Amusement rides are designed to thrill, excite, and entertain visitors of all ages. However, beneath the excitement lies a serious and essential foundation: safety. Whether it’s a towering roller coaster, a spinning pendulum ride, or a family-friendly carousel, every amusement ride must adhere to rigorous safety standards and certifications before it can be operated.
We will explore the global and regional safety standards, certification processes, key regulatory bodies, and why safety compliance is not just a legal obligation but also a business imperative for amusement parks and ride manufacturers.
Why Safety Standards for Amusement Rides Matter
The nature of amusement rides—moving parts, high speeds, and physical forces—requires exceptional engineering and strict quality control. Safety standards help minimize the risks of mechanical failure, operator error, or unforeseen hazards.
Key reasons safety standards are essential include:
- Protecting human lives: Prevent injuries and fatalities.
- Legal compliance: Meet government regulations to avoid penalties.
- Public trust: Boost consumer confidence in your rides and your park.
- Operational efficiency: Minimize downtime due to technical issues or inspections.
Without proper safety standards, even a minor flaw could lead to tragic consequences and destroy the reputation of an entire amusement park.
Global Safety Standards for Amusement Rides
1. ISO 17842 (Parts 1–3) – International Safety Standard
The ISO 17842 series is a globally recognized safety guideline that covers the design, manufacture, operation, and inspection of amusement rides.
- ISO 17842-1: Safety requirements for design and manufacture.
- ISO 17842-2: Operation, maintenance, and use.
- ISO 17842-3: Requirements for inspection during operation.
This set of standards is increasingly adopted by ride manufacturers and operators to streamline international compliance and ensure consistent safety levels.
Regional Safety Certifications and Regulations
1. ASTM F24 – United States
In the United States, die ASTM F24 Committee develops and maintains standards for amusement rides and devices. These standards are widely adopted by state governments and include:
- F2291: Design of amusement rides.
- F1193: Quality, vervaardiging, and maintenance processes.
- F770: Operation procedures and maintenance.
Each U.S. state has its own enforcement mechanism. For example:
- California: Regulated by Cal/OSHA.
- Florida: Overseen by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
- Pennsylvania: Regulated under the Department of Agriculture Ride Safety Division.
Many states also require third-party inspections and annual certifications.
2. EN 13814 – Europe
In the European Union, EN 13814 is the most important standard for amusement rides and fairground equipment. It includes:
- Structural safety and calculation methods.
- Operational safety requirements.
- Maintenance and inspection procedures.
EN 13814 is harmonized across the EU and is often used as a legal reference in product liability cases or safety audits.
3. GB Standards – China
In China, amusement rides must follow GB (Guobiao) standards, which are mandatory national standards. The most relevant standards include:
- GB 8408: Safety code for amusement rides.
- GB/T 18165: General technical requirements.
- GB/T 20306: Inspection and testing procedures.
All rides must undergo factory inspection, government testing, and sometimes real-time monitoring using safety sensors.
4. BIS and IS Codes – India
India follows Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Indian Standards (IS) codes, such as:
- IS 15475: Safety and performance for amusement devices.
- Local authorities like State Factories Inspectorates often oversee ride operation safety.
India is gradually aligning more of its standards with ISO and EN benchmarks due to growing demand for international-grade amusement infrastructure.
Key Amusement Rides Certifications
If you are an amusement ride manufacturer, getting certified by credible organizations is essential. Here are some important certifications:
1. CE Marking (Europe)
The CE mark is mandatory for products sold in the European Economic Area. It indicates that the ride complies with:
- Machinery Directive
- Low Voltage Directive
- EMC Directive
For rides, third-party certification bodies (known as Notified Bodies) usually perform conformity assessments.
2. TÜV Certification (Germany)
TÜV (Technischer Überwachungsverein) is one of the most respected certification bodies worldwide. Its inspections cover:
- Mechanical strength
- Electrical safety
- Emergency systems
- Maintenance schedules
A TÜV certificate is often seen as a mark of excellence, particularly in Europe and Asia.
3. UL Certification (USA)
For electrical components of amusement rides, UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certification ensures compliance with American safety standards.
Safety Inspection and Maintenance Protocols
Even the most well-designed ride requires regular inspection and maintenance. Most safety standards mandate:
- Daily visual inspections before opening to the public.
- Weekly and monthly preventive maintenance.
- Annual structural and mechanical inspection by certified professionals.
- Record-keeping of all repairs, tests, and inspections.
Advanced amusement parks now use IoT sensors and digital logbooks to automate some parts of this process, enhancing safety and compliance.
Training and Operator Certification
Another crucial part of ride safety is the training and certification of operators. A safe ride can become dangerous in the hands of an untrained person.
Best practices include:
- Mandatory training hours for each ride type.
- Written and practical tests before operators are allowed to work.
- Refresher training every 6–12 months.
- Emergency response drills and safety workshops.
Countries like the U.S. and Germany have well-established programs for operator licensing, often provided by third-party safety consultants.
Emerging Trends in Ride Safety
The amusement ride industry is constantly evolving. Here are some emerging trends in ride safety standards:
- Real-time condition monitoring using AI and sensors.
- Remote inspections using drones and AR technology.
- Integration of VR/AR rides with updated safety protocols.
- Increased focus on sustainability and fire safety, especially for indoor parks.
As rides become more technologically advanced, safety standards are expanding to cover software integrity, data security, and human-machine interface protocols.
Choosing a Certified Manufacturer or Supplier
If you are a theme park owner or investor, choosing the right ride supplier is critical. Make sure to:
- Check their certifications (ISO, CE, TÜV, etc.).
- Ask for past inspection reports and test results.
- Ensure they provide installation supervision and training.
- Verify after-sales service and maintenance plans.
- Research their reputation and successful projects worldwide.
Partnering with a certified and experienced manufacturer will reduce liability, ensure long-term profitability, and maintain customer trust.
Dinis Thrill Rides will be your reliable manufacturer.
Standards Matter
The world of amusement rides is full of excitement and thrills—but none of that matters without uncompromising safety. Whether you’re a manufacturer, operator, or park owner, complying with national and international safety standards is essential to protect lives and grow your business.
By understanding key standards like ISO 17842, ASTM F24, EN 13814, and others, and ensuring your equipment is properly certified and maintained, you can deliver fun and excitement to millions—safely and responsibly.