Overview
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The scores calculated by Saferparks for each state's amusement ride safety regulations are based on:
The scoring formula is based on a limited number of parameters, the results are approximate, and some criteria are subjective. The scores are intended to facilitate a rough comparison of amusement ride laws and regulations implemented at the state level. |
Point System
| Type of State Regulation | |
| Program Type (categorization based on best approximation by Saferparks): | |
| Government Inspection Program - State-employed ride safety inspectors directly monitor safety of the rides and operators within their jurisdiction. | +4 pt |
| Insurance/3rd Party Inspection Program - State sets regulations outlining mandatory requirements for safe maintenance and operation of amusement rides, but owners' insurance carriers and/or owner-hired inspectors monitor ride safety. | +3 pt |
| Insurance Requirement - State regulations require owner/operators to purchase liability insurance in order to operate rides within their jurisdiction, but the state neither monitors nor sets rules related to safety of rides. | +2 pt |
| Electrical Inspections Only - State regulations require government agency to perform an electrical inspection of amusement rides, but regulations do not address any of the other critical safety aspects such as structural integrity, containment, control systems, operator training, patron warnings and instructions, etc. | +1 pt |
| Types of Amusement Rides and Devices Regulated Under State Law | |
| Carnival Rides | +1 pt |
| Amusement Park Rides | +1 pt |
| Inflatables - Carnivals/Parks | +1 pt |
| Inflatables - Private Rentals | +1 pt |
| Go-Karts | +1 pt |
| Bungees | +1 pt |
| Waterslides | +1 pt |
| Owner/Operator Requirements | |
| Regs require owner/operator to register rides with state agency | +1 pt |
| Regs require owner/operator to maintain liability policy for rides | +1 pt |
| Regs explicitly specify compliance with ASTM standards (some or all) | +1 pt |
| Regs explicitly require that owner/operators inspect rides per manufacturer's specifications (e.g., daily inspections, NDT inspections, etc.) | +1 pt |
| Regs require that operators of full-sized amusement rides be at least 18 years old | +1 pt |
| Accident Reporting Requirements: | |
| Regs require reporting of ride-related injuries resulting in immediate inpatient hospitalization | +1 pt |
| Regs require reporting of all injuries requiring medical care | +1 pt |
| Regs require reporting of major breakdowns or damage to ride (with or without injuries) | +1 pt |
| Accident scene/conditions must be preserved for government investigation | +1 pt |
| Government Regulatory Functions | |
| Rides are inspected by state officials or state-appointed inspectors | +1 pt |
| State has qualified inspectors with authority to order unsafe rides shutdown | +1 pt |
| Serious accidents are investigated by state ride safety officials | +1 pt |
| State agency provides easy access to public safety records (determined by response to Saferparks' public records requests) | +1 pt |
| State agency participates in CARES: | |
| Member of CARES | +1 pt |
| Agency requires ride registration using USAID plates | +1 pt |
| Government official from state participates in Industry Standards Effort: | |
| Member of ASTM F-24 committee | +1 pt |
| Official attends ASTM F-24 meetings | +1 pt |
| Additional Scoring Parameters | |
| Patron responsibility rules enacted | +1 pt |
| Extra credit points for regulatory features that show notable innovation or leadership | variable |
| In a few cases, points have been subtracted for regulatory features that, in Saferparks opinion, degrade the effectiveness of the government safety program (e.g., Florida's statutory exemption for theme parks, rider responsibility laws that shift too much liability to patrons). | variable |
Sources
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The information on state ride safety regulatory requirements was colated from:
This work product has been gathered by Saferparks as a public service. It is believed accurate when published, but there are regular changes in this information; therefore, Saferparks gives no guarantee of accuracy. If you identify any errors or omissions, please contact Saferparks. |