Md. Code Regs. 09.12.66.09 - Operation

A. Each owner shall obtain the manufacturer's operations manual and shall:

(1) Read and become familiar with the contents of the manufacturer's recommended operating instructions and specifications;

(2) Keep the manufacturer's operations manual on location with the inflatable amusement attraction; and

(3) Provide a copy of the manufacturer's operations manual, in English, to the Commissioner on request.

B. Except as provided in §C of this regulation, an owner shall ensure that an inflatable amusement attraction is operated in accordance with ASTM F2374-04.6.

C. The owner shall set up and operate an inflatable amusement attraction in accordance with the following:

(1) Inflatable amusement attractions may not be operated when the wind speed is 25 mph or greater;

(2) Anchorage points installed near an entrance or exit of an inflatable amusement attraction shall be connected in such a manner as to minimize the potential for tripping, abrasions, or other injuries;

(3) Blowers and inflation tubes shall be positioned to prevent kinks or bends in the inflation tube;

(4) Blowers and inflation tubes may not impede the ingress to or egress from the inflatable amusement attraction; and

(5) Inflatable amusement attractions shall be anchored or secured in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications or the following requirements:

(a) The on-ground anchor weight used for inflatable amusement attractions shall be at least 75 pounds for bounce-type rides;

(b) The on-ground anchor weight for slide-type rides over 15 feet tall shall be at least 500 pounds for each installed anchor position;

(c) Anchors shall be used at all of the manufacturer's required positions at all times for both indoor and outdoor use;

(d) Anchors can be straight stakes, screw stakes, ground weights, or sandbag ground anchors, and must comply with the following:

(i) If straight stakes are used, they must range from 30 inches to 42 inches in length with at least 75 percent or more of the length in the ground; and

(ii) The ends of the stakes should be covered to prevent a tripping hazard;

(e) Tie-downs should be attached to a secure device or permanent structure and attached so that they cannot slip off the anchor during use;

(f) Tie-downs should not be attached to motor vehicles; and

(g) Tie-downs should comply with manufacturer's specifications or have a minimum tensile strength of 3,700 pounds or 370 pounds safe working load.

D. Operator, Attendant, and User Operating Requirements.

(1) For an inflatable amusement attraction less than 15 feet in height, the owner shall provide the appropriate number of operators and attendants as specified by the manufacturer.

(2) For an inflatable amusement attraction over 15 feet in height, the owner shall follow the manufacturer's specifications as to the appropriate number of operators and attendants, but a minimum of one operator and one attendant shall be provided.

(3) For an inflatable amusement attraction over 15 feet in height, the owner shall follow the manufacturer's specifications as to maximum number of users.

(4) If the manufacturer's specifications do not provide the number of users, there shall be no more than two users on the attraction and two users in a queue at any one time.

E. General Owner Obligations.

(1) The owner shall have a prohibition on the use of drugs and alcohol for operators and attendants during the performance of their duties.

(2) The owner shall prevent the use of an inflatable amusement attraction when the attraction is not in operation.

(3) The owner shall ensure that the amusement attraction is positioned at a location so that the operator has a clear view of the user loading and unloading areas.

(4) The owner shall ensure that a designated operator shall operate only one inflatable amusement attraction at a time.

F. Operators.

(1) The owner shall ensure each inflatable amusement attraction is under the direct control of an operator who has been trained in the operation of the assigned inflatable amusement attraction.

(2) The owner shall ensure that a designated operator:

(a) Does not operate any inflatable amusement attraction while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;

(b) Knows the use and function of all operating controls, signal systems, and safety devices applicable to the inflatable amusement attraction;

(c) Knows the proper user loading sequence and capacity of the particular inflatable amusement attraction being operated;

(d) Remains stationed at the inflatable amusement attraction during operation;

(e) Has control of the inflatable amusement attraction at all times; and

(f) Enforces applicable restrictions.

G. Operator and Attendant Identification.

(1) An owner shall issue to each operator and attendant identification that is highly visible.

(2) The identification shall clearly indicate the following:

(a) The title, that is, operator or attendant;

(b) Either the name of the operator or attendant or an identification number; and

(c) The name of the inflatable amusement attraction company.

(3) Before issuing any identification, the owner shall train the operator and the attendant in accordance with §H of this regulation.

H. Operator and Attendant Training.

(1) The owner shall provide training to each operator and attendant of an inflatable amusement attraction.

(2) An owner shall train operators and attendants in the following:

(a) Specific inflatable amusement attraction operational policies and procedures consistent with the manufacturer's instructions;

(b) Specific duties and responsibilities of the operator and the attendant;

(c) Emergency procedures in the event of an abnormal condition, interruption of power, or severe environmental conditions;

(d) Instructions on general safety procedures; and

(e) Additional instructions considered necessary by the owner.

(3) As part of the training, the owner shall observe and document each operator's and attendant's ability to operate an inflatable amusement attraction.

I. Daily Inspection Program.

(1) The owner shall ensure that each inflatable amusement attraction is inspected and tested by a qualified person each day before operation, with a daily preopening inspection program that complies with this subsection.

(2) The daily preopening inspection program shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) Inspection and testing of all user-carrying devices, including tie-downs, anchors, blowers, and electrical systems;

(b) Inspection and testing of all automatic and manual safety devices;

(c) Inspection and testing of control devices, and other equipment provided for safety;

(d) Visual inspection of all fencing, gates, and guardrails;

(e) Visual inspection of the inflatable amusement attraction structure, supports, electrical components, and wiring;

(f) Inspection of entrances, exits, stairways, ramps, and the area surrounding the inflatable amusement attraction; and

(g) Confirmation of functioning communication system and, where necessary, testing of all communication equipment.

(3) The owner of an inflatable amusement attraction shall ensure that the Inflatable Amusement Attraction Daily Inspection and Daily Pre-Opening Checklist is properly filled out and signed at the completion of the daily pre-opening program.

(4) A copy of the Inflatable Amusement Attraction Daily Inspection and Daily Pre-Opening Checklist shall be provided to the Commissioner on request.

(5) Worn and damaged components shall be repaired or replaced immediately and before operation.

Notes

Md. Code Regs. 09.12.66.09