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Major Risk - Amusement Rides

Mobile amusement rides such as merry-go-rounds, climbing walls and jumping castles are a major attraction for events, however these rides and devices can carry significant risk of injury if not managed correctly. 

Issues of concern include but are not limited to appropriately licensed, trained and competent ride operators, site specific issues (eg: terrain, weather, patron access, emergency shutdown), electrical safety, risk assessments, inspections and maintenance, appropriate ride assembly and erection and rider restraint and containment.

In addition, certain amusement rides must be registration with Division of Workplace Health and Safety Queensland before use.  The Safety and Environment Unit can provide further information and must be involved in planning for the use of ay amusement rides at events.

Ride Registration and Operator Competency

Prior to rides being considered for events, the following must be checked with businesses that provide amusement rides for hire:

  • Evidence that rides have been registered with the Queensland Division of Workplace Health and Safety. This registration is known as either ‘Registrable Plant' or ‘Registrable Plant Design'. If a particular ride is exempt from this requirement, evidence of this should be obtained.
  • Evidence that personnel who will operate rides during events are trained and competent to do so, and are appropriately licensed if applicable.
  • Evidence of current and suitable public liability insurance for rides.

Risk Assessment

Written Risk Assessments must also be conducted by the ride operator for all rides, taking into account the site where the rides are to be located for the event. These Risk Assessments must be conducted in conjunction with relevant CQUniversity specialists (eg: electricians, grounds personnel) and any other personnel deemed necessary.

Further Information

The following resources will provide further information in relation to amusement rides at events:

Safety and Environment Unit

 

Below are some examples of hazards, risks and controls associated with amusement rides at events

Hazards

Risks

Controls
  • The terrain where the ride will be located is suitable.
  • How the weather on the day will affect ride operations.
  • Clearance from overhead obstacles and objects falling from height.
  • Ride inspection and maintenance requirements.
  • Ride layout, assembly and erection for use.
  • Whether CQUniversity permits such as excavation permits are required for the ride.
  • Suitable barricading around the ride to prevent unauthorised access.
  • Suitable lighting to be provided for night or interior operations.
  • Electrical safety of the ride and associated equipment.
  • Control of emission sources from the ride (eg: petrol exhaust fumes).
  • Excessive noise that may impact the event or surrounding communities.
  • Patron access to and exit from the ride.
  • Suitable rider restraint and containment.
  • Shut down procedures for the ride in the case of emergency.
  • Access to the ride by emergency vehicles and emergency responders.
  • Ride disassembly and removal after use.
  • Breach of legislative requirements
  • Risk of injuries/death
  • Breach of CQUniversity policies & procedures
  • Risk of property damage
  • Endangering the personal safety of patrons and event personnel
  • Increased risk of adverse situation requiring emergency response
  • Reputational damage to University
  • Legal action
  • Regulatory prosecution / fines
  • Conduct a Risk Assessment for all events involving amusement rides
  • Ride registration has been checked and verified with the ride operator, or evidence of exemption provided if applicable.
  • Ride operators are trained and competent to do so, and are appropriately licensed if applicable.
  • Evidence of current and adequate public liability insurance has been provided.
  • Ensure written risk assessments are completed by ride operators taking into account the site where rides are to be located, in conjunction with relevant CQUniversity specialists and other personnel.
  • Ensure copies of the risk assessments have been provided to all relevant event personnel
  • All ride operators have undergone the CQUniversity Online Contractor Induction
  • Ensure appropriate CQUniversity permits (eg: dig permits) is applicable have been obtained prior to rides being set up
  • Ensure the ride will be located on suitable terrain
  • Ensure weather