What Should I Look for When Renting Inflatables for a Public Event in Ottawa?

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With 15 years of experience in the inflatable rental industry, we’ve seen firsthand what makes a successful and safe public event. When renting inflatables for a public event in Ottawa, here are the most important factors to consider:

1. TSSA Certification & Compliance

   • In Ontario, all inflatables used at public events must be TSSA-certified and inspected. Hiring a licensed provider ensures compliance with safety laws and protects your event from potential fines or shutdowns.
   • Types of Inflatables that fall under this legal framework: Bounce Houses, Slides. Obstacles Courses and certain types of Interactive Games.
   • In Ontario, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) mandates strict training requirements for attendants operating inflatable rides at public events. Compliance with these regulations ensures safe operation, proper supervision, and emergency preparedness.

   • TSSA Requirements for Inflatable Ride Attendants:

     ✔ Mandatory Training & Certification

   • All inflatable attendants must be trained to operate, monitor, and ensure the safe use of inflatables.
   • Training includes setup procedures, weight limits, wind speed monitoring, and emergency shutdown protocols.

   • ✔ Training Documentation & Records

   • Operators must maintain detailed training records for each attendant, including:
     • Date of training
     • Specific inflatable device trained on
     • Trainer & trainee names (printed & signed)
     • Confirmation of competence from the trainer

   • ✔ Supervision Rules & Restrictions

   • Each attendant can only supervise one inflatable at a time for focused safety monitoring.
   • Attendants must enforce age, weight, and capacity limits to prevent overloading.

   • ✔ Emergency Preparedness & Evacuation Training

   • Attendants must be prepared for sudden power failures, deflation risks, and severe weather conditions.
   • Proper evacuation protocols must be in place to ensure the safety of all participants.

   • ✔ Legal Compliance & Liability Protection

   • Failure to hire properly trained attendants could lead to TSSA fines, event shutdowns, and legal liabilities.
   • Public events, including festivals, schools, and corporate functions, require licensed and TSSA-compliant inflatable providers.

   • Ensure Compliance with TSSA Standards!

     At PTI Amusements, we provide trained inflatable ride attendants who meet all TSSA requirements to ensure your event is safe, compliant, and worry-free.
      

2. Experience & Reputation

   • Choose a company with a proven track record in large-scale events. Party Time Inflatables has 15+ years of public event experience, verified customer reviews, and a strong reputation in Ottawa.

3. Insurance & Liability Coverage for Inflatables Installed for Public Events

   • Ensure the rental company carries liability insurance and provides documentation proving their coverage. This is crucial for public events where safety is a priority. Party Time Inflatables has $5 Million Liability Public Event Insurance.

4. Safety Measures & Professional Setup continaution of Legal Requirements

   • Ask about safety protocols, including proper anchoring, weighted sand bagging, wind safety limits, and supervision requirements. A reputable company will provide trained staff for setup and takedown. Party Time Inflatables employes a Certifed ADMI who is required to complete a safety inspection after the TSSA Licensed Inflatables are installed at your venue.

5. Quality & Cleanliness of Equipment

   • Always rent from a provider that maintains clean, well-inspected inflatables. Inflatables should be sanitized after each use and checked for wear and tear. Party Time Inflatables maintains it's fleet of TSSA Licensed Inflatables thoroughly and regularily. We continuously invest in new commercial inventory to offer the latest and best equipment.

6. Delivery, Setup, and On-Site Supervision

   • Public events often require a full-service rental, including delivery, professional setup, and on-site monitoring. Ensure the company provides staff to manage the inflatables safely.
   • Notice: Interactive games example sports inflatable interactive games basketball, baseball, soccer, carnival inflatable games  do not require TSSA licensing and can be rented without certification. These items are supervised by the renter, ensuring responsible use throughout the event. 

7. Permit Assistance & Event Requirements

   • Some public locations, such as City of Ottawa parks or city-owned spaces, require permits for inflatable setups. A knowledgeable rental company will assist with permit applications questions and compliance. PTI Amusements regularily throughout the summer installs inflatables on City of Ottawa properties. If you hire Party Time Inflatables  we will provide you with guidance. 

8. Weather Policies & Cancellation Options

   • Ottawa’s weather can be unpredictable. Choose a rental company with a clear weather cancellation policy and safety guidelines for wind, rain, or extreme heat. PTI Amusements adheres to strict safety protocols. There is  constant communication between our on site Team Members during the operation of your Event and reacy to any situation quickly. 

9. Event-Sized Equipment Selection

   • Public events attract large crowds, so ensure the company offers commercial-grade inflatables designed for high traffic, rather than just backyard models. PTI Amusments Inflatables are purchased from the leading commerical supplier in our industry. Our Inventory is new quality and our older inventory is rotated regularily. We provide premium quality commercial  inflatables that meet the ASTM Standards. (Legal Requirement)

10. Transparent Pricing & No Hidden Fees

• Ask for a detailed quote upfront, including delivery, setup, staffing, and any extra fees to avoid last-minute surprises. Party Time Inflatables utilizes industry-leading inflatable rental software to generate clear, organized quotes, making it easy for clients to review and understand their bookings.

Final Tip:

For a stress-free public event, always work with an experienced TSSA-Certified inflatable rental provider in Ottawa. At PTI Amusements, we specialize in large-scale event rentals, ensuring your inflatables are safe, compliant, and professionally managed.
 

Need help planning your event? Call 613-704-7610 or email Rentals@partytime-inflatables.com