Parents' amusement rides safety checklist

The public expects L&I, amusement-ride operators, insurance companies and private-industry safety inspectors to ensure that amusement rides are safe.

But be aware — being inspected DOES NOT guarantee that the ride is being operated safely, or in the case of inflatable rides, that the ride has been installed correctly on the site.

Use this common-sense checklist to ensure your children's safety

For all rides

• Check for a current state decal on the ride, meaning it's been inspected and approved.
• Observe how the ride is operated:
  • Is the operator taking care to ensure that passengers are appropriately protected?
  • Is the operator paying close attention when the ride is in motion?
  • Is the operator observing restrictions about rider size?

For inflatable rides

• Is the operator strictly limiting the number of people on the ride at one time?
• Does the inflatable ride appear to be overloaded or unstable?
• Does the ride appear to be securely anchored?
• Could the blower inflating the ride accidentally be unplugged, collapsing and possibly injuring the riders?

Common questions about amusement ride safety

• Are all amusement rides operating in Washington inspected?
  

  Yes. By law, all amusement rides must be inspected at least once a year for mechanical and electrical safety. In addition, electrical inspections are required each time an amusement ride is set up. These requirements cover both permanent rides such as the wooden roller coaster at the Western Washington State Fair, portable rides set up temporarily at seasonal fairs and carnivals, and inflatable amusement structures in both public and private settings.

• Who does these inspections?
  

  Annual safety inspections are done by private amusement-ride inspectors hired by the ride operator or their insurance company. L&I certifies these inspectors after passing a competency exam or a test administered by the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials. Click here for a list of qualified amusement ride safety inspectors. (38 KB PDF)
  
  Onsite electrical inspections are done by certified L&I inspectors. These inspections must meet the criteria of the National Electrical Code. Some cities are approved to perform their own electrical inspections.

• How does the public know a ride is approved by L&I?

  Look for a decal that is posted within sight of the ride operator's station. L&I issues an operating decal for the ride after receiving the final approved inspection report from an amusement-ride inspector and notice of current liability insurance coverage ($1 million).

• Do inspections guarantee amusement rides will be accident free?
  

  While annual inspections are a safeguard, normal operating wear and tear or other unforeseen circumstances still may result in an accident. The amusement-ride industry and its insurers have a big stake in making sure these rides are safe, and it is ultimately their responsibility to maintain safe rides during the year. If safety became a widespread concern among customers and, as a result, ridership declined, they could go out of business. It's in the industry's own self-interest to keep its rides as safe as possible.

• How can you know that a ride is safe?
  

  There is no fail-safe way to know for certain that a ride is safe. Follow the safety check steps on this page to decide whether you feel comfortable using, or allowing your children to use an amusement ride.

• What happens when an accident does occur?
  

  L&I usually will suspend the ride's operating permit while inspectors look for the cause of the problem. Depending on the severity of an accident, private-industry inspectors and L&I inspectors both likely will go to the scene. Once the problem has been fixed, new mechanical and electrical inspections may be required before the ride begins operating again.

• Are ride operators required to report all accidents?
  

  Yes. Ride operators must report to L&I within 24 hours:
  
  Any incident or accident where evacuation of a ride results from an electrical or mechanical malfunction or when emergency personnel are needed to assist in the evacuation.
  Any incident or accident involving personal injury that requires medical treatment, other than ordinary first aid.

For more information:

• See the Amusement Ride law at RCW 67.42 and the rules at WAC296-403A or call Crystal Forsberg at 360-902-5259.
• Learn about Doing Business in Washington.
• A list of Amusement Ride/Inflatable companies licensed in Washington (175 KB PDF).

Operating permits and inspections

Getting an operating permit or requesting an inspection

1. Request a safety inspection on your equipment by contacting a state-certified amusement ride safety inspector (38 KB PDF) or a qualified inspector authorized through your insurance company.
2. Get a certificate of insurance in the amount of no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, listing the Department of Labor & Industries as the certification holder.
3. Apply to L&I for an operating permit by filling out the Application for Amusement Ride or Air-Supported Structure Operating Permit. Processing is usually within 5 working days of receiving a complete application.
4. Send the completed inspection forms, the certificate of insurance and the ride decal fee of $10.00 per inflatable/amusement ride to L&I's Electrical program.
5. You will then be issued a decal which will be valid for 1 year. This decal must be displayed on your equipment, in clear view of the public, within sight of the operator's station.

Renewing an operating permit/decal

1. When the decal on your equipment is within 30 days or expiring, you must contact your safety inspector (PDF 38 KB) for another safety inspection.
2. Once the inspection is completed, you must send the completed inspection forms, along with the fee of $10.00 per inflatable/amusement ride, to L&I's Electrical program.
3. You will then be issued a decal to replace the old one. It will be valid for another year. If the inspection is done within 30 days of the old decal's expiration date, you will retain the same annual expiration date.
4. You must keep valid insurance on file with L&I while you operate your rides.

Amusement ride inspector certification

Click here for a list of qualified amusement ride safety inspectors. (38 KB PDF)

Requirements for becoming an amusement ride inspector

Per WAC 296-403A-170 - Amusement Ride Inspector qualifications, an amusement ride inspector must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Two years experience with an insurance company as an amusement ride inspector.
  • or two years experience inspecting amusement rides and enforcing amusement ride codes while employed by a state of other governmental body regulating amusement rides;
  • or not less than five years documented field operating and maintenance experience with amusement rides and devices, including responsibility for erection, assembly, disassembly;
• Personnel supervision responsibility for erection, maintenance and operating functions;
  • or not less than ten years documented practical experience in design, construction, maintenance, repair, field inspection and operation of amusement rides and devices as an authorized representative of a recognized amusement ride manufacturer;

In addition to the above criteria, an amusement ride inspector must be certified by the department after demonstrating competency by:

• Passing an amusement ride inspector competency examination administered by the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials for NAARSP Level II or other certification organizations recognized by the department.

An amusement ride inspector may work without certification as a trainee, if directly and continually supervised during the inspection process by a certified amusement ride inspector.

How to become an amusement ride inspector

1. Complete the application form Application for Amusement Ride Inspector Certification (F500-065-000) (A fillable form - 98 KB PDF).
2. Send it to L&I's Electrical program along with the following:
   • The $20.00 application fee,
   • Documentation of having met the requirements listed in WAC 296-403A-170 (above).
3. L&I will send you a certificate that is valid for one (1) year and allows you to perform safety inspections for amusement ride operators.

How to renew your certification

Once you receive your renewal notice, you will be required to:

1. Attend at least one amusement ride safety and maintenance seminar sponsored by AIMS, IAAPA, NW Showman’s Club, NAARSO or equivalent approved by the department. Verification of attending this program must be submitted with the renewal form.
2. Send the following, by your expiration date:
   • the completed renewal form,
   • the seminar attendance verification,
   • the $20.00 fee,

   to the Department Labor & Industries Electrical Program, PO Box 44460, Olympia, WA 98504-4460.