ADIPS Statement on BSI committee responsible for 14960-1:2019 – TC
The Health and Safety Executive on Tuesday 16th June 2026 confirmed that HSE is withdrawing its representation from the BSI committee responsible for 14960-1:2019 – TC Inflatable play equipment – Safety requirements and test methods. *See attachment to this statement.
The HSE state that HSE endorsement or recognition of standards produced by that committee can no longer be claimed. The HSE’s position is with immediate effect.
ADIPS wish to reassure ADIPS Registered Inspection Bodies (RIB) and ADIPS Inspectors, manufacturers, operators and controllers that whilst the HSE’s position is concerning, the ADIPS Registration Scheme, which relies on self-determination of competence of each inspector remains solid.
The letter states the HSE position noting “longstanding concerns of the way this committee is managed, failing to take into account views of the wider committee membership, and in particular the dismissal of significant technical research completed in 2019 by HSE and external experts, that was undertaken following the death of a child at Harlow, in 2016.”
It goes on to say “It has been 10 years since that fatality and HSE wanted to work collaboratively with BSI to respond to Ministerial concerns over safety of inflatables, by implementing the full findings of the Harlow investigation and subsequent research through revision of the Standard BS EN 14960-1.”
As an ADIPS Registered Inspector, you have the provision to draw on various sources of technical information, advice and guidance including but not exclusively BS EN 14960-1 to build competence and apply that to inspection schedules. At present, BS EN 14960 remains the published European Standard and continues to be referenced as that.
HSG 175 – The HSE also indicate that forthcoming updates to HSG 175 will clarify the regulatory status of BS EN 14960-1 and set out additional relevant research findings considered necessary to demonstrate compliance with UK law.
The update of HSG 175 is therefore even more sought now and expected to now be the prominent reference point for inflatable inspections across the UK moving forward.
Any new content identified in HSG 175 or issued separately should be viewed by each RIB as an update to ongoing Continual Personal Development (CPD) of each inspector as referenced within your Quality Management System (QMS).
ADIPS and UKAS
ADIPS have embarked on the UKAS journey opting for ISO 17065 as the best fit for the ADIPS Scheme and the management of Registered Inspection Bodies and individual inspectors. Evidence of Up-To-Date CPD will be a mandatory part of the ADIPS (UKAS) registration.
ADIPS audits will continue as planned in 2026/7 onwards as per the successful experiences you will have already had. The main adjustment UKAS will bring is the future emphasis on ‘pre audit preparation’ as opposed to ‘reactive post audit adjustments’.
Controllers and owners of inflatables
ADIPS emphasise that controllers and owners of inflatables are the duty holders under health and safety law and are responsible for ensuring that their equipment is safe.
An ADIPS inspector’s role is to provide a verification check that an inflatable is safe for use at that point in time and more than likely will remain safe for use during its annual safety inspection period provided the controller follows planned and any unplanned maintenance and inspection periods. Controllers should also carry out appropriate pre purchase checks including all paperwork prior to purchasing equipment, working with manufacturers where necessary to ensure that equipment is safe and that their health and safety obligations will be met.
ADIPS Inspection Body Conference 2026 – 1 October 2026
The ADIPS conference programme includes confirmation from the HSE to present and discuss the HSG 175 progression and other issues such as this matter regarding BS EN 14960.
ADIPS will also be showcasing the UKAS journey road map and also dispelling any myths built around the UKAS journey for the Registered Inspection Body moving forward.
If you have any questions or indeed suggestions on any matter the ADIPS Office is here to help. Please contact us on 0191 5166381 or email @ office@adips.co.uk
