Inflatable Rental Safety Standards:
What Every Parent Should Know
ASTM, IAAPA, IOA, Georgia licensing — here's what these certifications mean and why they matter when choosing an inflatable rental company.
Industry Safety Standards Explained
These are the organizations and standards that govern safe inflatable rental operations — and how Wow Inflatables meets each one.
ASTM International
ASTM F2374 / F2375 / F2376ASTM International publishes the most widely recognized safety standards for inflatable amusement devices. These standards cover design, manufacturing, operation, and inspection requirements for commercial inflatables.
Wow Inflatables units are manufactured to meet ASTM standards for commercial inflatable amusement devices.
IAAPA
IAAPA Safety GuidelinesThe International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions publishes comprehensive safety guidelines for inflatable operators. IAAPA membership requires adherence to these guidelines.
Wow Inflatables is an IAAPA member and follows IAAPA safety guidelines for all operations.
IOA
IOA Operator StandardsThe Inflatable Operators Association provides safety training, operator certification, and industry standards specifically for inflatable rental companies.
Wow Inflatables is an IOA member, ensuring our operators meet professional safety standards.
State of Georgia
Georgia Amusement Ride Safety ActGeorgia regulates commercial amusement rides and inflatable devices through the Georgia Department of Labor. Commercial inflatable operators must comply with state licensing and inspection requirements.
Wow Inflatables is fully licensed and compliant with all Georgia state requirements for inflatable rental operations.
Our Safety Practices — Every Single Rental
These are the safety steps we take for every rental, every time — no exceptions.
Pre-Delivery Inspection
Every unit is inspected before each delivery for structural integrity, seam condition, blower function, and anchor point integrity. Units that do not pass inspection are removed from service.
Cleaning & Sanitization
All inflatables are cleaned and sanitized after every rental using commercial-grade cleaning products. High-touch surfaces receive extra attention.
Professional Anchoring
All units are properly anchored using ground stakes (on grass) or sandbags (on hard surfaces). We never leave an inflatable unanchored. Anchor points are checked before we leave the setup site.
Safety Briefing at Setup
Our delivery team provides a safety briefing at every setup, covering capacity limits, age and weight restrictions, prohibited activities, and emergency procedures.
Wind & Weather Monitoring
We monitor weather forecasts for all events and contact customers if severe weather is expected. All inflatables must be deflated in winds exceeding 25 mph or during thunderstorms.
Liability Insurance
Wow Inflatables carries full general liability insurance. We can provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for events at parks, schools, churches, or venues that require one.
Event Organizer Safety Checklist
Use this checklist when planning any event with inflatable rentals.
- Verify the rental company is licensed and insured in Georgia
- Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) if your venue requires one
- Confirm the company is an IAAPA or IOA member
- Ask how often equipment is cleaned and inspected
- Ensure the setup area is clear of hazards before delivery
- Have an adult supervisor present at all times during use
- Follow all capacity limits provided at setup
- Enforce age and weight restrictions for each unit
- Prohibit shoes, food, drinks, and sharp objects inside inflatables
- Deflate and evacuate immediately during thunderstorms or high winds
Red Flags to Watch For When Hiring an Inflatable Company
- ✗ Cannot provide proof of insurance or a COI
- ✗ No IAAPA or IOA membership
- ✗ Unusually low prices (may indicate uninsured or unlicensed operation)
- ✗ No safety briefing provided at setup
- ✗ Visibly dirty or damaged equipment
- ✗ No clear weather or cancellation policy
Safety Standards FAQs
Common questions about inflatable rental safety, certifications, and regulations.
Are bounce houses safe?
When operated by a licensed, insured, and properly trained rental company, bounce houses are generally safe for children. The key factors are: proper anchoring, following capacity and age limits, adult supervision at all times, and immediate shutdown during severe weather. Wow Inflatables follows all ASTM, IAAPA, and IOA safety standards to ensure the safest possible experience.
What safety standards do inflatable rental companies follow?
Reputable inflatable rental companies follow ASTM International standards (F2374, F2375, F2376) for inflatable amusement devices, IAAPA safety guidelines, IOA operator standards, and state licensing requirements. In Georgia, commercial inflatable operators must comply with the Georgia Amusement Ride Safety Act.
Is Wow Inflatables licensed and insured in Georgia?
Yes. Wow Inflatables is fully licensed and insured in the state of Georgia. We carry general liability insurance and comply with all Georgia state requirements for commercial inflatable operations. We can provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) upon request.
What is IAAPA and does it matter for bounce house safety?
IAAPA is the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. IAAPA membership requires adherence to comprehensive safety guidelines for inflatable operators. Wow Inflatables is an IAAPA member, which means we meet the highest industry standards for safety and professional operations.
How do I know if a bounce house rental company is safe?
To verify a bounce house rental company's safety credentials: (1) Ask if they are licensed and insured in Georgia. (2) Request a Certificate of Insurance. (3) Ask about IAAPA or IOA membership. (4) Ask how often equipment is cleaned and inspected. (5) Check Google and Facebook reviews for reliability. (6) Ask about their weather and cancellation policy.
What should I do if a thunderstorm starts during my bounce house rental?
If a thunderstorm starts during your event, immediately evacuate all users from the inflatables, deflate the units, and move everyone to a safe indoor location. Call Wow Inflatables at 678-379-9691 and we will come to secure the equipment as soon as it is safe to do so. Never use inflatables during thunderstorms or high winds.
What are the ASTM standards for inflatable bounce houses?
ASTM International publishes standards F2374 (design and manufacture of inflatable amusement devices), F2375 (operation of inflatable amusement devices), and F2376 (classification of inflatable amusement devices). These standards cover structural requirements, anchoring, capacity, age and weight limits, and operator responsibilities.
Does Georgia require inflatable rental companies to be licensed?
Yes. Georgia regulates commercial amusement rides and inflatable devices under the Georgia Amusement Ride Safety Act, administered by the Georgia Department of Labor. Commercial inflatable operators must comply with state licensing and inspection requirements. Wow Inflatables is fully licensed and compliant with all Georgia state requirements.
Book with Middle Georgia's Safest Inflatable Rental Company
IAAPA Member · IOA Member · Georgia Licensed · Fully Insured · Veteran-Owned · 20+ Years · 127+ Units