ASTM International revises key amusement rides standard

ASTM International’s amusement rides and devices committee (F24) is revising one of its key standards to include a new section requiring owner/operators to have a documented record retention program.

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The standard (F770) outlines information and establishes procedures for the operation, maintenance, inspection, and training for amusement rides and devices.  

According to ASTM International member Tony Claassen, the language in the new section will be a starting point, creating a foundation for more specific and prescriptive updates.

Claassen (maintenance support at US located attraction - Silver Dollar City) notes “while many jurisdictions around the world have a legal requirement for owners and operators of amusement rides and devices to maintain certain records and documents, it is inconsistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

“This has made it challenging for inspectors and authorities to investigate incidents when an owner/operator may no longer have the documentation in question.”

Claassen notes that the regulators, owners, and operators will benefit most from the proposed revisions to F770, as the groundwork is established for a consistent record retention program throughout the amusement industry.

ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN.  

For information on committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices go to astm.org/COMMITTEE/F24.htm

For more information on standard F770 go to astm.org/Standards/F770.htm

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