes.

9.Risk Management Compliance with Standards
- Ensure all practices adhere to WorkSafe Victoria standards, including the Code of Practice for Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace and Australian Standard 2533.4.1 for Amusement Rides and Devices.
Training:
- All staff must undergo training on this policy and understand the risks associated with adverse weather conditions. Refresher training should be conducted annually.
Insurance:
Jumping Joeys will maintain appropriate insurance coverage, including public liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and equipment insurance to protect Jumping Joeys.
Review and Continuous Improvement
Policy Review:
- This policy will be reviewed annually or after any significant weather incidents to ensure it remains effective and compliant with current standards.
Feedback:
- Clients and staff are encouraged to provide feedback on the implementation of this policy to improve procedures and safety measures.
Contact Information: For any questions regarding this policy, please contact Jumping Joeys at 0419 330 109

Instructions for Safely Ceasing Use of Inflatable and Soft Play Equipment
This document provides detailed instructions on how to safely cease use of the jumping castle and soft play equipment in the event of adverse weather conditions or any other situation where the equipment needs to be deflated and secured. Please follow these steps carefully to ensure the safety of all participants and prevent any damage to the equipment.

1.Turning Off Blowers
1.1. Locate the blower unit(s) connected to the jumping castle. The blower is responsible for keeping the jumping castle fully inflated and operational.
1.2. Ensure all participants, including children and adults, have vacated the jumping castle before proceeding.
1.3. Turn off the blower by switching the power switch to the 'Off' position or unplugging the blower from its power source.
1.4. Once the blower is turned off, the jumping castle will begin to slowly deflate. Ensure that no one attempts to re-enter the jumping castle during this time.

2.Deflating Inflatables
2.1. After turning off the blower, the jumping castle will naturally deflate due to the loss of airflow.
2.2. Allow the jumping castle to fully deflate. Do not attempt to accelerate the process by manually compressing the jumping castle, as this may damage the seams or structure.
2.3. Ensure that the area around the jumping castle is clear of any obstacles or participants as it deflates.

3.Securing All Play Items
3.1. Once the jumping castle is fully deflated, begin gathering and securing all soft play items and equipment.
3.2. Soft play items should be placed in a secure and safe location, away from exposure to further weather conditions.
3.3. If possible, place items in a sheltered area (such as a garage, tent, or covered area) to protect them from damage.
3.4 If there is no area to place the items, the tarp will be provided to ensure that you cover the play items.

4.Safety Considerations
4.1. Always ensure that no one is on or inside the jumping castle during the deflation process.
4.2. Be cautious of heavy winds or stormy weather when handling the equipment. Ensure that all equipment is anchored securely.
4.3. In case of an emergency, contact our team immediately for assistance and guidance.

5.Contact Information
If you encounter any difficulties while ceasing use of the equipment or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at: - Phone: 0419 330 109 Our team will be available to provide immediate support in case of any issues