Pennsylvania Code
Title 7 - AGRICULTURE
Part V-D - Amusement Rides and Amusement Attractions
Chapter 139 - AMUSEMENT RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS ERECTED PERMANENTLY OR TEMPORARILY AT CARNIVALS, FAIRS AND AMUSEMENT PARKS
Subchapter B - DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
Section 139.43 - Passenger-carrying rides

Universal Citation: 7 PA Code ยง 139.43

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 44, November 2, 2024

Amusement rides and amusement attractions shall be designed for safe operation and meet applicable ASTM International Standards, as described in § 139.41(c) (relating to general), and conform to the other requirements of this section to the extent they do not conflict with applicable ASTM International Standards.

(1) Interior and exterior parts. The interior and exterior parts of passenger-carrying amusement rides with which a passenger may come in contact shall be smooth and rounded, free from sharp, rough or splintered edges and corners, with no protruding studs, bolts, screws or other projections which might cause injury.

(2) Padding. Interior parts upon which a passenger may be forcibly thrown by the action of the ride shall be adequately padded.

(3) Restraining devices. Rides equipped with a safety bar, cage or other mechanically operated restraining device shall be equipped with a retiring cam or other device so designed that the safety bar, cage or other mechanically operated device cannot be inadvertently released.

(4) Self-powered rides. Rides which are self-powered and which are operated by a passenger shall have the driving mechanism and any moving part that might pose a threat to the rider guarded and the guards secured in place to prevent passengers from gaining access to the mechanism.

(5) Safe entrance, exit and support. Belts, bars, footrests and other equipment as may be necessary for safe entrance and exit and for support while the ride is in operation shall be provided. The equipment and the fastenings must be of sufficient strength to retain the passengers.

(6) Passenger restraints. Passenger restraining or containing devices used on tubs, cars, chairs, seats, gondolas and other carriers on a ride where the forces generated by the action of the ride require retention, restraining or actual physical support of the passenger shall be designed, constructed and installed where deemed necessary by the manufacturer to support the passenger safely. The fastening must be of a type which cannot be inadvertently released.

(7) Anchorages. Anchorages for the required restraining devices must have strength at least equal to the strength of the restraining device.

(8) Travel clearance. The path of travel of an amusement ride must have a clearance envelope that meets ASTM International Standards for patron clearance envelopes, to ensure that a passenger on the ride cannot be injured by contacting a structural member or other fixed or moveable object when the passenger is in the riding position in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

(9) Emergency brakes and antirollback devices. Emergency brakes and antirollback devices must be in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and, if required or recommended by the manufacturer, must be in place and operational when the ride is open for use by the public.

(i) If cars or other components of an amusement ride are subject to collide upon failure to normal controls, emergency brakes sufficient to prevent collisions shall be provided.

(ii) On rides which make use of inclined tracks, automatic antirollback devices shall be installed to prevent backward movement of the passenger-carrying units in case of failure of the propelling mechanism, unless movement in the reverse direction would not cause injury or damage.

(10) Speed-limiting device. An amusement ride capable of exceeding its maximum safe operating speed shall be provided with a maximum speed-limiting device.

(11) Signal systems.

(i) Signal systems for the starting and stopping of amusement rides shall be provided where the operator of the ride does not have a clear view of the point at which passengers are loaded and unloaded, or where the ride operator does not have a clear view of oncoming or returning passenger-carrying vehicles with sufficient line-of-sight to prevent a collision. A signal system must be a mechanical, electronic or other system that meets or exceeds the manufacturer's recommendations.

(ii) A code of signals adopted for the operation of an amusement ride shall be printed and kept posted at both the operator's station and the signalman's station. A person who may use these signals shall be adequately instructed in their use.

(iii) Signals for the movement or operation of an amusement ride shall be printed and kept posted at both the operator's and signalman's stations. A person who may use these signals shall be carefully instructed in their use.

(12) Protection against moving parts.

(i) An amusement ride may not be used or operated while a person is located in a position where a person would be endangered by the amusement ride. Areas in which persons may be endangered must be fenced, barricaded or otherwise guarded against public intrusion.

(ii) A ride containing or having a mounting that could entangle a passenger's hair must be guarded to minimize the risk of entanglement in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.

(iii) Matchinery used in or with an amusement ride must be enclosed, barricaded or otherwise effectively guarded against accidental contact. Guards removed for maintenance purposes shall be replaced before normal operation is resumed.

(13) Amusement ride and attraction ancillary equipment.

(i) Air compressors and hydraulic equipment.
(A) Air compressors, air compressor tanks and appurtenances used in connection therewith shall be designed, constructed, equipped and maintained to insure safe operation.

(B) Air compressor tanks and other receivers used in connection with air compressors must comply with 34 Pa. Code Chapter 3a (relating to boilers and unfired pressure vessels).

(C) Air compressor tanks and other air receivers used in connection with air compressors must have the maximum allowable working pressure conspicuously marked thereon.

(ii) Oil and hydraulic systems.
(A) Oil and hydraulic systems and related equipment used in connection with amusement rides and attractions must be free of leaks and maintained to insure safe operations. These systems must have a dumping or by-pass valve that shall be drilled and sealed at 125% of working pressure by the manufacturer. Pressure gauges must have the maximum safe working pressures conspicuously marked thereon. Systems must have a manual lowering valve.

(B) Flexible hoses must have a bursting strength sufficient to withstand eight times working pressure and be tested at a pressure at least four times working pressure. They must be compatible with the fluid used therein.

(iii) Internal combustion engine power sources.
(A) Internal combustion engine power sources must be of adequate type design and capacity to handle the design load.

(B) Refueling of fuel tanks shall be performed only when the ride or attraction is closed down and unloaded and the engine is not running.

(C) When the engine is in an enclosed area, adequate ventilation shall be provided and the engine exhaust shall discharge to the outside.

This section cited in 7 Pa. Code § 139.71 (relating to general requirement).

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