Amusement Rides

If you are considering organising amusement rides as part of your event program then you need to first gain approval from the venue and/or local council before confirming the booking. If approved consider the associated risks and ensure that adequate controls are in place to provide safe amusement rides. 
The following excerpt has been taken from the WorkSafe document ‘Advice for Managing Major Events Safely’ 1st edition, April 2006

Hazards 

• Specific hazards may include: 
• Clearance between rides, fixed structures and vegetation; 
• Stability of the ride – firmness and slope of the ground and adequate blocking of the ride need to be considered 
• Identification of poor maintenance; 
• Poor training and operational procedures; 
• Inadequate set-up; 
• Missing labels or warning signs; and 
• Inadequate or inappropriate location of fencing or barricades. 

Risk Controls 
While the formal approach to controlling risk involves applying the hierarchy of controls, some standard controls normally considered include:

• Ensuring the ride has been maintained and set-up in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions; 
• Check areas not readily visible to ensure proper maintenance has been undertaken; 
• Issues identified in the engineering assessment have been addressed; and 
• All operators and supervisors have been trained and attendance has been planned to ensure that adequate levels are available at all times. 

Inflatable Rides 
Specifically related to inflatable amusement rides the following are requirements: 

• Ensure that written hire agreements are completed 
• Prior to hiring the inflatable device, request evidence from the hirer/operator that the Operator has current public liability cover, preferably $20mil+ but a minimum of $10 million. 
• Also request evidence from the hirer/operator that the inflatable amusement ride meets current Australian Standards. 
• Ensure that the operator provides written instructions in relation to the following control and supervision issues: 
  • Environmental conditions that may impact patrons use of the device 
  • The maximum safe wind speed when the device is in use 
  • The maximum number of patrons that can use the device at one time based on their height, weight or age 
  • The maximum height, weight or age limits that apply for patrons to use the device 
  • Patron dress code, including foot wear 
  • The minimum number of operators/attendants required to supervise the device and any age restrictions that apply. 
• Throughout the period of hire, routine inspections should be carried out and recorded by a competent person (+18 years) to ensure that the device continues to be suitable for use. Such inspections should include but not limited to checks of anchors and ropes, that the fabric of the device does not contain any holes or tears, that the air pressure is sufficient for the walls of the device to remain firm and upright. 
• A competent person should ensure that any maintenance required, as determined through routine inspections, is performed, for example, removal of debris, securing of anchors and ropes. This information should also be recorded.