Securing Your Safety: Navigating Amusement Device Regulations

In delving into the regulations governing workplace safety, it's crucial to acknowledge that the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 contains dedicated provisions encompassing plant operations at large. Additionally, there are specific requisites tailored to address the unique aspects associated with certain amusement devices. As a worker in this environment, understanding and adhering to these regulations becomes paramount for ensuring a safe and secure operational landscape.
Navigating Amusement Device Regulations:

For individuals working with amusement devices, understanding the regulations embedded in the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 is essential. Here's a breakdown, from a worker's viewpoint, of the key aspects concerning amusement device registration, operation, maintenance, and safety inspections:

Amusement Device Registration:

Amusement devices, falling under specific classifications, necessitate both plant and design registration. Devices classified under AS 3533.1:2009 must be registered, with exemptions for certain categories such as playground structures, water slides, and inflatable devices under specific conditions.

Operating Amusement Devices:

Workers operating amusement devices should undergo comprehensive instruction and training, covering various aspects like routine checks, emergency procedures, and ensuring passenger safety. Competency assessments are crucial, recognizing the diverse knowledge and skills required for different devices.

Amusement Device Log Books and Manuals:

A log book and manuals, documenting operator details, inspections, and maintenance, are mandatory. These records are essential for inspections, commissioning, and ensuring a transparent operational history of the device.

Maintenance, Inspection, and Testing:

Regular maintenance, inspection, and testing by competent individuals are imperative, aligning with designer or manufacturer recommendations. Electrical inspections require qualified personnel. These measures ensure ongoing compliance and safety.

Storage of Amusement Devices:

Storage procedures, supervised by competent personnel, must prevent health and safety risks, including corrosion. Proper storage is critical in maintaining device integrity during downtime.

Annual Detailed Inspection:

An annual detailed inspection, conducted by a registered engineer or a competent person, scrutinizes operational history, log book entries, and critical components. For inflatable devices under 9m, the inspector need not be a registered engineer.

Mandatory Major Inspections:

Major inspections, essential for critical component examination and overall device operation assessment, are mandated at intervals recommended by the manufacturer. The interval could be shorter based on previous inspections or a maximum of every 10 years.

Further guidance on major inspections is in the Amusement Devices Code of Practice 2023.

Major Amusement Parks:

Workplaces with four or more amusement devices, including specific classifications, constitute major amusement parks. Licensing requirements apply, emphasizing safety cases, hazard identification, emergency plans, and ongoing safety management.

Licensing System:

A licensing system applies to new major amusement parks. Existing parks under a transitional arrangement must provide a safety case and apply for a major amusement park license by a specified date.

For further guidance, reference the Amusement Devices Code of Practice 2023 and specific guides for major amusement parks, emphasizing safety case development.

Guide for major amusement parks: Developing a safety case outline (PDF, 0.69 MB)
Guide for major amusement parks: Preparing a safety case (PDF, 0.7 MB)
Application form for a major amusement park licence (PDF, 0.16 MB)
Form 608ZZB - Application to transfer a major amusement park licence (PDF, 0.17 MB)
Form 608ZZC - Application to cancel a major amusement park licence (PDF, 0.15 MB)

Remember, ensuring the safety and compliance of amusement devices is a shared responsibility that extends to every worker involved in their operation and maintenance.