Amusement ride incident (10 April 2022)
A child on an amusement ride was lifted approximately 2.0 metres into the air without the restraining bar being engaged. While the child was unharmed, the incident exposed patrons to a risk of serious injury or death.
Following the incident:
- the ride was shut down and inspected
- the primary cause of the incident was a short circuit in the electrical control system, which prevented it from automatically detecting the unlocked restraint and thus allowed the ride to be started in an unsafe condition
- a contributing factor was inadequate operating procedures, which failed to identify the fault in the control system
- the control system was repaired and the ride re-certified by an engineer.
Image of amusement ride involved in incident
Safety information
Implement ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with operating amusement devices such as carnival rides.
Owners and operators must ensure:
- a daily pre-operational inspection is carried out on the amusement device to check all safety controls are functioning as designed
- the maintenance, inspection and testing of the amusement device is carried out by competent persons in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and the requirements of the manufacturer’s maintenance manual
- the amusement device is only operated by persons who have received all necessary instruction, information, training, or supervision in its operation.
The device operator should:
- be familiar with the device and be able to follow the safe operating procedures
- give clear instructions or warnings to patrons and attendants
- check patrons are safely restrained i.e., the restraints are being correctly used and have been checked for function, correct fit and adjusted for each patron
- ensure an adult accompanies a child where necessary
- enforce restrictions e.g., height or size of patrons
- remain alert when the amusement device is operating and be prepared for an emergency stop
- immediately report faults or malfunctions and stop the amusement device if a fault or malfunction is detected
- be familiar with emergency and first aid procedures
- shut down the amusement device immediately if it is being misused by patrons e.g.seats being rocked or patrons standing up when they should be sitting down.
Related information
- Managing the risks of plant in the workplace – SafeWork NSW Code of Practice
- Amusement devices information sheet and checklist – SafeWork Australia
- Amusement devices – SafeWork NSW