Safety Corner - April 2024
Pre-season checklists
Safety Corner is a monthly column published in CarnivalWarehouse.com's Amusement Warehouse Magazine written by Worldwide Safety Group's president, Avery Wheelock. Please consider a subscription to Amusement Warehouse Magazine to read this and more about the Carnival, Fair, and Amusement Park Industry.
This month I would like to get everyone thinking about what things we need to do before the season starts. Hopefully your company has sent personnel to one of the safety seminars for training and they brought back some great ideas or information to the rest of your company. There are so many things that get discussed at the seminars and I know I learn something every year when I attend or instruct there. So, if you aren't sending people to the seminars, put it on the list of things to do next year.
As we get ready for the season to start, whether you're in the traveling amusement business or in the permanent amusement park business, there are several things that must be done before we can open it to the public. There are several rides that have to receive Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), performed annually. Most rides must be disassembled to perform these tests and I'm sure that the parks have had all their equipment tested or had any parts that need to be replaced completed by now or are in the process of getting it done. The traveling shows sometimes have these tests performed at their first location during set up and that is where having someone that is familiar with what needs to be done and how to do it with the least amount of downtime is beneficial. We have a team of technicians that go all over the country performing NDT tests for several different clients and always enjoy helping people get their equipment tested and ready for operation.
If you have added any new equipment during the off season, did someone look and see if it had any annual maintenance or testing that needs to be performed? The ride manual should have a section on NDT and maintenance that is required to be completed. Review the manual or consult with a third party to see if there is anything that is supposed to be done so that you don't find out at the last minute and end up having to delay the opening so that the testing or maintenance can be performed. One of the tools we use at WSG to look up NDT requirements is having a subscription to RIDEBOOKS.COM. We find it to be a great resource for information to perform inspections and use in the field as a reference. I'm not telling you to go out and sign up for Ridebooks to look up your NDT or for safety bulletins, but what I'm telling you is that we use it as do many other private inspectors and State agencies, as another resource for information on the equipment we are inspecting so it might be worth looking into for your maintenance or inspection staff.
Another area to consider when getting ready for the new season is the training that you will use to identify specific training and to document all training. I've been saying for years now that the most important thing to maintain our industry's excellent safety record is to train the employees and to document that training. As new employees are hired and go through orientation training, make sure that you have the records in order. I've said it before, but even returning employees need to have refresher training documented as well and put in the appropriate file.
We do so much maintenance in the off season and in several cases it doesn't get recorded in a maintenance log, so if that applies to your company, start recording it. Documentation is key remember, “if you don't document it, you didn't do it”.
In some states they require you to keep receipts for replacement parts and fasteners that are used on the rides in the maintenance log. Keeping the records organized by each piece of equipment makes the annual State inspection easier because the inspector has everything for the ride they are certifying in one location. There are companies out there besides WSG that will help you create ride specific folders listing all the information relevant to that ride or device. If you don't already have a “Ride Folder” for each ride, put something together and make sure it includes things, such as, but not limited to, set-up check lists, maintenance schedules, ride date sheet, operation instructions, and inspection points. This folder should also have any NDT records, third-party inspections or state inspections, as well as the daily inspection logs for the season or at minimum last 30 days. So, the takeaway from this topic is, if you don't have a ride specific folder with all needed documentation, create one or hire someone to help you create one. When something happens and documentation is asked for, it is better to be prepared than to not have what you need to help show that your company is doing everything you can to be proactive with safety and documentation.
The traveling shows that are pulling equipment out of the barn or are taking the shrink-wrap off the equipment should also be looking to see if there is anything that may have been overlooked for repair in the off season. I recently was performing some NDT in a show's winter quarters and noticed a couple of things that could create a problem or some down time soon. When things get noticed, they should get addressed by either pointing out to a supervisor, or the boss, so that a plan of action can be taken. One example is of a seal protruding out of a hydraulic cylinder on a ride. If the seal completely blew out, it could cause not only damage to the equipment, but possibly to the workers that are setting the equipment up. Another example is of a kiddie roller coaster road wheel that had apparently broken on the last run of the last spot and didn't get noticed. This probably would be caught in the first setup inspection, but why not look stuff over as we are getting it out and make a list of projects so we aren't doing repairs in the field at the last minute.
As you are getting ready or even if you are already open, I would just ask that you have a system in place to check for potential breakdowns. I know everyone has been doing this for ever and knows everything about everything but I'm here to tell you, you don't. I learn everyday and hopefully everyone reading this does as well, the point is to get you thinking about what you don't know or get you looking at something that may get overlooked because we all get complacent when it comes to anything we are comfortable with. It doesn't matter if it is the equipment we inspect every day, or the partner we share a home with, it is human nature, and I'm hoping to get you thinking about ways to not have that happen to you or your employees or your coworkers.
How about the food concessions — we haven't talked about them in a while, but they are an important part of the operation in a park or traveling show. Getting them ready for another season can be very challenging sometimes, if you have Fryolators in them, you are dealing with gas lines and burners and all sorts of components that can go bad or have a seal or connection go bad and create a gas leak. Do you have someone go through and test everything before you open for the first spot, or do you wait and try and get a service man out when the fryer doesn't fire on opening day? Lots of things can happen when equipment sits for an extended period of time, such as mud daubers getting in and plugging up hoses or lines. Ice machines is another part of the food operation that seems to always have issues and hopefully if you operate in the northern climate, you properly winterized the equipment. You don't want to get to the first spot and hook up the water and find out you have a burst pipe or hose somewhere in the unit. These are just things to get you thinking about what to look at.
Propane is used in many food concessions and the lines should be inspected before and during the season, most trailers have rubber hose connections that over time can deteriorate from flexing or the sun's UV rays. If a propane hose bursts during operation it could be catastrophic so if you haven't been looking at the lines, maybe now you will remember to look at them and replace as needed.
Let's talk about the living quarters for the traveling shows for a minute, you might ask what is there to check on a bunkhouse that could be a safety issue? Well, there are lots of things to think about. I recently taught a class at the Northwestern Showmen's Club Safety Seminar on behind-the-scenes inspections and bunkhouses are a big part of it. When you pull them out for the start of the season again are you checking that the smoke detectors are working are you checking for fire extinguishers and are they charged and ready to go? Was the hot water heater and the plumbing winterized so that you don't have any leaks? Are the electrical outlets all in good shape and haven't melted from overheating by a hot plate or electric heater? These are just a few things to get you thinking and if you're already out on the road, is anyone checking for the safety equipment or making sure they don't have extension cords with bare wires running through the windows or doors creating a potential fire hazard.
The trucks we use to transport the equipment is a topic that could be an entire article but let's just touch on a few things. Is anyone checking all the tires for tread and proper inflation before the trucks head out on the highway? Some states don't have inspection programs for vehicles, and you can do your own federal inspections and put a sticker on the trucks and trailers. I know I did back in the day. We would go to the truck stop and buy a bunch if inspection forms and fill them out and stick them on the equipment. Times have changed, and hopefully your company has a great inspection program. My point is to get you thinking about the things we just take for granted and to hopefully make a difference in someone's operation to keep our great industry as safe as we can.
There are so many different topics that we could talk about that all play a part in the smooth and safe operation of an amusement business and I like to just share ideas to get the readers thinking about things that they may not have been aware of, or just hadn't given much thought to.
I hope that you gained one piece of information from this short article on safety and can help make our industry safer and better every day. I can be reached via email avery@worldwidesafetygroup.com or at 813-505-3938 for any questions or comments, please feel free to provide feedback to help me better communicate these safety related messages. Remember “Our World Revolves Around Safety!”
As we get ready for the season to start, whether you're in the traveling amusement business or in the permanent amusement park business, there are several things that must be done before we can open it to the public. There are several rides that have to receive Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), performed annually. Most rides must be disassembled to perform these tests and I'm sure that the parks have had all their equipment tested or had any parts that need to be replaced completed by now or are in the process of getting it done. The traveling shows sometimes have these tests performed at their first location during set up and that is where having someone that is familiar with what needs to be done and how to do it with the least amount of downtime is beneficial. We have a team of technicians that go all over the country performing NDT tests for several different clients and always enjoy helping people get their equipment tested and ready for operation.
If you have added any new equipment during the off season, did someone look and see if it had any annual maintenance or testing that needs to be performed? The ride manual should have a section on NDT and maintenance that is required to be completed. Review the manual or consult with a third party to see if there is anything that is supposed to be done so that you don't find out at the last minute and end up having to delay the opening so that the testing or maintenance can be performed. One of the tools we use at WSG to look up NDT requirements is having a subscription to RIDEBOOKS.COM. We find it to be a great resource for information to perform inspections and use in the field as a reference. I'm not telling you to go out and sign up for Ridebooks to look up your NDT or for safety bulletins, but what I'm telling you is that we use it as do many other private inspectors and State agencies, as another resource for information on the equipment we are inspecting so it might be worth looking into for your maintenance or inspection staff.
Another area to consider when getting ready for the new season is the training that you will use to identify specific training and to document all training. I've been saying for years now that the most important thing to maintain our industry's excellent safety record is to train the employees and to document that training. As new employees are hired and go through orientation training, make sure that you have the records in order. I've said it before, but even returning employees need to have refresher training documented as well and put in the appropriate file.
We do so much maintenance in the off season and in several cases it doesn't get recorded in a maintenance log, so if that applies to your company, start recording it. Documentation is key remember, “if you don't document it, you didn't do it”.
In some states they require you to keep receipts for replacement parts and fasteners that are used on the rides in the maintenance log. Keeping the records organized by each piece of equipment makes the annual State inspection easier because the inspector has everything for the ride they are certifying in one location. There are companies out there besides WSG that will help you create ride specific folders listing all the information relevant to that ride or device. If you don't already have a “Ride Folder” for each ride, put something together and make sure it includes things, such as, but not limited to, set-up check lists, maintenance schedules, ride date sheet, operation instructions, and inspection points. This folder should also have any NDT records, third-party inspections or state inspections, as well as the daily inspection logs for the season or at minimum last 30 days. So, the takeaway from this topic is, if you don't have a ride specific folder with all needed documentation, create one or hire someone to help you create one. When something happens and documentation is asked for, it is better to be prepared than to not have what you need to help show that your company is doing everything you can to be proactive with safety and documentation.
The traveling shows that are pulling equipment out of the barn or are taking the shrink-wrap off the equipment should also be looking to see if there is anything that may have been overlooked for repair in the off season. I recently was performing some NDT in a show's winter quarters and noticed a couple of things that could create a problem or some down time soon. When things get noticed, they should get addressed by either pointing out to a supervisor, or the boss, so that a plan of action can be taken. One example is of a seal protruding out of a hydraulic cylinder on a ride. If the seal completely blew out, it could cause not only damage to the equipment, but possibly to the workers that are setting the equipment up. Another example is of a kiddie roller coaster road wheel that had apparently broken on the last run of the last spot and didn't get noticed. This probably would be caught in the first setup inspection, but why not look stuff over as we are getting it out and make a list of projects so we aren't doing repairs in the field at the last minute.
As you are getting ready or even if you are already open, I would just ask that you have a system in place to check for potential breakdowns. I know everyone has been doing this for ever and knows everything about everything but I'm here to tell you, you don't. I learn everyday and hopefully everyone reading this does as well, the point is to get you thinking about what you don't know or get you looking at something that may get overlooked because we all get complacent when it comes to anything we are comfortable with. It doesn't matter if it is the equipment we inspect every day, or the partner we share a home with, it is human nature, and I'm hoping to get you thinking about ways to not have that happen to you or your employees or your coworkers.
How about the food concessions — we haven't talked about them in a while, but they are an important part of the operation in a park or traveling show. Getting them ready for another season can be very challenging sometimes, if you have Fryolators in them, you are dealing with gas lines and burners and all sorts of components that can go bad or have a seal or connection go bad and create a gas leak. Do you have someone go through and test everything before you open for the first spot, or do you wait and try and get a service man out when the fryer doesn't fire on opening day? Lots of things can happen when equipment sits for an extended period of time, such as mud daubers getting in and plugging up hoses or lines. Ice machines is another part of the food operation that seems to always have issues and hopefully if you operate in the northern climate, you properly winterized the equipment. You don't want to get to the first spot and hook up the water and find out you have a burst pipe or hose somewhere in the unit. These are just things to get you thinking about what to look at.
Propane is used in many food concessions and the lines should be inspected before and during the season, most trailers have rubber hose connections that over time can deteriorate from flexing or the sun's UV rays. If a propane hose bursts during operation it could be catastrophic so if you haven't been looking at the lines, maybe now you will remember to look at them and replace as needed.
Let's talk about the living quarters for the traveling shows for a minute, you might ask what is there to check on a bunkhouse that could be a safety issue? Well, there are lots of things to think about. I recently taught a class at the Northwestern Showmen's Club Safety Seminar on behind-the-scenes inspections and bunkhouses are a big part of it. When you pull them out for the start of the season again are you checking that the smoke detectors are working are you checking for fire extinguishers and are they charged and ready to go? Was the hot water heater and the plumbing winterized so that you don't have any leaks? Are the electrical outlets all in good shape and haven't melted from overheating by a hot plate or electric heater? These are just a few things to get you thinking and if you're already out on the road, is anyone checking for the safety equipment or making sure they don't have extension cords with bare wires running through the windows or doors creating a potential fire hazard.
The trucks we use to transport the equipment is a topic that could be an entire article but let's just touch on a few things. Is anyone checking all the tires for tread and proper inflation before the trucks head out on the highway? Some states don't have inspection programs for vehicles, and you can do your own federal inspections and put a sticker on the trucks and trailers. I know I did back in the day. We would go to the truck stop and buy a bunch if inspection forms and fill them out and stick them on the equipment. Times have changed, and hopefully your company has a great inspection program. My point is to get you thinking about the things we just take for granted and to hopefully make a difference in someone's operation to keep our great industry as safe as we can.
There are so many different topics that we could talk about that all play a part in the smooth and safe operation of an amusement business and I like to just share ideas to get the readers thinking about things that they may not have been aware of, or just hadn't given much thought to.
I hope that you gained one piece of information from this short article on safety and can help make our industry safer and better every day. I can be reached via email avery@worldwidesafetygroup.com or at 813-505-3938 for any questions or comments, please feel free to provide feedback to help me better communicate these safety related messages. Remember “Our World Revolves Around Safety!”
