Safety Considerations for Operating Amusement Rides

The amusement ride operator/attendant has fulldesignated by the manufacturer or owner of the ride,
control on most rides and must be proactive andand should be clearly defined and fenced off, in such a
capable of reacting quickly to situations as they arise.way as to be easily identified by the riders. The safety
The safety record of the amusement ride industry haszone should also be an area that is easily controlled by
greatly improved as a result of inspections, ridethe amusement ride operators/attendants. The safety
maintenance, safe operations and better ride designs,zone is for the personal safety of the amusement ride
and ride operators/attendants play an important role inoperators/attendants while the ride is in motion, and
maintaining amusement ride safety.should never be left while the ride is in motion, or
Most countries have occupational health and safetybefore it has come to a full stop.
legislation designed to protect the health and safety ofThe safety of the amusement ride operators
workers and the public. Herein is a discussion of theattendants and that of their riders is equally important.
role that amusement ride operators/attendants play inUnsafe riding practices are the major cause of
maintaining the highest possible level of safety on theincidents on all types of rides.
rides on which they work.Rider responsibility should be encouraged, and the
Amusement ride operators/attendants should workamusement ride operators/attendants can play an
safely, get as much training as possible in the safeimportant role in this. Safety instructions should be
operation of the equipment they are working with andclearly posted at the entrance to the ride and the
stay alert to prevent safety hazards.amusement ride operators/attendants should strictly
Amusement ride operators/attendants should notenforce all of them.
engage in any unsafe activities such as horse-play,It is especially important to reach out to the parents of
showing off, or any unseemly behavior while on theyoung children and to enlist their help and support in
job.promoting safe riding practices and in enforcing all
Every amusement ride operator/attendant issafety instructions.
responsible for on-the-job safety. They are responsible•    Be alert to unsafe conditions that could
for their own safety as well as the safety of othercause trips or falls on the ride platform or steps
employees and that of the general public.•    Be alert to unsafe conditions that could
Here are some basic rules for a safe workplace thatcause injury
amusement ride operators/attendants should follow:•    Always check that seat belts or safety
•    Be sure that you know and obey all safetyrestraints are fastened and locked in place before the
rules and proceduresride starts
•    Keep your surroundings neat, clean and free•    Be careful not to close the door or restraint
of hazardson any part of the rider's body while the riders are
•    Immediately report hazardous situations thatgetting on or off of the ride
might result in an accident•    If there is even a suspicion that a rider is
•    Complete the inspection checklists prior tounder the influence of alcohol or drugs, they should not
operating the ridebe allowed them
•    Develop safe work habits and participate in•    Remind riders to follow the posted rules for
safety trainingthe ride regarding age, height and/or weight restrictions
In addition, there are a number of workplace hazards•    Be sure to alert pregnant women and
for which amusement ride operators/attendants shouldpeople with heart conditions to possible risks involved in
be on the look-out and attend to at once:using the ride
•    Anything that can cause someone to trip•    Remind riders to keep hands, arms, legs and
•    Anything that can cause someone to bumpfeet inside the ride at all times
their head•    Remind riders to remain seated until the ride
•    Anything that can cause someone to get acomes to a complete stop
splinterIf there are any problems with a rider or parent
•    Anything that can cause someone to fallbecause of ride restrictions or behavior, amusement
•    Anything that can cause someone to get aride operators/attendants should not operate the ride.
cutThey should stop the ride if in motion and only resume
Amusement ride operators/attendants must work inoperation after the problem has been settled.
accordance with the Health and Safety legislation inAmusement ride operators/attendants should always
affect in their area. They must also follow theirreport all safety-related matters to their immediate
employer's policies and safety procedures. Theysupervisor, the insurance company and local safety
should also be sure not to work when they are tired.authorities. They should also update the ride
Breaks should be taken away from the ride in order tomanufacturer and consult with them.
enable the amusement ride operators/attendants toAmusement ride operators/attendants should never
properly relax so that they may return to workleave the ride while it is operating.
refreshed and rested.Amusement ride operators/attendants should watch
It is of the utmost importance that amusement ridethe ride and riders at all times while it is operating.
operators/attendants be totally familiar with the ridesRemembering and following these rules while operating
that they are operating. They should observe how theamusement rides will significantly increase the chances
ride operates, and the motions involved in theirof a safe and enjoyable time for everyone, riders and
operation until they understand them completely.operators/attendants alike, while lessening the prospect
Every ride has a safety zone, which is the area fromof stricter insurance terms and licensing requirements
which the ride is operated. This safety zone is usuallyfor the amusement ride hirers/operators.