In January 2017, the handle of a secondary locking device on a “Hurricane” amusement device came free and struck a member of the public attending a regional carnival in NSW.
Background
While the ride was operating, the handle on one of the carriages came free, fell and struck a nearby bystander on the back of the neck. The person was hospitalised with significant bruising.
It appears the incident was due to failure of a circlip on the handle.
Contributing factors
The ride was in otherwise good working order with a documented history of maintenance and inspections. The inspections checked the operational function of the locking system but did not appear to include disassembly or a check on the condition of the circlip. Inspection of other carriages after the incident revealed some damaged circlips.
Action required
Hurricane ride operators should disassemble and inspect any locking mechanism that uses circlips, and replace damaged circlips and repair damaged circlip grooves. They should also add circlip and secondary restraint components to the critical components list (if not already included) for annual inspections.
Additionally, SafeWork NSW recommends all owners and operators of amusement devices inspect their ride restraints to check the condition of circlips, fasteners, retaining pins and similar, the failure of which could result in a component falling from the device or failure of the restraint. They should implement an appropriate ongoing maintenance program to continue such inspections.
Further information
- Managing the risks of plant in the workplace code of practice
- Division 2 Codes of practice in the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (please right click on the link)
- Control measures for amusement devices and passenger ropeways in the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (please right click on the link)
- Australian Standard Series AS 3533 Amusement Rides and Devices:
- AS 3533.1-2009/Amdt 1-2011 - Amusement rides and devices Design and construction,
- AS 3533.2-2009/Amdt 1-2011 - Amusement rides and devices Operation and maintenance,
- AS 3533.3-2003 (R2013) - Amusement rides and devices In-service inspection.
- Workplace amusement devices guidance material SafeWork Australia
- Re-design of rider restraint systems on amusement devices from WorkCover QLD safety alert
For more information and advice is on our amusement devices page or call SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50.
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