Ohio Admin. Code 901:9-1-06 - Additional operation procedures for amusement rides and devices

(A) All amusement rides or devices operated under section 1711.53 993.04 of the Revised Code must bear a numbered decal as required by rule 901:9-1-01 of the Administrative Code. The number appearing on the decal shall at all times match the number on the permit. If these numbers do not coincide, or if the required decal does not appear on the ride, the ride shall be ordered stopped until proof of a valid permit is furnished.

(B) All amusement rides or devices must be under the control of a competent trained operator or attendant, at least sixteen years of age, at all times when the ride or device is in operation. This operator shall operate no more than one ride at a time.

(C) Adequate fencing or barriers must be provided for the protection of spectators and riders from the action of the ride and its associated power units. All fencing, if required, shall comply with American society for testing and materials, volume 15.07, 2003 edition, (ASTM) standard 1159 (standard practice for the design and manufacture of amusement rides and devices) by January 1, 2005 regardless of the date of manufacture of the amusement ride or device. In the case of aerial rides or swings, these barriers must provide a safe distance from the outmost arc of such swing or aerial ride. For portable rides where an electrical source could contact a ride fence and/or platform, a daily pre-opening inspection shall be performed to ensure that no voltage is traveling through the fence and/or platform. This inspection shall be performed by use of a device measuring voltage and the inspection shall be documented.

(D) No amusement ride or device or its power unit shall be so located as to present a fire hazard to adjacent buildings, exhibits or other structures. In the case of a ride or device using gasoline engines, storage of gasoline must be in approved safety containers, and located so that it does not cause a safety hazard.

(E) All electrical wires leading to and from a ride or device must be protected and insulated so as to prevent shock hazard. All electrical equipment must be properly grounded. All electrical junction boxes and generator panels/doors shall be locked or sealed and properly identified as such. All wiring shall conform to manufacturer's recommended practices. All electrical equipment shall be properly grounded prior to energizing the ride or device with power source.

(F) Any ride when patron restraint is required shall be provided with lap bars or seat belts, or other safety restraints as appropriate. Height and weight restrictions may be required on any ride by the department inspector or ride owner.

(G) The operator of an amusement ride or device shall have the authority to view patrons so that no one is permitted on such ride who appears to be in an intoxicated, drugged or other condition that could be detrimental to the safety of the patrons, the operator or bystanders. An operator shall exercise reasonable control to prohibit the wearing of improper attire as prescribed by the owner and prohibit the carrying of any article which might be dropped from the ride.

(H) An ABC type fire extinguisher meeting the standards of state fire officials shall be present or readily accessible, within a maximum of 100 feet, to every ride or device as determined by the department and must be properly charged and operable at all times.

(I) Procedures required for operator training:

(1) The owner of an amusement ride or device shall read and become familiar with the contents of the manufacturer's recommended operating instructions and specifications. The owner shall prepare an operating fact sheet. This fact sheet shall be made available to each ride or device operator and attendant of the amusement ride or device. The owner's fact sheet (on a ride-by-ride basis) shall include but not be limited to:

(a) Specific ride or device operation policies and procedures with pertinent information from manufacturer's instructions.

(b) Description of the ride or device operation.

(c) Duties of the specific assigned position of the ride or device operator or attendant.

(d) General safety procedures.

(e) Additional recommendations of the owner.

(f) Specific emergency procedures in the event of an abnormal condition or an interruption of service.

(2) The owner shall develop a written training checklist which shall be used in training to ensure uniformity of training. The owner shall provide training, including written proof of training, for each ride operator or attendant of an amusement ride. This training shall include but not be limited to:

(a) Instruction on ride or device operating procedures.

(b) Instructions on specific duties of the assigned position.

(c) Instructions on general safety procedures.

(d) Instructions on emergency procedures.

(e) Demonstration of the physical ride or device operation.

(f) A period of supervised operation of the ride or device by the trainee.

(g) Additional instructions deemed necessary by the owner.

(J) The owner shall provide written proof that the fact sheet on each specific ride has been reviewed with the operator and attendant of each ride.

(K) Procedures required in the event of an accident.

(1) The owner of an amusement ride or device shall maintain records of all accidents and serious injuries and make reports of all accidents occurring on a ride or device as follows:

(a) In the case of an accident as defined in section 1711.50 993.01 of the Revised Code, the owner shall immediately notify the department by telephone or in person and subsequently file a written report with the department within twenty-four hours of the accident.

(b) Accidents will be reported on forms provided by the department or similar forms.

(2) After an accident that occurs as a result of the action of the ride or device involved, it shall be taken out of operation and the department immediately notified. Until the department gives the owner permission, the ride or device shall remain out of operation and undisturbed, unless an accident scene has to be altered because it is necessary to administer medical assistance to a patron, free of any changes from the condition of the ride or device at the time of the accident. If the accident occurs during department working hours, the owner shall notify the department by telephone. If the accident occurs during department nonworking hours, the owner will notify the department on a toll-free telephone number provided by the department which features an automatic answering service or device. The owner shall not disturb the scene of the accident until after either reinspection or approval of the department. However, the amusement ride or device owner may take witness information, including addresses, telephone numbers and statements.

(L) The owner of an amusement ride shall notify the department when design flaws or failures that may affect rider safety are identified. On rides for which the manufacturer is no longer in existence, the owner shall take appropriate corrective action. An individual with a recognized degree or professional certificate shall determine the corrective action. The individual shall have extensive knowledge and experience in the subject field and capable of the analysis, design, and specification of the corrective action. The corrective action shall meet American society for testing and materials, volume 15.07, 2003 edition, (ASTM) F846-standard guide for testing performance of amusement rides and devices and ASTM 1159-standard practice for the design and manufacture of amusement rides and devices.

Notes

Ohio Admin. Code 901:9-1-06

Effective: 6/10/2022
Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 3/25/2022 and 06/10/2027
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 993.04
Rule Amplifies: 993.04
Prior Effective Dates: 03/20/1986, 06/20/1988, 01/03/2000, 08/25/2003, 11/08/2013, 01/07/2018