Renting a jumping castle is the easiest way to turn a normal party into an unforgettable event. However, not all hire companies are created equal. In Australia, strict safety standards and insurance requirements mean you need to do a little homework before you sign on the dotted line.
To ensure your event is safe, legal, and stress-free, here are the 7 key questions you should ask every supplier.
1. Do you have $20 Million Public Liability Insurance?
This is the non-negotiable first question. In Australia, any reputable hire company must carry Public Liability Insurance.
- Why it matters: It protects you and your guests in the unlikely event of an accident.
- Pro Tip: If you are hosting your party in a public park, most Sydney councils will require a copy of the company’s Certificate of Currency before they grant you a permit.
2. Does your equipment comply with Australian Standard AS 3533?
All commercial jumping castles in Australia must be manufactured and maintained according to AS 3533.4.1.
- What to look for: Ask the supplier if their castles are design-registered and regularly inspected. High-quality inflatables are made of heavy-duty PVC, not the thin nylon material found in toy stores.
3. What is your bad weather and cancellation policy?
Sydney weather can be unpredictable. You need to know what happens if it rains or if there are high winds (usually over 40km/h).
- Ask: “If it rains on the morning of my party, do I get a full refund, a credit, or is my deposit lost?”
- Note: Professional companies will often cancel a booking themselves if the wind is too high, as it becomes a major safety risk.
4. Are your electrical leads and blowers “Tested and Tagged”?
Safety isn’t just about the castle; it’s about the power source too.
- The Rule: In Australia, all electrical equipment used for commercial purposes must be tested and tagged by a qualified person to ensure it’s safe for use.
- Check: Look for a colored tag on the power cords when the driver arrives.
5. What are the specific space and access requirements?
A common mistake is ordering a castle that is too big for the yard.
- Ask: “How much ‘clearance space’ do you need around the castle?”
- Access: Most castles are heavy (100kg+) and arrive on a trolley. Tell the company if you have stairs, narrow gates, or steep driveways, as this might affect the delivery.
6. How do you anchor the castle on my specific surface?
Safety depends on the castle staying on the ground.
- Grass: They should use heavy-duty metal stakes driven deep into the ground.
- Hard Surfaces (Concrete/Pavement): They must use weighted sandbags (usually 20kg-40kg per anchor point).
- Warning: Never hire a company that says they “don’t need” anchors on a calm day.
7. Do your staff have valid “Working with Children Checks”?
If the hire company is providing a supervisor for your event (standard for corporate or public events), this is a legal requirement in many Australian states.
- The Check: The WWCC ensures that the staff member is cleared to work around minors. Even for backyard drop-offs, knowing the company vets their staff adds a layer of peace of mind.
Summary
By asking these seven questions, you aren’t just being a “difficult” customer—you are being a responsible host. A professional Sydney jumping castle company will be more than happy to provide these details and even show you their paperwork.