Subchapter C. OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND RECORDS

§ 139.71. General requirement.

 (a)  Owners and operators of amusement rides, devices and structures shall conform to the ASTM International F-24 Committee Standards in effect as of the date the amusement ride or amusement attraction is registered with the Department, as they pertain to owner/lessee/operator responsibilities for equipment erection, testing, operation, maintenance and inspection. Changes or modifications to the ASTM International F-24 Committee Standards after this registration date may not apply to the amusement ride or amusement attraction unless the standards themselves require retroactive implementation or the Department makes adherence to these new standards a condition of registration.

 (b)  An amusement ride or amusement attraction must be constructed, maintained and operated in strict accordance with the applicable ASTM International F-24 Committee Standards. If the attraction is modified, the latest version of the ASTM International F-24 Committee Standards apply to the change, alteration or modification. If the modification is a major modification, the owner, operator or manufacturer shall also comply with §  139.78 (relating to rebuilt and modified rides).

 (c)  Air compressors and hydraulic equipment shall be inspected under §  139.43(13) (relating to passenger-carrying rides).

 The owner or lessee shall cause each amusement ride, device or attraction to be erected in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations as provided for in ASTM International F-24 Committee Standards, and conform to the other requirements of this section to the extent they do not conflict with applicable ASTM International Standards.

   (1)  Lighting. Amusement rides, access thereto, and means of egress therefrom shall, while in operation or occupied, be provided with illumination by natural or artificial means sufficient to guard against injuries to the public.

   (2)  Proximity to high voltage lines. Amusement rides must be located at least 15 feet from suspended high voltage lines carrying greater than 600 volts, or as otherwise defined in the National Electrical Code.

   (3)  Ride entry and discharge. Safe and adequate means of normal entry and normal discharge from each ride shall be provided.

     (i)   At least two unrestricted means of egress remote from each other shall be provided from each floor, tier, room or balcony in structures which house amusement rides.

     (ii)   Access to the means of egress shall be marked by readily visible signs in all cases where it is not immediately visible to the passengers.

     (iii)   A means of egress must be at least 36 inches in width.

     (iv)   The width of a stairway shall be taken as the length of the treads between stringers. The width of a doorway shall be taken as the width of the door.

     (v)   The maximum travel distance from the most remote point in a room or enclosed space to an exit may not be greater than the following:

       (A)   One hundred fifty feet in unsprinklered construction.

       (B)   Two hundred feet in sprinklered construction.

       (C)   Seventy-five feet in dead ends.

     (vi)   Means of access and egress must have protection from adjacent hazards and protection from falling by use of rails, enclosures or similar means.

     (vii)   Means of access and egress must be free from debris, obstructions, projections and slipping, tripping and other hazards.

     (viii)   The head clearance in passageways may not be less than 7 feet.

     (ix)   Means of access or egress must have either stairways or ramps and connecting landings or platforms where the public enter or leave an amusement ride that is above or below grade.

     (x)   Stairways, passageways, ramps, landings or platforms must be at least 36 inches in width for single lane passage or 44 inches for double lane passage. Landings or platforms must be at least 3 feet long measured in the direction of travel.

     (xi)   Stair treads must be at least 9 inches deep, exclusive of nosing, and the rise may not exceed 8 inches. Between two connecting levels, the treads must be uniform depth and the risers must be of uniform height. The slope of ramps may not exceed one in ten except when nonslip surfaces are provided.

     (xii)   Handrails must be provided on both sides of all stairways of four or more risers connecting adjoining levels whose difference in elevation is 30 inches or more.

     (xiii)   Handrails must be at least 30 inches and no more than 34 inches above the surface of step treads and 42 inches above the landings, platforms, runways and ramps which are 4 feet or more in height or are adjacent to dangerous equipment or areas over deep water.

     (xiv)   The distances between handrails may not be less than 18 inches for single lane passage and 36 inches for a double lane passage.

     (xv)   One intermediate rail spaced equal distance from handrail and base or equivalent construction to prevent a passenger from falling through the handrails shall be provided with all handrails.

     (xvi)   Stairways and ramps requiring handrails which are more than 8 feet wide shall be provided with railings dividing the widths into not more than 8 feet, and not less than 22 inches in width.

 (a)  Amusement rides and attractions where restoration of electrical power could create a hazard shall be provided with a magnetic disconnect switch.

 (b)  An electrically operated amusement ride not designed to be controlled by the passenger shall be provided with an emergency stop switch placed within easy reach of the operator. A second back up—dead man, timer or safety switch, wired in series with the primary start/stop switch, shall be added to kiddie rides to provide added safety from unauthorized starting of the device. The safety switch shall be deenergized at the end of each ride cycle by the operator.

 (c)  Where electrical distribution and transmission lines have not been deenergized or where special insulating barriers to prevent physical contact with the lines have not been erected, a person shall be designated to give timely warning for all maneuvers of equipment, ride structures and machinery operated proximate to the lines so that ample clearance is maintained.

 (d)  Electrical wiring and equipment located outdoors shall be of a quality and constructed or protected that exposure to weather will not interfere with its normal operation.

 (e)  Electrical transformer stations must be properly enclosed and proper warning signs shall be posted.

 (f)  Outlets of more than 120 volts must be clearly marked to show their voltage.

 (g)  Services shall be installed in conformance with Article 525 of the National Electrical Code.

 (h)  Temporary electrical power and lighting installation shall be permitted during periods of construction, remodeling or demolition activities. Temporary electrical power and lighting shall be permitted for a period not to exceed 90 days when associated with operating amusement rides or attractions.

 (a)  Feeders must be provided with overcurrent protection in accordance with the load imposed and conductor size as specified in Article 240 of the National Electrical Code.

 (b)  Branch circuits must originate in an approved power outlet or panelboard. Conductors shall be permitted within multiconductors. Conductors shall be protected by overcurrent devices at their rated capacity.

 (c)  Receptacles must be of the grounding type. Unless installed in a complete metallic raceway, branch circuits must contain a separate equipment grounding conductor and all receptacles must be electrically connected to the grounding conductor.

 (d)  Bare conductors or earth returns may not be used for the wiring of a temporary circuit.

 (e)  Suitable disconnecting switches or plug connectors shall be installed to permit the disconnection of ungrounded conductors of a temporary circuit.

 (f)  Lamps for general illumination exclusive of decorative or festoon lighting shall be protected from accidental contact or breakage. Protection shall be provided by elevation of at least 7 feet from a normal working surface or by a suitable fixture or lamp-holder with a guard.

 (g)  Temporary wiring over 600 volts shall be permitted during periods of construction, tests, experiment or emergency. A less permanent class of wiring and equipment shall be permitted than would be required for permanent installations.

 (h)  Suitable fencing, barriers or other effective means shall be provided to prevent access of other than authorized and qualified personnel to temporary wiring over 600 volts.

 (i)  Temporary wiring over 600 volts shall be removed immediately upon completion of construction or purpose for which the wiring was installed.

 (j)  Temporary electric wiring, if suspended, shall be supported so that its protective insulation will not be damaged.

 (k)  Overcurrent protection devices may not be installed in neutral or grounding conductors.

 (l)  Where electrical power is supplied for an amusement ride by a generating system, the generator and equipment must be properly grounded.

 (m)  Receptacles and attachment plugs must be of the grounding type and have ground fault interrupter (GFI) protection.

 (n)  Electrical installations and each electrically powered amusement ride must be effective as to noncurrent carrying metal parts which may become energized and which are exposed to contact by personnel. The path to ground from circuits, equipment and conductor enclosures must:

   (1)  Be permanent and continuous.

   (2)  Have ample carrying capacity to conduct currents liable to be imposed on it.

   (3)  Have impedance, as evidenced by testing, sufficiently low to limit the potential above ground and to facilitate the operation of the overcurrent devices in the circuit.

 (o)  Grounding which does not have a resistance to ground of 25 ohms or less as evidenced by testing shall be augmented by additional electrodes as needed spaced not less than 6 feet apart.

 (p)  Temporary electrical lines placed at ground level must be of the ‘‘S’’ or equivalent type and be adequately insulated and protected in areas of vehicular or pedestrian traffic to provide the maximum public safety.

 (a)  Approved U. L. fire extinguishers shall be provided at gasoline-driven rides and otherwise where necessary to secure reasonable and adequate protection from fire hazards. Fire extinguishers shall be placed to be accessed and in use within 20 seconds of a person spotting a fire, and shall be sufficiently removed or protected from highly-flammable or exploding material to prevent their damage or destruction in the initial explosion or flames.

 (b)  Flammable waste, such as oily rags or other flammable materials, shall be placed in covered metal containers which shall be kept in easily accessible locations. The containers may not be kept at or near exits.

 (c)  Gasoline and other flammable liquids and flammable gases when stored shall be kept in reasonably cool and ventilated places. The liquids shall be in approved containers. Smoking and the carrying of lighted cigars, cigarettes, or pipes is prohibited in an area where liquids or gases are stored or are transferred from one container to another.

 (d)  Fabrics constituting part of an amusement ride must:

   (1)  Conform to the following requirements, based on tests conducted in accordance with ASTM-E-84, or its current successor document:

     (i)   Flame spread rating of 0 to 75.

     (ii)   Smoke development of 0 to 450.

   (2)  Conform to the requirement of vertical burn test as follows:

     (i)   The average burn length may not exceed 8 inches.

     (ii)   The average flame time after removal of the flame source may not exceed 15 seconds.

     (iii)   Drippings from the test specimen may not continue to flame for more than 15 seconds.

 (e)  All parts of amusement rides and attractions shall be maintained in a clean condition.

 The ride operator shall operate the ride, device or attraction as follows:

   (1)  The ride operator shall be at least 16 years of age as specified in the Child Labor Law (43 P. S. § §  41—71).

   (2)  On rides involving exposure to water to the extent that accidental drowning could occur, at least one person who is trained in life saving techniques shall be available on the premises at all times during operating hours.

   (3)  The operator shall operate one ride at a time.

   (4)  The operator may not operate a ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

   (5)  The operator shall be in the immediate vicinity of the operating controls during operation and no other person shall be permitted to handle the controls during normal operation. This paragraph does not apply to amusement rides designed to be operated or controlled safely by a passenger.

   (6)  The number of operators and attendants shall meet or exceed the number of operators and attendants recommended by the manufacturer of the ride, device or attraction or the number prescribed in the ASTM International F-24 Committee Standards, whichever number is higher.

 (a)  Maintenance program. The owner of an amusement ride or amusement attraction shall implement a program of maintenance, testing and inspection, based on manufacturer’s recommendations, providing for the duties and responsibilities necessary in the care of each amusement ride or attraction. The maintenance program must include a checklist to be made available to the person performing the regularly scheduled maintenance. The maintenance program must include, the ASTM International F-24 Committee Standards for the operation, maintenance, testing and inspections.

 (b)  Electricity lock-out. A person performing maintenance or repairs, or making an inspection, shall lock-out the electrical disconnect switch when restoration of electrical power to an amusement ride or amusement attraction could create a hazard to persons during the performance of maintenance, repair, inspection or an emergency evacuation of persons, and ensure that it remains locked out until restoration of power will not create a hazard.

 (c)  Identification and rating plates. Manufacturers’ identification information affixed to the ride or attraction shall be maintained in a readily visible and legible condition at all times to the inspector.

 (d)  Wire rope.

   (1)  Wire rope shall be thoroughly examined. Wire rope found to be damaged shall be replaced with a new rope of proper design and capacity as set forth on the manufacturer’s date tag. If failure of the rope would affect safety of the ride or attraction and its passengers any of the following conditions will be cause for rope replacement:

     (i)   In running ropes, six radomly distributed broken wires in a rope lay, or four broken wires in one strand of a rope lay. A rope lay is the length along the rope in which one stand makes a complete revolution around the rope.

     (ii)   In pendants or standing ropes—ropes bearing the entire load and subject to constant pressure and surge shocks—evidence of more than one broken wire in one rope lay.

     (iii)   Abrasion, scrubbing or peening causing loss of more that 1/3 of the original diameter of the outside individual wires.

     (iv)   Severe corrosion.

     (v)   Kinking, crushing, birdcaging or other damage resulting in distortion of the rope structure.

     (vi)   Heat damage.

     (vii)   Reduction from nominal diameter of more than 6.0%. Marked reduction in diameter indicates deterioration of the core resulting in lack of proper support for the load carrying strands. Excessive rope stretch or elongation may be an indication of internal deterioration.

     (viii)   Bird-caging or other distortion resulting in some members of the rope structure carrying more load than others.

     (ix)   Noticeable rusting or development of broken wires in the vicinty of attachments. If the condition is localized in an operating rope, the section in question can be eliminated by making new attachment. This may be done rather than replacing the entire rope.

   (2)  Wire ropes used to support, suspend, bear, or control forces and weights involved in the movement and utilization of tubs, cars, chairs, sets, other carriers, the sweeps, or other supporting members of a ride or attraction may not be lengthened or repaired by splicing.

   (3)  Mechanical devices that brake, control, or come in contact with wire rope, such as rollers, drums and sheaves shall be examined to ensure cleanliness and safe condition. Mechanical devices with broken chips, undue roughness or uneven wear shall be replaced immediately.

 (e)  Wood components. Footings, splices, uprights, track timers, ledgers, sills, laps, bracing, flooring and all other wood components of rides, attractions and structures shall be inspected for deterioration, cracks or fractures. Emphasis shall be given to insuring tight nails, bolts, lag bolts and other fasteners. When wood piling requires replacement, ground level concrete piers shall be used. Wood members found to be defective shall be removed and replaced with material of equal or greater strength and capacity. Repairs and replacements to fixed roller coasters shall be made in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer.

 (f)  Articulations and bearings.

   (1)  The articulating pinions, frames, sweeps, eccentrics and other mechanical members shall be inspected for wear, out-of-round, cracks and other signs of deterioration, and shall be kept in good repair.

   (2)  Main center spindles shall be tested by nondestructive methods according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Test results must list the date of the test, name of the ride owner and serial number or identification number of the device.

   (3)  Bearing surfaces, ball joints and other single or multiple direction mechanical surfaces shall be kept well lubricated, clean and inspected for out-of-round or out-of-spherical and shall be kept in good repair.

   (4)  Gear alignment and gear drives shall be kept in good repair.

   (5)  Motor wiring, general service circuitry, decorative wiring and festoon wiring shall be inspected for signs of deterioration such as cracking. Secure tape repairs may be used; however, use of tape repairs shall be kept to a minimum. Wire clips on articulating devices shall be kept in good repair, and particular attention shall be paid to wires at elbows and at the end of articulating devices during inspections.

   (6)  Retaining, restraining and containing devices shall be inspected to insure they can continuously fulfill their function. Worn and damaged areas shall be repaired immediately or be immediately replaced.

   (7)  The hydraulic system shall be checked for leaks, damaged pipes and worn or deteriorated hoses.

   (8)  A record of each inspection, test and maintenance shall be made immediately upon completion of the inspection/test and indicate those components subjected to special examination, such as X-ray, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle or ultrasonic testing and the dates the examinations were performed. The record must also include breakdowns or repairs and violations of this chapter with action taken to rectify the violation. The record shall be kept and made available to the Department and qualified inspector for at least 3 years.

 (a)  Major modifications. An amusement ride which is subjected to major modifications shall be:

   (1)  Re-identified by a different name or identification number, or both.

   (2)  Subject to the act and this chapter as if it were a new ride not previously used.

 (b)  Repairs.

   (1)  Repairs and replacement of materials shall be performed according to the requirements for new construction and as specified by the manufacturer.

 (a)  The owner or lessee of an amusement ride or amusement attraction shall maintain the following records onsite for 3 years, and make them available upon request of the Department, the Department’s representative or the qualified inspector:

   (1)  Daily inspection records. Daily inspection records—including daily ride-specific inspection checklist records referenced in ASTM International F-24 Committee Standards—shall be prepared and maintained by the owner, lessee or operator who shall be experienced and knowledgeable in the proper assembly and operation of the ride or attraction. The inspection and tests must include operation of control devices, speed-limiting devices, brakes and other safety equipment. The inspection shall be made each day the ride or attraction is put into normal operation.

   (2)  Tests. Tests recommended by the manufacturer shall be recorded and a copy made available to the Department, the Department’s representative and the qualified inspector. Evidence of satisfactory test results shall be recorded on a form or statement by one of the following:

     (i)   The manufacturer of the ride or attraction.

     (ii)   An insurance carrier lawfully doing business in this Commonwealth and carrying public liability insurance on the ride or attraction.

     (iii)   A professional engineer.

     (iv)   A person recommended by the manufacturer as qualified to perform the test.

 (b)  A complete maintenance and testing history file for each amusement ride and attraction shall be maintained at the ride or by the owner and be available to the Department or the qualified inspector.

   The provisions of this §  139.79 amended December 12, 2008, effective December 13, 2008, 38 Pa.B. 6843. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (276980).