WorkSafe WA advises on inflatable water slide safety

WorkSafe WA is initiating a project on occupational safety and health issues relating to landborne aquatic inflatables.

With a growing number of inflatable waterparks operating across Australia, the project is designed to assist employers in this industry meet their occupational health and safety (OH&S) responsibilities by providing information and ensuring Employers understand their obligations under OH&S legislation.

WorkSafe WA has also issued a newsletter/fact sheet for operators of inflatable water slides which shares information used by swimming pool operators who operate inflatable water slides and related devices, reminding operators of their requirement that structures within the scope of Australian Standard AS 3533 other than Class 1 devices be registered with WorkSafe.

In a communication to LIWA Aquatics members, Executive Officer Tony Head writes "LIWA Aquatics' understanding of the matter is that each installation is site specific and will need to be assessed by a Competent Person as per page three of the ... newsletter. 

"It is likely after discussions with WorkSafe that all pool inflatables will need to be registered as they will be classified as above Class 1.

"WorkSafe has provide two names to LIWA Aquatics of individuals who may be able to assist your organisation in the determination of the Class inflatable you have and if it does in fact need to be registered with WorkSafe."

All operators of inflatables need to be well aware of the requirements of AS 3533 but need to also focus on these three key areas:

• Blowers must be fixed and secured
• Blowers must be guarded from the public
• Blowers must have a prohibition notice to warn public from touching them

The project will be conducted in the 2015/16 financial year.

WorkSafe WA is a division of the Western Australian Department of Commerce.

Click here to read the Worksafe WA ewsletter/fact sheet.

Click here to view the list of competent persons provided by WorkSafe WA.

Image used for illustrative purposes only.

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