In any industry it is important that you maintain regular training to keep yourself and your staff up to date on procedures and information. The inflatable industry is no exception to this.
Many organizations offer safety programs for inflatable operators. These types of programs often include certifications awarded upon completion, that you can then inform your customers and prospects of, giving you some competitive advantage.
A good resource for information on inflatable training is SIOTO (Safe Inflatable Operators Training Organization). This is an established and well respected organization in the industry, and is also recognizable by many customers seeking inflatable services.
Completing courses, or becoming a member, of SIOTO gives you the opportunity to prominently display their organizational seal on items pertaining to your inflatable business.
SIOTO offers a ‘Basic Inflatable Safety Operations Certification’ course. This is a good course for new inflatable operators. This training focuses primarily on operating basic bounce houses, combo units and slides up to 16 feet high. For details on the ‘Basic Inflatable Safety Operations Certification visit http://www.sioto.org/aisoc.htm .
SIOTO also offers an ‘Advanced Inflatable Safety Operations Certification’ as a follow-up to the basic safety operations course for the more seasoned inflatable professional. This training covers the larger inflatable products; obstacle courses, large slides, carnival games and more. For details on the ‘Advanced Inflatable Safety Operations Certification visit http://www.sioto.org/aisoc.htm .
These are both good training programs for new and existing staff that may need a little brushing up. Sending your inflatable staff to an event, whether for set-up, dismantle or to supervise, with minimal training and supervision is a big risk to your business. By signing employees, even seasonal, up for inflatable training you are making an investment in your employee and ultimately your company.
Another critical training component for inflatable operators is first-aid and CPR certification. Every employee of your business that will operate an inflatable at an event should be CPR certified and these certifications need to be up to date.
There are a variety of organizations touting first-aid instruction and certification, including some that can be done exclusively online. It is advisable that you require employees, and yourself, to have this type of training done in person at a local facility. Hands on first-aid experience is a critical aspect for learning these potentially life-saving skills. To find a class in your area with the American Red Cross visit http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class .
Both inflatable operator training and first aid certifications for all employees are big selling points for your business. Don’t be shy about making your customers aware that you have done both. Display this information, including logos and seals for the organizations, proudly on your web site and any marketing materials. This is yet another advantage to differentiate your inflatable business from the competition.