24 Apr Amusement Park Hazards

Amusement Park Hazards

Amusement and theme parks are designed for fun, but employees work around moving rides, mechanical equipment, electrical systems, crowds, elevated areas, and stored energy that can cause serious injuries when proper precautions are not followed.

Employees who operate, inspect, maintain, test, or repair amusement rides must be trained for the equipment and tasks they perform. Never assume a ride is safe to approach simply because it appears to be stopped.

Stay Clear of Moving Rides

Ride cars, arms, platforms, gates, and other moving components can create struck-by, caught-between, crushing, and entanglement hazards.

Employees should:

• Remain in designated safe areas while rides are operating.
• Never enter a ride’s operating area while equipment is moving.
• Keep hands, feet, clothing, and body parts away from moving components.
• Never attempt to board, exit, cross, or climb on a moving ride.
• Keep ride areas clear of unnecessary equipment and obstructions.
• Maintain a clear view of passengers and operating areas.
• Follow established procedures before starting or restarting a ride.

Never bypass, disable, or tamper with interlocks, gates, sensors, barriers, alarms, or other safety devices.

Lockout/Tagout During Maintenance

A ride that is stopped is not necessarily safe. Electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, gravitational, or other stored energy may cause unexpected movement.

Before entering hazardous areas or performing servicing or maintenance, follow the applicable lockout/tagout procedures. Energy sources must be properly isolated and controlled before work begins.

Only employees who are trained and authorized should perform lockout/tagout or maintenance activities.

Inspect Before Operation

Required inspections and operational checks should be completed before placing a ride into service. Look for:

• Damaged or malfunctioning components.
• Missing or defective guards and barriers.
• Problems with restraints, gates, or interlocks.
• Obstructions within the ride area.
• Unusual noises, movement, or operating conditions.
• Unsafe walking or working surfaces.

If something does not look or operate correctly, stop and report the problem rather than continuing operation.

Protect Employees and Guests

Ride operators must remain attentive while equipment is operating. Follow established loading, unloading, restraint, and passenger-control procedures, and never become distracted while responsible for ride operation.

Keep unauthorized employees and guests outside restricted areas and obey warning signs, barriers, and designated safe zones.

Remember

Amusement rides combine powerful machinery with employees and guests working in close proximity. Stay outside operating areas, never bypass safety devices, follow lockout/tagout procedures, and stop the ride whenever a condition appears unsafe.