Humanforce
Humanforce is a global provider of workforce management solutions for companies who need flexibility to manage complex workforces. Companies use Humanforce to manage everything from time and…
read moreWorkSafe Queensland have issued an amusement ride safety alert advising that prohibition notices will be issued to ride operators who do not adhere to ride safety requirements, in particular the height restrictions on patrons.
The alert follows injuries suffered by a five-year-old child who was ejected from an amusement ride, the 'Frisbee', operated by Carnival Land Amusements, at a school fete north of Toowoomba on Sunday 19th May.
The child sustained serious head injuries and required intensive care at a Brisbane hospital.
Investigations have focussed on whether the child was too small for the ride, which has a requirement that riders be 130 centimetres tall if unaccompanied children and 110 centimetres tall if accompanied by an adult, or if the safety equipment failed.
The WorkSafe Queensland alert states:
"Amusement rides are designed to provide a high level of excitement for patrons. The Frisbee spins the riders at high speed while they are restrained in the seat of the carriage.
"To ensure safety of the rider, the rider restraint system must be effectively designed and operated. The following two factors are critical to the safe design of the rider restraint system:
1. The reliability of the mechanism to effectively restrain the rider within the safe zone of the carriage.
2. The physical size of the rider for which the restraint system is designed.
Contributing factors
"The rider restraint system on the Frisbee ride is designed to cater for riders who are over the height of 130 centimetres. People over 130 centimetres in height can ride on the Frisbee independently. However, riders who are over 110 centimetres may ride under the supervision of a responsible adult within the same carriage. Children who are under the height of 110 centimetres must not be allowed to ride on the Frisbee.
"The design of the rider restraint system on the Frisbee is not suitable for undersized riders. "When undersized riders are allowed on the ride, either of the following outcomes may occur:
1. The undersized rider may accidentally slip under the restraining bar and into the foot well of the carriage and then be ejected from the ride.
2. The undersized rider may inadvertently manoeuvre both his/her legs onto the seat of the carriage and, in so doing, raise his/her body centre of gravity to such an extent that he/she may be ejected from the carriage.
"Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is currently investigating the incident. One of the issues being investigated is whether the ride operator allowed an undersized child on the ride.
Action required
1. Owners of amusement rides must refer to the manufacturer's manual to determine if there are any size restrictions for the ride.
2. If the information is not provided by the manufacturer or the owner is not able to locate the manufacturer's manual for an old ride, the owner must engage a competent person (usually an engineer with relevant qualification and experience) to make such a determination.
3. Any size restriction must be clearly publicised by way of notices or a display sign at the entrance to the ride.
• The owner of the ride must communicate the minimum height requirement to workers operating the ride and provide training to these workers so that this requirement is strictly enforced.
• The owner must take steps to monitor the operation of the ride to ensure that the procedure is being followed diligently by the operator. Failure to enforce the requirement may result in serious injuries."
For more information call the WorkSafe Queensland infoline on 1300 369 915 or go to www.aalara.com.au/news/item/id/13
21st May 2013 - Child fights for life after ride incident at Darling Downs school fete
14th December 2012 - WorkSafe Queensland issues health and safety exemptions for inflatables
7th August 2012 - Standards Australia releases interim standard for water inflatables
4th July 2012 - Feature gives current guidance on aquatic inflatables standard
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Humanforce is a global provider of workforce management solutions for companies who need flexibility to manage complex workforces. Companies use Humanforce to manage everything from time and…
read moreThe world's greatest properties run on 24/7 Software Whether at commercial properties, corporate facilities, sports arenas, or public entertainment venues, we're proud to lead the way in…
read moreCentaman has been a market leader in Enterprise Software Solutions for the leisure and recreation industry and both profit and not-for-profit attractions since 1991. It offers a wide range of software…
read moreAusfit began in 1992, providing software services to the health and fitness sector including ClubWise, a fully hosted web-based product which combines state of the art club management software,…
read moreFluidra Commercial Australia develops innovative, highly technical and sustainable solutions designed to create unique aquatic facilities for the 'Commercial Pool' category. Public…
read moreWith industry leading solutions in design and durability you can improve your facilities with our access control operations, payment systems and flexible personal locker storage solutions. Your…
read moreYellowbox is an Australian technology company that has developed smart locker technology operated through an app with a focus on experience for users and facility managers. Found at Beaches, Aquatic…
read moreGeoff Ninnes Fong & Partners (GNFP) is a structural, aquatic and civil engineering consultancy with broad experience in the design of new municipal and institutional swimming pools, hydrotherapy…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!