On the programme today:
- we were joined by two mothers, Clodagh Hansen and Lian Sherriff, who came in to explain why they’re urging parents to be more cautions about bouncy castles. In 2015, their sons Liam and Ben were involved in a terrifying accident when the castle they were playing on was blown over railings on the Douglas promenade in high winds; the mums say that with some very basic and simple information to hand, parents can ensure their own children can continue to play safely, and secure in the knowledge that accidents like this are entirely preventable (see below the photos to find further information about health and safety);
- also today, with thanks to The Lovely Judith Ley, we found out about how a collaboration between Laxey shop owner Vicki Hewson from Whim Boutique and acclaimed local artist/illustrator Julia Ashby Smyth is raising monies for the Poppy Appeal with a beautiful and unique new item of clothing;
- we also shared recordings from an adventure that we had recently at Castletown Pool, experiencing the world of scuba for the first time with grateful thanks to Michelle Haywood and helpers Anne and Catherine from Discover Diving - see the pictures below;
- and we referred to the ongoing discussions on the calls to modernise the abortion law here on the Isle of Man, as representatives from both CALM and HEAR campaigns spoke on Mandate this morning;
If you missed the programme, you can listen again for the next 7 days at this link.
BOUNCY CASTLE HEALTH AND SAFETY
We have been in touch with the Isle of Man’s Health and safety inspectorate to find out what, if any regulations apply to temporary play equipment.
They’ve told us there is no strict legislation which applies, but if someone is running play equipment and charging people to use it, then it will fall under the Health and Safety at work act.
And last year all operators of inflatables were sent a copy of the guidance from the National Association of Inflatable Hirers along with an accompanying letter detailing certain requirements hirers On the Island need to adhere to make sure they are in line with current industry standards.
In particular attention was drawn to four points. They were:
The requirement for an annual inspection of the equipment to be carried out by a competent person
The requirement for daily checks before the public are allowed to use the inflatable
The correct anchorage of the device through the use of suitable ground stakes or an equally effective methods
The maximum wind speed that inflatables should be operated at.
For full details: Inflatables Information pdf
