Safety inspections attempt to prevent tragedies

State officials are cracking down on amusement rides which jeopardize public safety.

Editor's Note: The following information was submitted by the Illinois Department of Labor.

Since January, 1985, the Illinois Department of Labor has had the responsibility of enforcing numerous provisions of The Carnival and Amusement Rides Safety Act. This law applies to operators of large commercial amusement parks, as well as to small civic groups operating only one ride on a seasonal or irregular basis.

Amusement rides

An amusement ride is defined as "any mechanized device or combination of devices, including electrical equipment which is an integral part of the device or devices, which carries passengers along, around or over a fixed or restricted course for the primary purpose of giving its passengers amusement, pleasure, thrills or excitement."

This description not only includes rides such as Ferris wheels and roller coasters, but also water slides, go-karts and bumper boats as well. Generally, the Act includes any amusement ride which potentially threatens public safety.

Understanding the law

In order to promote understanding of the Safety Act, the following questions and answers have been prepared. Specific inquiries should be directed to the Carnival Safety Division, Illinois Department of Labor, Third Floor, Myers Building, One West Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, IL 62701. Phone (217) 782-9347.

To whom does the law apply?

The law applies to everyone who operates rides in Illinois.

Are units of local government, including park districts, subject to the Safety Act?

Yes, the same safety and insurance requirements apply. The law also extends to not-for-profit groups, such as church and civic groups.

Does the law apply to common playground equipment such as swings and teeter-totters?

No, unless they are motorized or operated by electrical power.

What does the law require park and recreation agencies to do if they have equipment which is covered by the Act?

The law requires the operator to submit an application for an operating permit. A fee is assessed for both the permit and the inspection of each ride. In most circumstances, the inspection fee will not exceed $25 per ride. A recently-passed statute also requires operators of amusement rides to give the department advance notice of where and when the rides will be operated.

What happens when the application and fee have been submitted?

A department inspector will conduct a safety inspection at the site where the rides are operated. The law requires that proof of insurance coverage be shown at that time.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 19 January/February 1986

For what do the inspectors check?

The inspectors check rides from the standpoint of engineering and common sense. Blocking, joints and structural integrity are some examples.

In addition, an appraisal of what might happen during the operation of the ride could be included. The operator might then be asked to provide certain safeguards or modifications to prevent accidents. The inspections are intended to prevent tragedy both to patrons and operators.

There has been some controversy about the new $1 million insurance requirement. Isn't this requirement a little unfair?

The insurance requirement has been in effect for several years. The State recently placed responsibility for its enforcement with the Labor Department.

The legislature is studying the possibility of changing the insurance requirement and, at the time of this writing, the outcome is uncertain. However, regardless of the content of the law, the department will enforce its provisions.

Is anything required beyond the permit and inspection?

If an operator is not deficient in any requirement and no modifications are needed, nothing further must be done. However, the permit is good for only one year. Reinspection will take place after that time to determine if any safety-related problems needing correction have developed. On-site inspections are made throughout the year at no cost to the operator.

What if an operator ignores all the requirements of the Safety Act and trusts luck not to get caught?

Ignorance of the law is no excuse. The Act contains substantial penalties for operators who fail to comply with it.

The Labor Department has initiated efforts to inform operators of their legal responsibilities. However, it is not unreasonable to expect operators to make ongoing efforts to know the laws and regulations which affect their business.

For Your Information Editor's Note: This column features information about programs, services and issues which can be of special interest to park and recreation professionals. For additional information about a particular item, readers should contact directly the agency listed. Suggested topics for future publication in the column can be sent to Illinois Parks and Recreation, 217 E. Monroe St., Suite 101, Springfield, IL 62701. Nutrition assessment Miles Laboratories in Elkhart, IN, is trying to heighten nutritional awareness through its Within Nutrition Assessment. This assessment is a computerized evaluation of a typical one-day diet. It determines if the respondent's diet for that day contained recommended levels of selected nutrients, and estimates daily caloric intake. The respondent's age, sex, height, weight and an account of his (or her) estimated daily food intake are considered. The assessment is designed as an educational tool and is not meant to be a diagnostic or comprehensive report of the participant's health. The assessment is offered free of charge. Applications are available from The Within Nutrition Assessment, P.O. Box 39109, Chicago, IL 60639. New Products Editor's Note: The products listed in this section are not endorsed by the IPR magazine. They are presented solely for the general information of our readership. Hedge trimmers The Homelite Division of Textron, Inc. is introducing two lightweight consumer/professional gas powered hedge trimmers. The HT-18 model weighs approximately 10 pounds. It features a 17-inch dual reciprocating double-edge blade and solid state ignition. The HT-23 model weighs 13.4 pounds. It has a 22.6cc, two-cycle engine, solid state ignition and a 30-inch dual reciprocating, single-edged blade for heavy duty cutting. Additional information is available from the Homelite Division of Textron, Inc., Advertising Department, 14401 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28217. Rotisserie Gold Medal Products announces an improved Dogeroo hot dog rotisserie. It features animated broiling action for 54 hot dogs secure in their cradles. The hot dogs are ready to serve in 12 minutes. For additional information call or write J.C. Evans, Vice-President, Gold Medal Products Company, 2001 Dalton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45214. Phone (513) 381-1313. Spreading the word Please let companies know when you have read about their products and services in the IPR.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 20 January/February 1986