Fire Safety Division Gearing
up for Summer Days Spent at Amusement Parks
JEFFERSON CITY, April 10, 2006-The Division of Fire
Safety within the Department of Public Safety is gearing up for the
start of another amusement ride season. Since 1997 the Division has
been tasked with oversight and enforcement of the Amusement Ride Safety
Act.
“Missouri amusement ride regulations place an
emphasis on safety first, however, patrons and parents play a key
safety role as well,.” said State Fire Marshal Randy Cole. “Parents,
children and other patrons should listen to ride operators’
instructions, follow posted warning and rider restriction signs.”.
All amusement ride equipment is inspected annually using
manufacturer’s guidelines and nationally recognized standards.
After an approved inspection, the division issues a state operating
permit. The permit is valid for one year.
Legislative changes in 2004 authorize the Division to
conduct “spot” safety inspections of amusement rides operating
in the state. This inspection not only helps ensure the ride remains
in a safe operating condition, but it also provides an avenue to ensure
inspections conducted by state approved inspectors have been performed
in conformance with the standards or guidelines.
If the Division discovers an inadequate safety inspection,
they have the authority to revoke the inspector’s approval status.
If a safety deficiency is identified during a spot inspection that
could potentially be life threatening the ride will be immediately
shut down. Before the ride may be placed back into service a complete
safety inspection is required to be conducted by a Division inspector
at the owner’s expense.