Inspectors and Inspection Bodies

PIPA inspectors work within an "inspection body" which is generally their employer, although often in small companies the inspector and inspection body are the same person.

There are strict criteria for both inspectors and their employers:

Inspection Bodies

• An inspection body could be a manufacturer, a specialist inspection/repair company, an operator or an individual.
• If the inspection body is an organisation then one or more individuals within that organisation must be designated as the inspector(s). Such individuals must be qualified and registered with the RPII
• No inspections will be carried out unless supervised by a RPII registered inspector who has overall control and authority as to the manner and outcome of the inspection
• Inspection bodies will be required to have certain facilities and equipment:
  • Sufficient space to fully inflate the item for inspection with clear area around of at least 1 metre. (Not necessarily internal space)
  • A set of probes
    • 8mm finger probe
    • 25mm finger probe
    • Entrapment probes (two types)
    • Entrapment test template
  • Toggle test device
  • Weights for grounding test
  • Pull test equipment for anchor points
  • Pressure gauge (0 to 10 inch)
  • Professional quality linear measuring equipment
  • Adequate means of measuring height of inflatables
• Inspection bodies must have sufficient administration staff to ensure that full and correct records are kept.
• Inspection bodies must maintain adequate professional indemnity insurance
• Internet connection is required.
• Secure storage for certificates
• The inspection body will not set targets relating to the number of inspections undertaken, nor will it set targets or budgets based on pass or fail rates. In addition the amount of the inspector's remuneration will not in any way be set or adjusted in relation to the number of inspections, passes or failures that he or she oversees.
• An inspection body must be financially sound.
• Inspection bodies will undertake to allow the inspectorate reasonable access to its systems, facilities, and designated inspectors when required to do so by the inspectorate
• Inspection bodies are preferred to be members of either of the 2 recognised trade associations, AIMODS or IPMA and subject to their codes of practice and disciplinary procedures. (certificate price will be considerably more for non members)
• Inspection bodies undertake to keep accurate records of all inspections carried out and to report each inspection and its outcome via the central database.
• Inspection bodies undertake to share knowledge of all actual and potential safety issues relating to design or performance via the central database

Click here to apply to become an inspection body

Inspectors

• Individual inspectors are required to pass an examination that is set by the RPII (Register of Play Inspectors International)
• The examination will consist of both written and practical tests.
• Inspectors will have to pay £250.00 to take the examination and will be required to register with the RPII annually at a cost of £60.00
• Inspectors will be re-examined every three years
• Knowledge of:
  • EIS7
  • CEN TC 136
  • Inflatable play design in relation to safety
  • The law regarding Inflatable play products and the Health and Safety at work act 1974.
  • The operation of the central database

Use this form to apply for inspector information pack: (Sends to the RPII)