Spring is on its way: Fairground and Amusement Park Safety Considerations

Easter heralds the annual opening of many outdoor leisure activities and a sharp increase in the use of indoor leisure facilities too.  So, we thought it would be timely to provide some guidance on safe practice, particularly at fairgrounds and amusement parks.

HSG175 – Fairgrounds and amusement parks: Guidance on safe practice is published by the HSE and concentrates on the safety of employers, employees and the general public using fairgrounds and amusement parks and advises on measures to control risks.   You can download a free copy of it here.

The HSE also published some useful guidance for parents and carers, the below summarises a few simple things you can do to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable day out at the fair!

Organised fairgrounds will normally be run by a person belonging to a member of a recognised trade association such as the Showman’s Guild of Great Britain (SGGB) or British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (BALPPA) who will require all rides to be tested and hold a current certificate to prove this.  Ride operators will generally have a copy of their certificate to hand which they can show you if asked.

Take a look at the machines.  Do they look solid, clean, tidy and well-presented?  A poorly turned-out machine is more likely to be poorly maintained.

Watch the attendants.  Do they look as if they are doing their jobs properly and efficiently?  Are they checking restraints are in place? Are they keeping an eye on what is happening while the machine is running?

Take note of safety warnings.  Fences and exclusion zones are there to keep you away from the dangers of fast-moving machinery.  Keep an eye on young children who may want to get closer than may be safe.

Don’t try to ‘beat’ height restrictions.  These are in place because the seats are designed to hold people of certain sizes in the machine.  If riders are too big, too small, too thin etc. they may be ejected from the machine and get seriously hurt.

Emphasise to your children the need to sit still.  Turning, kneeling, standing etc. all take riders out of the seat where they are safe.  Make sure they wear belts if they are fitted in the ride.