Author: Kevin Wieging
What SIZE stakes should I buy? A good quality stake will outlast the longevity of many seasonal employees and planning the purchase and use well into the future minimizes expense.
The ASTM F2374 standards indicate the minimum recommended stake size be 18″ L x 1″ D to provide a minimum pull out holding capacity reflected by IFAI-TRD studies indicating a pull out capacity between 800 -125 lbs based on soil consistency. Other stake sizes exist, but as you restock stakes remember they do last a very long time.
Be sure to be able to meet the minimum standards so that compliance isn’t a surprise in the future but a planned purchase that will provide for future continued safe operation.
What SIZE stake is needed? ASTM F2374-24 are standards specifically written for inflatable amusement applications and referenced in the “Owner/ Operator Level 1” certification program for Inflatable Operators Association (IOA).
The standards establish a minimum for recommended safe operations, the influence of soil conditions, performance of different SIZE stakes, and testing to determine the appropriate application do rely on the knowledge provided to the installation staff. ASTM references minimum and manufacturers manuals “should” also reference the recommended staking requirements with type (by length & diameter) but also holding capacity.
Holding capacity is an important metric needed when determining the alternative ballasting weight needed when set up cannot be competed on a surface where staking is possible (we will reserve that for a future blog post!). In addition to anchoring, I think it is equally important to address weather conditions and weather monitoring when developing your operating plan for anchoring of all units. What IS the weather forecast? Who will monitor weather?
DID you know that an “Anchoring Statement” is required to be printed on the units manufactured in compliance with the ASTM F2374-24 standards? A simple reminder that all units should be anchored in compliance prior to use of inflatable amusement units. Monitoring weather is essential and recording wind speed with an anemometer before and during use as needed should be minimum guidelines for operation.
What SIZE (back to the question)? The correct answer is based on soil consistency. If you can easily insert a stake into the ground, perhaps even push it in with your foot rather than using a hammer. Increasing the diameter, or more common, the length is needed to achieve sufficient anchoring. Having minimum recommended stake sizes is necessary, however, there will be different application types for install whereby a LONGER stake will achieve (And is needed) to anchor a unit. An 18” stake may need to increase to be a 36” stake. In referring to you owner’s manual, sometimes a longer stake is required and an 18” would NOT meet the requirements.
ANCHORING is the FOUNDATION of safe operation.
Purchasing stakes is a seasonal review necessary for a successful operation and best scheduled prior to the explosion of business many companies experience with seasonal demand. You may lose a few stakes throughout the year; however, a good quality steel stake will outlast most part-time staff within your company. Minimum stake sizes should achieve the standards and requirements of your manufacturer recommendations for you operating plan, and IOA recommends purchasing larger stake sizes (36” – 42”) for applications you will NEED additional anchoring capacity due to soil type.
How WINDY is it? Should you increase stake size? Use of an anemometer provides wind measurements and a less tech evaluation can also be provided to staff and clients to access the wind speed to determine if operating or “ceasing operations” is needed. The Beaufort scale is referenced in the ASTM standards and can also be obtained through a google search. Based on movement of trees or flags wind speeds can be estimated. Reference the chart for “Moderate Breeze” examples where gusts more than 15 mph warrant shutting down operations.
ANCHORING is IMPORTANT!
References used from ASTM can be obtained through ASTM.org and becoming a member of ASTM. References are copyrighted materials and property of ASTM. IOA “Owner/ Operator Level 1” has been developed as a comprehensive safety program for the inflatable industry with hands on training provided at the annual IOA Conference and Expo. Members of IOA receive the best pricing and greater discounts through early online registration when available. 2027 Conference will occur February 1-4, 2027 in Lebanon, TN (Nashville!)
