Gibbons Fans | Safety & Operating Guide

Safe Setup.
Correct Pressure.
Confident Operation.

A practical visual guide to safely installing and operating an inflatable blower — from private gardens and family events to professional hire companies, public events and indoor inflatable parks.

Your blower is part of the safety system

A continuous-flow inflatable relies on a correctly selected and correctly operated blower to maintain its intended shape and pressure. Safe operation therefore starts with more than simply switching the blower on.

1
Correct blower

Select the blower specified for the inflatable.

2
Correct pressure

Operate within the manufacturer's specified range.

3
Secure setup

Correct connection, anchoring and positioning.

4
Active supervision

Conditions must continue to be monitored during use.

How the system works

Understanding the airflow path helps operators identify problems before they become safety issues.

Airflow from blower to inflatable
BLOWER Continuous air supply
→
INFLATION TUBE Secure connection
→
INFLATABLE Internal pressure
Important: A blower with a higher maximum airflow is not automatically the correct blower for an inflatable. Follow the inflatable manufacturer's blower and pressure requirements.

Understanding inflatable pressure

Pressure is an important indication of whether a continuous-flow inflatable is operating correctly. Where the manufacturer specifies pressure measurement, use the correct test method and measuring device.

Blower

Supplies continuous airflow.

Inflatable operating zone
kPa
Measure according to the inflatable manufacturer's instructions.
Air leakage

Seams, stitching and designed openings allow controlled air escape.

Safe setup in 7 steps

1

Position the inflatable

Set up on a suitable surface and provide the clearances specified by the inflatable manufacturer.

2

Secure the inflatable

Use the specified anchoring system and all required anchor points. Outdoor installations require particular attention to wind.

3

Connect the inflation tube

Attach the inflation tube firmly to the blower outlet. Make sure the tube is not twisted, crushed or obstructed.

4

Position the blower

Keep the air inlet clear and position the blower where it cannot easily be knocked over or obstructed.

5

Check the electrical supply

Check the supply, plug, cable, protective devices and extension equipment are appropriate for the blower and installation.

6

Inflate and inspect

Remain with the inflatable during inflation. Check its shape, connections, stability and general condition.

7

Check before use

Confirm pressure where required and ensure weather, anchoring, supervision and the surrounding environment remain acceptable.

Electrical safety

Electrical requirements become increasingly important when several blowers are operating together.

Running current

The normal operating current of the blower forms part of the electrical load calculation.

Starting current

Motors can draw significantly more current during starting than during normal operation. This must be considered when designing electrical distribution.

Outdoor installations

Electrical connections must be appropriate for the environment. Do not assume that an IP rating makes every electrical arrangement safe in wet conditions.

Commercial installations: Multiple-blower systems should have their electrical distribution designed and verified by an appropriately competent person.

When one blower becomes several

Indoor parks, large events and multiple-inflatable installations can involve many blowers operating simultaneously.

BLOWER 1 Air supply
BLOWER 2 Air supply
BLOWER 3 Air supply
BLOWER 4 Air supply
ELECTRICAL
DISTRIBUTION
Total load + starting current
Do not simply add the running currents. The electrical design must also consider starting loads, circuit protection, cable ratings, distribution equipment and the actual installation.

Different environments, different risks

PRIVATE USE

Home & Garden

Keep setup simple but disciplined. Check the blower, connection, electrical supply, anchoring, weather and supervision before use.

Changing weather conditions should always trigger a reassessment.

COMMERCIAL USE

Public Events

Professional operators need structured inspection, anchoring, pressure, weather monitoring, electrical checks and supervision.

HSE guidance specifically highlights these areas when operating inflatables.

HIGH DUTY USE

Indoor Inflatable Parks

Multiple blowers, long operating hours, electrical distribution, ventilation, heat, noise and maintenance become major considerations.

Outdoor operation: wind matters

A correctly operating blower cannot compensate for an inflatable being used in unsafe environmental conditions.

Measure local wind

For professional outdoor operation, use an appropriate anemometer rather than relying solely on a weather application.

Use the manufacturer's limits

Never exceed the inflatable manufacturer's specified maximum wind speed. HSE guidance identifies 24 mph / 38 km/h as a maximum operating threshold for inflatables unless the particular manufacturer's limit is lower.

Secure every anchor point

Use the specified anchoring arrangement and inspect anchor points, ropes and fixings before operation.

The rules that matter most

✓ Always

  • Use the correct blower.
  • Inspect the blower before use.
  • Keep the air inlet clear.
  • Secure the inflation tube.
  • Use the correct anchoring system.
  • Check operating pressure where required.
  • Monitor outdoor wind conditions.
  • Maintain appropriate supervision.

! Never

  • Use a damaged blower.
  • Block the blower air inlet.
  • Exceed the inflatable pressure limit.
  • Ignore increasing wind.
  • Use improvised anchoring.
  • Overload electrical circuits.
  • Continue using equipment after a serious fault.
  • Assume indoor operation means risk-free operation.

The 60-second safety check

Before users enter the inflatable, stop and check these four areas.

✓
INFLATABLE

Correct shape, inflation and condition.

✓
BLOWER

Correct model, secure tube and clear inlet.

✓
ENVIRONMENT

Safe weather, ground and electrical conditions.

✓
SUPERVISION

Appropriate supervision and operating controls.

Choose the right blower for the job.

Explore the Gibbons X-Series range of high-performance inflatable blowers.

VIEW X-SERIES BLOWERS

This guide provides general safety information and does not replace the manufacturer's operating instructions, risk assessment or applicable legislation and standards.

Want to know more?

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+44 (0) 1621 869 999

sales@GibbonsFans.com

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