Purchasing a new amusement device fact sheet

The following checklist can be used by a person purchasing an amusement device to ensure it has safety features that meet current Australian expectations as outlined in the Australian Standard AS 3533.1 including rider restraints, residual current device (RCDs) and guarding on machinery.

What you need to know

Before purchasing think about the type of amusement device you are going to buy and make sure it is designed for safe operation. Think about engaging a technical expert for example an engineer during
purchasing to provide advice on what you will need for safe operation and to make sure the amusement device will meet industry expectations and WHS legislative requirements.

The supplier should be able to provide product brochures, technical specification sheets and operation manuals to help you make an informed decision.

Consider:

• What features the amusement device should have to ensure safe operation, has it been safeguarded as much as possible to meet Australian expectations? Does it have suitable controls to eliminate the WHS hazards? Will it be safe for your patrons and others nearby? Consider the number of patrons and any age, height or weight restrictions.
• Have you carried out a WHS risk assessment that includes the installation, commissioning, operation, inspection and maintenance and for mobile amusement devices, pack up and transport?
• What size area do you need to operate the amusement device in? Are there any environmental factors such as wind and height restrictions? Will it fit in with existing rides and venues? How many people will be required to set-up and dismantle? Do you need any special equipment or licensed people to do this? What type of transport do you need for the amusement device?
• Talking to your workers about possible WHS risks and discuss with them what amusement device you are after including what safety features the amusement device should have to ensure safe operation. Your workers can assist in identifying safe operator controls to enable the amusement device to be fail safe.
• What training your operators will need to operate the amusement device safely. Are you familiar with this type of amusement device or model, should you seek advice from others in the industry such as an industry association or WHS regulator?
• What are the service requirements, how long before it will need a service, repair or replacement? Does it require a competent person to undertaken the service? Are spare parts and after sales support available in Australia?
• Identifying the controls that are required to eliminate hazards or minimise health and safety risks. What are the hazards and risks associated with installation, commissioning, operation, inspection, maintenance, repair, transport, storage and dismantling of the amusement device? Are these controls incorporated into the design of the amusement device?
• Whether certain modifications would need to be made to meet Australian expectations as outlined in Australian Standard 3533 series. Think about how you will document and manage changes
• What you will need to operate the amusement device, including operator licensing requirements, on-going training, instructions, supervision and verification of competencies.
• Identifying the future inspection and maintenance requirements. Including:
  • The availability of information, assistance and on-going support from the manufacturer which is specific to Australian requirements.
  • The availability and compatibility of spare parts.
  • When the next inspection is required. Refer to SafeWork Australia’s annual inspection information sheet for annual inspection requirements.
  • A maintenance plan will help keep your operator’s, patrons and others nearby safe and reduce downtime.
  • The availability of suitable competent persons to undertake inspections and maintenance.
• Will the amusement device need to be registered with a WHS regulator? Some states and territories have different item and design registration requirements to NSW, including what types of amusement devices require registration. Check with the WHS regulator in each state/territory you plan to operate for their requirements. It is advisable to make sure registration requirements can be met before finalising the purchase.

Know your WHS obligation

When you buy an amusement device and take ownership under the WHS legislation you become a person with management or control. This requires you to ensure the amusement device is without risks to the
health and safety of any person, including those who are near the amusement device when it is in use.

You must ensure the amusement device is fit for purpose and is used as designed. Ensure it is correctly operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions or in the absence of such specification, in accordance with a competent person’s recommendations.

Know the suppliers WHS obligations

Suppliers must take all reasonable steps to obtain relevant information from the amusement device manufacturer and then pass on that information when supplying the amusement device. You should obtain
as much of this information as you can, such as:

• What the amusement device was designed or manufactured to do
• What safety features does it have or what safety equipment do you need to safely operate the amusement device
• Adequate information or results from any calculations, analysis, testing or examination that will help to ensure safe operation of the amusement device
• The conditions required to ensure the safe operations of the amusement device, for example operator’s manual
• The maintenance, inspection and testing requirements of the amusement device to ensure continued safe operation, for example maintenance manual
• The WHS design registration number or preferably a copy of the registration certificate, where applicable.

Further information

Work Health and Safety Act 2011 Sections 20-26 for specific information on the duties of persons who design, manufacture, import, supply, install and manage amusement devices.

Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 Clauses 238-242 for specific information on control measures for amusement devices.

SafeWork NSW website for specific information on registering amusement device designs and further information on amusement devices.