State of Safety 2017 - Amusement Devices
Safety Manager's Discussion
We experienced a 7.5% increase in the number of new devices and continue to see new and unique products being introduced. In 2017, Technical Safety BC approved and inspected the Dining in the Sky elevated restaurant – a platform carrying diners raised by crane to a height of 40 meters. The device went through the entire approval process from design registration through to final acceptance inspection over a six-month period.
The number of incidents involving amusement devices remained steady in 2017. We continue to remind contractors of the importance of submitting incident data promptly so we can learn from these occurrences and identify strategies to mitigate them.
A focus on unpermited devices continues to be an ongoing effort in this sector. We continue our efforts to educate those operating outside of the safety system on the importance of obtaining necessary licences and permits so that we can work together to prevent incidents.
Looking ahead to 2018, we continue to consider potential adoption of the new ASTM F2783 (Standard Practice for Design, Manufacture, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices, in Canada).
Nav Chahal
Acting Elevating Devices, Passenger Ropeways and Amusement Devices Safety Manager
Incidents
The following summarizes incidents reported to Technical Safety BC involving amusement devices equipment. In 2017 the number of amusement devices incidents remained steady. There was one Major incident involving a rider injured at the exit area of a waterslide.
Note: In 2016 we changed the rating scale, hence the change from three to five categories.
Injuries
Injuries reported as a result of amusement devices incidents in 2017 are summarized below. There was one major injury which resulted at a waterslide.
Note: Technical Safety BC receives injury reports and descriptions from operators or first responders at the time of, or immediately following, the incident. Injuries may develop after the initial reports were made to Technical Safety BC and the long-term effects of a resultant injury may not be recorded as part of our investigation.
Note: In 2016 we changed the rating scale, hence the change from three to five categories.
Assessments of Regulated Work
Stakeholder Engagement
The Stakeholder Engagement team works to enhance connections between stakeholders and Technical Safety BC via standing committees, advisory bodies and issue-specific consultations. Learn more in the Stakeholder Engagement section.
Media Relations and Communications
In 2017 Technical Safety BC undertook 10 media relations-related actions (media releases, responses to media requests, and/or interviews) and produced one technical client newsletter regarding amusement devices safety. We also shared general passenger ropeways safety information via social media (Facebook and Twitter). Learn more in the Media Relations and Communications section.
Compliance and Enforcement Actions
There were no Compliance & Enforcement Actions undertaken in 2017 for Amusement Devices. Learn more in the Compliance and Enforcement section.
Regulatory Instruments and Amendments
In 2017, Technical Safety BC issued one information bulletin related to Amusement Devices. A full listing of all regulatory instruments pertaining to the Amusement Devices technology is available here. Learn more in the Regulatory Instruments and Amendments section.