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Cornell University

Inflatables and Bounce Houses

Event sponsors should consider the following factors when deciding which inflatable is appropriate for an event.

  • Bounce houses are never acceptable at events on university property, unless the Risk Management and Insurance grants an exception.
  • Inflatable obstacle courses may not include water slides.
  • There should be a very low likelihood that participants can collide with each other.
  • Preparing to participate in the inflatable should be quick and easy.  It should not take a lot of time to put on protective gear or strap into harnesses.
  • There should be no loose buckles or exposed metal pieces that can come into contact with participants.
  • The goal of participating should not be to engage in competitive physical contact with other participants.
  • Participation should include only a minimal amount of leaving the inflatable surface.

The following risk mitigation measures must also be in place:

  • The sponsoring department or student organization must continuously supervise the event involving inflatables.
  • The vendor should be a member of SIOTO (Safe Inflatable Operators Training Organization) and is required to supply staffing for every inflatable station.
  • There must be a Contract in place with a Cornell approved vendor, which includes the following:
    • The vendor is responsible for setting up, controlling, and removing the bounce house during the event.
    • University is fully indemnified in the agreement.
    • Liability insurance requirements (GL, Auto, workers comp) and Cornell University named Additional Insured
    • COI on file for Procurement office
    • All Participants sign the attached liability waiver.  (If the event involves minors a Parental Permission waiver is required)
    • Provide a link to the university’s incident/injury reporting form