Standards Australia revives Waterborne inflatables guidance

In response to industry calls for guidance on the design and operation of aquatic and waterborne inflatables, Standards Australia has revived its interim Standard for aquatic and waterborne inflatables.

Launched with considerable fanfare back in 2012, AS 3533.4.5(Int) - 2012 Amusement rides and devices, Part 4.5: Specific requirements - Waterborne inflatables expired in August last year.

As of 8th April, the Standard has been republished with a new expiry date of in August 2016.

A statement from Standards Australia explains “recognising the need for continued work on the Interim Standard AS 3533.4.5 Amusement rides and devices – Specific requirements - Waterborne inflatables, Standards Australia Technical Committee ME-051, Amusement Rides and Devices, has decided to extend the period for the Interim Standard AS 3533.4.5 until 6th August 2016.”

With industry calls for the scope of the Standard to be widened to include sealed and other units, the statement continued “Standards Australia is conscious of the need for continued work on AS 3533.4.5 and remains committed to the openness and rigour of its standards development process.

“The objective of the Interim Standard AS 3533.4.5 is to provide requirements and guidance specific to the design, construction, operation and maintenance of waterborne inflatable equipment and facilities that will protect health and safety of both operating staff and patrons of these devices.

“As an Interim Standard, the document should be regarded as a developmental Standard and liable to future alteration.”

The interim Standard was first prepared to address the design and operation of inflatable waterborne equipment operated via a constant air flow and provided guidance on issues relating to: anchorage, structural integrity, open sides, access and egress, containment, water depth and entrapment.

However, aspects of the interim Standard in areas such as height and water depth caused confusion among both operators and manufacturers, as did exemptions relating to sealed inflatables and waterborne inflatables of less than 3 metres in height.

Amid this uncertainty and absence of guidance, Australasian Leisure Management is aware of several projects involving waterborne inflatables that are currently stalled.

An Interim Standard, which can be either an Australian (AS) or a joint Australian/New Zealand (AS/NZS) Standard, is a provisional Standard with a two-year life.

Standards Australia is inviting comment on its work, which can be made by email to mail@standards.org.au.

AS 3533.4.5(Int) - 2012 Amusement rides and devices, Part 4.5: Specific requirements - Waterborne inflatables can be downloaded from www.standards.org.au

Image included for illustrative purposes only.

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