Code of Maryland Regulations
Title 09 - MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Subtitle 12 - DIVISION OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY
Chapter 09.12.62 - Amusement Attractions Erected Permanently or Temporarily at Carnivals, Fairs, and Amusement Parks
Section 09.12.62.07 - Location and Operation

Universal Citation: MD Code Reg 09.12.62.07

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 19, September 20, 2024

A. Assembly and Disassembly.

(1) The assembly and disassembly of an amusement attraction shall be performed:
(a) In accordance with the manufacturer's procedures and specifications;

(b) Using only manufacturer specified components, fasteners, and tools;

(c) Under the immediate supervision of a person experienced and trained in the proper procedures; and

(d) In a professional manner.

(2) The public shall be prevented from entering areas in which amusement attractions are being assembled or disassembled.

(3) Quality and Inspection of Parts.
(a) During assembly, parts shall be closely inspected to discover wear or damage.

(b) Excessively worn or damaged parts may not be used.

(c) Replacement parts shall comply with Regulation .08F of this chapter.

(d) Immediately after assembly, all fastening devices shall be inspected to ensure proper installation and compliance with the manufacturer's specifications.

B. Location.

(1) Layout of the amusement attraction shall be established to ensure:
(a) Continuous traffic patterns; and

(b) Accessibility of emergency personnel.

(2) Unless unavoidable, rope, wire rope, or braces used to support an amusement attraction may not be located in pedestrian traffic patterns. If this is unavoidable, the support devices shall be clearly marked with streamers or other devices to attract attention.

(3) The area surrounding the amusement attraction shall be clear of:
(a) Trees and shrubs, if they pose a hazard;

(b) Trash; and

(c) Other tripping hazards.

C. Foundation.

(1) Temporary and Permanent Amusement Attractions.
(a) A temporary or permanent amusement attraction shall be placed on a properly designed and constructed foundation or solid footing.

(b) Except as provided in §C(1)(c) of this regulation, loose cement blocks, bricks, or similar type blocks may not be used as footings to support an amusement attraction.

(c) Bricks or similar type blocks may be used on buildings for bumper cars and on platforms, cat walks, ramps, and stairs that do not bear the weight of the amusement attraction.

(d) An amusement attraction shall be:
(i) Set up in a manner to prevent shifting, tipping, or swaying; and

(ii) If required by the manufacturer, secured to the foundation or footings.

(e) Use of wood shim blocks shall be kept to a minimum, and, if used, the blocking shall be cribbed.

(2) Temporary Amusement Attractions.
(a) A daily inspection of an amusement attraction and its footings shall be performed while the amusement attraction is in motion as part of the daily inspection.

(b) Depressions in the ground near an amusement attraction's footings shall be filled and tamped.

(c) Adequate drainage shall be provided to prevent rain water from collecting and softening supporting areas.

D. Leveling and Alignment. Amusement attractions that are designed to operate on a perpendicular or horizontal axis or have a combination of orbiting planes shall be:

(1) Level, plumb, and secured to prevent the amusement attraction from shifting or tipping; and

(2) Stable under all operating conditions.

E. Operating Controls.

(1) Each amusement attraction shall be provided with operating controls specifically designed to safely operate and control the amusement attraction.

(2) Operating controls shall be located where the operator has an unobstructed view of the loading area.

(3) Operating controls shall be provided with a stop switch that, when activated, stops the amusement attraction.

(4) Resetting a stop switch may not automatically restart the amusement attraction.

(5) An electrical safety stop circuit shall be a closed circuit so that, in case of power failure or malfunction of any element, the system will cause the amusement attraction to fail-safe.

(6) After actuation of a stop, the cause shall be determined and any problem corrected before resuming operation of the amusement attraction.

(7) Each amusement attraction shall have a means to prevent an automatic restart of the amusement attraction in the event of a power failure.

(8) Safety stop circuits may not be bypassed during operation.

(9) Programmable Logic Controller (PLC).
(a) PLCs shall be designed, installed, and maintained by the amusement attraction manufacturer or a professional engineer.

(b) Adjustments or alterations to a PLC shall be performed by the manufacturer or with the consent of the manufacturer by a professional engineer.

(c) If the manufacturer of the PLC is no longer in business, adjustments or alterations may be performed by a professional engineer knowledgeable in PLC circuitry.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maryland may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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