Warmer weather will soon be upon us and so will the need to plan outside parties that will likely include inflatable bounce houses, slides and other amusement devices. As you go through your activity checklists, make sure to add a simple risk management assessment. Other than general safety, you need to ensure that high hygiene standards are met to reduce allergens and germ spreading.

Do the inflatable amusement renters clean the devices? How often? What solution do they use? Do they have exclusion policies posted and enforced that will limit sick children from using? Do they have an attendant that is screening participants?

Schools and other areas (kid parties) are hotspots for germs that can cause illness and disease. Children frequently are exposed to germs due to close proximity of desks and classrooms in addition to their inferior sanitation knowledge. Many times, these germs and allergens congregate in the amusement devices. As the teacher or parent in charge of renting, please have a conversation with the inflatable renting company about the cleaning and health standards they uphold. If you are not comfortable with their standards or are not impressed with their concern for the reduction of germs then walk away. There are plenty of party rental companies that have a sound infection control strategy to benefit their customers.

In addition to their standards, ask the rental company if there is something you can do to maintain a clean environment. Some companies may give you a sanitizing spray that can be applied before and after each wave of kids goes through the party or festival. If they approve you to use your own type of spray (they likely won't because some chemicals will breakdown the inflatable coverings, but if they do then order some SmartTouch sprays. These sprays can also be safely used in your home) then plan a schedule when to apply the disinfectant.

As the teacher or parent, also make sure the students understand that they should refrain from entering if they are sick (a letter home with the child or student works well). Most parents are responsible enough to not allow their children to participate if they are going to spread illness and disease among other children/students. Based on the information we have provided, we want to clarify that we are not teaching an OCD or over-active response to germs, but we do support a responsible approach to hygiene and infection control dealing with inflatable amusement devices.

If you are the inflatable rental company, you should first establish a cleaning and sanitizing policy that is enacted before and after each device is used. Creating a policy will help you and your team follow a simple plan to protect your clients. Outline: