New Western Australian advice on the safe operation of waterslides

Western Australia's Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety has released updated health and safety requirements for waterslides.

Advising that "when operated for hire or reward, water slides are items of plant classified as amusement devices under the Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 (the WHS General Regulations)" Health and Safety Bulletin No. 7 states "water slides are exempt from the requirement to register plant or its design under the WHS General Regulations. However, as amusement devices, water slides must be maintained, inspected and tested as necessary and undergo an annual inspection at least once every 12 months."

The Bulletin goes on to provide a summary of hazards as including "inadequate design, installation, inspection, maintenance and training", pointing out that such factors "have contributed to serious injuries in Western Australia from the use of water slides."

It also lists contributory factors to such injuries, before helpfully listing a series of actions that those involved in the operation of waterslides are required to abide by.

Click here to view the full Bulletin.

Image credit Shutterstock.