That would be a situation when you refer to the manufacture’s manual and in absence of a manual, the inflatable should have never been allowed to operate per the VADR and the incorporated ASTM Standards.
As for the use of the term duct tape, that was how the citizen reported it to me.
Unfortunately in this jurisdiction I have seen several inflatables that were not operated per the manufactures manual. As a result of that unsafe practice an injury occurred and resulted in a lawsuit. It is our job as inspectors to be certain the amusement device is properly assembled and has the necessary safety systems.
Much like the incident in Omaha earlier this year. Had the inspector(s) used the ride manual for guidance they would have known that ride required seat belts. The ride jerk, the rider fell into the center of the spinning ride. Her hair got caught in the unguarded mechanism and she was scalped.
Back to inflatables. The CPSC and NAARSO has said time and time again that inflatables are the most dangerous amusement device for children. Recently the inspection was change to annually. That does not make sense when you see wear and tear pictures like the one I posted.