Improved safety for Singapore amusement rides

Amusement rides located in private clubs and residential estates in Singapore will now be regulated by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) through the Amusement Rides Safety Act.

Their inclusion of rides including waterslides and amusement devices comes with a recent revision of the Act, in an effort by the BCA to further improve safety standards. The amendments to the Act took effect from 1st April.

There are currently around 80 such rides and slides in Singapore, offering users a range of attractions from indoor skydiving to reverse bungy-jumping.

One such ride is the Torpedo, a free-fall ride at water park Wild Wild Wet waterpark (operated by the NTUC Club, the leisure and entertainment arm of Singapore's National Trades Union Congress) that was launched in November last year.

As such rides may be dangerous for the rider if they do not meet safety regulations, the Act was introduced in 2011 to regulate amusement ride safety.

More recently, further amendments were made to the Act following a review conducted by the BCA.

Writing in his Blog, Singapore Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan, stated "safety regulations are not static.

"They have to evolve to meet new safety standards, respond to new incidents and keep pace with introduction of new rides."

Minister Khaw raised the example of water-walking ball operators, who were previously allowed to operate in pools of up to 0.5 metres in depth. Now, if a lifeguard is present, hey can be used in pools as deep as 1.2 metres.

The Act applies to all amusement rides, including existing ones, and covers the installation, operation, modification, maintenance and repair of such rides. Prior to the opening of the ride, the BCA's engineers work with the ride operator to ensure that the ride complies with safety standards. In addition, the BCA conducts spot checks on the operators' daily maintenance routines, along with surprise ‘mystery shopper’ audit inspections.

Minister Khaw added "we will stay updated with best industry standards and latest safety technologies," adding that riders should also play their part in ensuring their own safety by following safety guidelines.

29th November 2012 - SINGAPORE'S WILD WILD WET REOPENS AFTER 'ENHANCEMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS"