S-3, r. 1 - Amusement Rides Regulation

Updated to 1 September 2012

This document has official status.

chapter S-3, r. 1

Amusement Rides Regulation

Public Buildings Safety Act

(chapter S-3, ss. 10 and 39).

Implicitly replaced, O.C. 363-2012, 2012 G.O. 2, 1144; eff. 2012-05-03; see chapter B-1.1, r. 3, c. VII.

DIVISION I GENERAL

§ 1 . — Definitions

1. In this Regulation, unless otherwise indicated,

“carrier” means any tub, car, chair, seat or other device designed for amusement ride users (véhicule);

“Electrical Code” means the Code referred to in Chapter V of the Building Code (chapter B-1.1, r. 2) (Code de l’électricité);

“rated capacity” means the maximum number of persons, established by the manufacturer, who may occupy an amusement ride or a carrier (capacité nominale);

“safety retainer” means a wire rope, chain, bar or other device designed to prevent a carrier or any other moving part of an amusement ride from becoming disengaged or from overturning should the primary retainer fail (fixation de secours);

“supply system” means the electrical system supplying power to an amusement ride or to a group of rides from the same consumer’s service or from a same generator (réseau d’alimentation).

O.C. 649-91, s. 1; O.C. 963-2002, s. 1.

§ 2 . — Scope

2. This Regulation applies to amusement rides operated with the purpose of entertaining the public. However, it does not apply to automatic amusement rides installed on a non-moving base and intended for children.

O.C. 649-91, s. 2.

§ 3 . — Administrative

3. Anyone who wants to use a material, device, equipment or a construction or installation method which is not specifically provided for in this Regulation, shall notify the inspector thereof. Such use is approved by a person designated by the Minister if it is proven to provide safety at least equivalent to that required by this Regulation.

O.C. 649-91, s. 3.

4. In the case where the application of a provision of the Regulation is difficult due to its impact, the owner may suggest to the inspector compensatory measures which may be accepted by a person designated by the Minister if it is proven to such person that such measures make the ride safe.

O.C. 649-91, s. 4.

5. The inspector may require from the owner a certificate of solidity issued by an engineer if he notices that cracks, deformation or deterioration are likely to impair its operation, integrity or stability.

O.C. 649-91, s. 5.

6. The inspector may forbid the usage of a ride and put seals on it, if he notices that a violation of this Regulation is likely to directly and seriously endanger the safety of persons.

O.C. 649-91, s. 6.

7. Following a fire or an accident involving the operation of a ride, such ride may be dismantled or altered only with the inspector’s authorization.

O.C. 649-91, s. 7.

8. A ride shall be provided with a registration plate issued by the inspector. The plate shall be attached permanently at the place designated by the inspector.

O.C. 649-91, s. 8.

9. A registration plate shall be issued for a ride only if the owner has obtained from the manufacturer or failing that, from an engineer:

(1)  a certificate attesting that this ride or its prototype:

(a)  has been designed and manufactured so as to withstand loads and constraints under all loading and operating conditions;

(b)  has undergone tests and checks to this effect and that their results are satisfactory. Load tests shall be established according to the rated capacity by considering the theoretical mass of each person to be 75 kg, or 35 kg in the case of a ride to be used solely by children;

(2)  a report describing the tests and checks performed on this ride or its prototype.

The certificate shall also indicate the type, trademark, model and serial number of the ride, the date and place where the tests and checks were conducted and also the name and occupation of the person by whom they were performed.

O.C. 649-91, s. 9.

10. Thirty days before the beginning of the operating season or before the opening of a site where rides are operated, the owner shall send to the inspector a written notice. Such notice shall include the following information:

(1)  the owner’s name and address;

(2)  the list of rides to be operated and their registration number;

(3)  the designation of the period and sites where the itinerant rides will be operated during the season.

O.C. 649-91, s. 10.

11. The owner shall immediately notify the inspector of any modification to the information required in section 10.

O.C. 649-91, s. 11.

DIVISION II REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL AMUSEMENT RIDES

§ 1 . — General

12. The owner of a ride shall:

(1)  keep it in good operating order and correct any defect;

(2)  comply with the maintenance bulletins and the service manual, including mounting instructions, issued for this ride by the manufacturer;

(3)  ensure that no safety device is removed or altered without the manufacturer’s authorization;

(4)  ensure that the maintenance bulletins and the service manual are kept with the log book as well as, if the case arises, the authorizations, the certificates and the check lists which are mentioned in subsection 3 and in sections 5, 9, 15, 16, 38 and 47;

(5)  ensure that the log book and the other documents mentioned in subsection 4 are available on the site where the ride is being operated;

(6)  ensure that no part of the ride comes nearer to an electrical conductor of more than 750 V, than the distance specified in the following table:

        Tension            Distance
       (in volts)         (in metres)
   
   Less than 125,000           5     
   125,000 and more           30    

O.C. 649-91, s. 12.

13. The owner shall have a first aid kit on the site where the rides are being operated and a means of communication with the emergency services.

Moreover, the owner shall establish an emergency procedure and post it near such means of communication.

O.C. 649-91, s. 13.

14. A part or any other component of a ride shall be replaced by another one which is either identical or of the same quality.

O.C. 649-91, s. 14.

15. Any welding performed on a mechanical part or on a structural member of a ride shall be made according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Failing that, the welding, including the materials, the welding practice and procedure used shall be suitable for the work performed on the mechanical part or on the structural member and shall be certified to this effect by the company by which it was performed.

Any welding subject to the first paragraph shall be performed by a qualified welder of a company holding a certificate, as the case may be, in accordance with CSA Standard W47.1-1983, “Certification of Companies for Fusion Welding of Steel Structures” or CSA Standard W47.2-M1987, “Certification of Companies for Fusion Welding of Aluminum”, published by the Canadian Standards Association.

O.C. 649-91, s. 15.

16. Any alteration to a mechanical part or to the structure of a ride shall be performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In the absence of a manufacturer, the owner shall obtain from an engineer a certificate attesting that:

(1)  he approves the drawings, the calculations and the testing procedures related thereto and that their results are satisfactory;

(2)  the ride can safely be put into service for the public following the alterations made.

The registration plate number of the ride shall be specified on the certificate. Furthermore, the owner shall notify the inspector of the nature of such alterations within 2 working days following the end of the work.

O.C. 649-91, s. 16.

17. An amusement ride shall be designed so that it does not exceed the maximum operating speed specified by the manufacturer or be equipped, to this effect, with a speed limiting device.

O.C. 649-91, s. 17.

18. Any driving or transmission part of a ride where direct access is possible as well as chains and moving belts shall be equipped with a casing or any other protective device in order to prevent any accidental contact and any injury in case of breakage.

O.C. 649-91, s. 18.

§ 2 . — Carriers

19. Interior parts of a carrier shall be smooth and rounded, and with no protruding struds. Moreover, they shall be adequately padded if, when the ride is in operation, the user is liable to be thrown against them.

O.C. 649-91, s. 19.

20. The owner shall install a restraining device on a carrier in order to restrain users under all loading and operating conditions planned for this ride unless he proves to the inspector that such device is not necessary to ensure the safety of users.

Such device shall be of a type that cannot be inadvertently released when the ride is in operation.

O.C. 649-91, s. 20.

21. Where a single suspension or coupling device of a carrier or of any other moving part of a ride is used as a retainer, the owner shall install on the carrier or on the moving part a safety retainer unless he proves to the inspector that such retainer is not necessary to ensure the safety of users.

O.C. 649-91, s. 21.

22. Glazing used in a carrier shall be certified conform, as the case may be, to CGSB Standard CAN2-12.1-M79 “Glass, Safety, Tempered or Laminated” or to CGSB CAN2-12.12-M79 “Glazing Sheets, Plastic, Safety”, published by the Canadian General Standards Board.

O.C. 649-91, s. 22.

23. During the operation of a ride, the following minimum clearances shall be complied with:

(1)  600 mm between a structural member and any point of the carrier in contact with the user;

(2)  1,200 mm of vertical clearance between the seat and any fixed structural member located above such seat;

(3)  2,000 mm of vertical clearance between the floor in front of the seat and any fixed structural member located above such floor, where the user is not restrained in the carrier seat.

This section does not apply to a carrier which is enclosed or equipped, at the locations prescribed in subsections 1 to 3, with an openwork wire mesh preventing a 38-mm diameter spherical object from going through or 50-mm in the case of a ride to be used solely by adults.

O.C. 649-91, s. 23.

§ 3 . — Brakes and backstops

24. Any ride shall be designed so as to prevent the carrier from making translatory or rotary movements when it is at a standstill in the loading or unloading area or be equipped, to this effect, with a parking brake.

This section does not apply to a carrier composed of a suspended seat.

O.C. 649-91, s. 24.

25. Any carrier designed to be towed as well as each zone of a ride where the towing of such carrier is done shall be equipped with backstop devices preventing any carrier in this zone from moving back more than 150 mm.

O.C. 649-91, s. 25.

§ 4 . — Operating controls

26. The operating controls of a ride shall be designed, located and protected so as to prevent actuation of the ride by a falling object, by vibration or by a person other than the operator.

O.C. 649-91, s. 26.

27. It shall be possible to monitor carriers along their path from the operating controls of rides.

This section does not apply to the rides specified in Division III.

O.C. 649-91, s. 27.

28. Any ride shall be equipped with an emergency stop device. Such device shall:

(1)  be red and marked “ARRÊT”;

(2)  be of the push-pull type;

(3)  be provided with contacts which open by positive mechanical separation.

O.C. 649-91, s. 28.

§ 5 . — Steel wire ropes

29. Guys shall be spliceless and their strands shall be made of galvanized steel.

O.C. 649-91, s. 29.

30. Looped ends of steel wire ropes shall incorporate a metal thimble.

O.C. 649-91, s. 30.

§ 6 . — Rope winding drums

31. Winding drum flanges shall extend at least 50 mm radially beyond the last layer of rope.

O.C. 649-91, s. 31.

32. A winding drum shall have a groove compatible with the diameter of the rope used.

Moreover, the drum shall be lined at all times with at least 3 complete turns of rope and not more than 3 layers of rope.

O.C. 649-91, s. 32.

DIVISION III SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC TYPES OF RIDES

§ 1 . — Coaster rides

33. Coaster rides shall comply with the following:

(1)  be installed so as to allow for the presence of only one carrier or only one train of carriers, at the same time, in the space between each braking system along its path;

(2)  the nuts used to lock the wheels of a carrier shall be of the castle type and be locked with split pins;

(3)  every coupling device of carriers shall be locked, and any bolts, nuts or locks which are used, shall be equipped with a wire to prevent loosening or disengaging;

(4)  operating controls shall be located so as to allow monitoring of the entire loading and unloading area.

O.C. 649-91, s. 33.

§ 2 . — Flume rides

34. An installation equipped with a sloping channel and a receptacle basin, which uses water to generate or reduce the speed of a carrier shall be provided with devices allowing for the control of the water level of the basin and the flow of the flume’s feeding pump.

Moreover, these devices shall automatically stop the operation of the ride if the water level or the flow does not conform to that required for the operation of the ride.

O.C. 649-91, s. 34.

§ 3 . — Amusement rides in darkness

35. In the case of rides moving in darkness inside an enclosure, such enclosure shall be equipped with:

(1)  a smoke alarm bearing an Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada (ULC) seal and installed in conformity with the manufacturer’s instructions. The working condition of the smoke alarm shall be checked at every mounting of an itinerant ride and every month in other cases.

This subsection does not apply to an enclosure constituted of only one room not compartmentalized;

(2)  signs, visible from the carrier, indicating egresses;

(3)  an emergency lighting system of no less than 10 lx at floor level and egress signs, activated automatically when the main source of electrical supply is interrupted.

Moreover, each egress shall bear the inscription SORTIE, in lettering at least 25 mm high, and, if locked, it shall be possible to open it from the inside without a key.

O.C. 649-91, s. 35.

DIVISION IV MOUNTING

§ 1 . — General

36. The supporting structure of a ride shall be installed so as to remain secured under all loading and operating conditions of the ride, and where outriggers are provided for, they should be installed.

The supporting structure of a ride and the outriggers shall be blocked by means of blocks which shall be crossed where more than 2 blocks are superimposed.

O.C. 649-91, s. 36.

37. A tensioning device of a rope or chain shall be designed so that it will not release itself during operation of a ride.

O.C. 649-91, s. 37.

§ 2 . — Examination during mounting

38. In addition to the checks provided for by the manufacturer during the mounting of a ride, the owner shall ensure that the following checks have been made:

(1)  a visual check of the condition of electrical wiring, including bonding, as well as weldings, articulations, bearings and driving shafts;

(2)  a test of the operating condition of brakes and safety devices;

(3)  a check of the clearances required in sections 23 and 40;

(4)  a visual check of structural members in order to detect distorted or bent members.

A list of the checks to be made shall be kept with the log book.

O.C. 649-91, s. 38.

DIVISION V OPERATION

§ 1 . — Operator

39. The owner shall ensure that the operator is familiar with the operation and safety measures of a ride before operating it. Among others, the operator shall be knowledgeable in:

(1)  the location and use of safety devices;

(2)  the loading and unloading procedure;

(3)  the signals used;

(4)  the evacuation procedure;

(5)  the location of emergency and first aid services or of the means of communication with those;

(6)  the directions for use of portable extinguishers.

O.C. 649-91, s. 39.

§ 2 . — Protection of the public

40. Fencing of at least 1,000 mm in height shall enclose each ride at least 750 mm from any moving part of the ride.

O.C. 649-91, s. 40.

§ 3 . — User safety

41. Signs written in French and bearing characters at least 25 mm high or pictograms at least 150 x 150 mm shall be installed to indicate to users:

(1)  that smoking is prohibited;

(2)  that hair and clothing shall be safely tucked away where a risk of entanglement may exist;

(3)  the restrictions provided for by the manufacturer regarding size, weight or use;

(4)  that the smallest user shall be placed the nearest to the centre of a centrifugal ride.

O.C. 649-91, s. 41.

§ 4 . — Operation

42. The owner shall ensure that the operator stays at the operating controls during operation of the ride.

O.C. 649-91, s. 42.

43. Where a ride has been stopped by the actuation of a safety device or by the interruption of the main source of electrical supply, the closing or the resetting of the safety device as well as the restoring of the supply source shall not start up the ride before the starting device is actuated.

O.C. 649-91, s. 43.

§ 5 . — Signal system

44. A signal system shall be used during the starting or the stopping of rides where the loading or unloading areas cannot be seen from the operating controls.

O.C. 649-91, s. 44.

§ 6 . — Lighting

45. A minimum of 100 lx at floor level shall be maintained at the loading areas, unloading areas, entrances and egresses.

O.C. 649-91, s. 45.

§ 7 . — Evacuation

46. Evacuation procedures for each ride shall be established by the owner.

O.C. 649-91, s. 46.

§ 8 . — Daily examination

47. Prior to carrying users, rides shall be examined daily, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and the following checks shall be made:

(1)  a visual check of carriers and restraining, suspension, coupling and locking devices;

(2)  a test of the operation of the brakes, including backstops;

(3)  a visual check of the anchoring devices as well as the blocks under the stabilizers and under the supporting structure of the ride;

(4)  a visual check of the wind braces, guys and tension devices;

(5)  a test of the emergency lighting, signal and communication systems;

(6)  a check of the fencing clearance required in section 40;

(7)  a visual check of entrances, egresses, stairs and ramps;

(8)  a check of any other safety device.

A list of the checks to be made shall be kept with the log book.

O.C. 649-91, s. 47.

48. Each day, a ride shall be operated for one complete sequence prior to carrying users.

O.C. 649-91, s. 48.

DIVISION VI MAINTENANCE

§ 1 . — Steel wire ropes

49. Steel wire ropes shall be:

(1)  replaced when one of the following conditions exists:

(a)  instructions of the ride manufacturer require it;

(b)  6 wires are broken in one rope lay;

(c)  3 wires are broken in one strand of a rope lay;

(d)  2 wires are broken in a suspension rope which supports the total load of a carrier;

(e)  the initial diameter of the rope has decreased by 10%;

(f)  the rope is distorted because of kinking, crushing or untwisting of the rope or of a strand;

(2)  repaired where 2 wires are broken near a fastening.

O.C. 649-91, s. 49.

§ 2 . — Link-chains

50. Any link-chain shall be replaced according to the ride manufacturer’s instructions when a link is distorted, fissured or when its initial diameter has decreased by 10%.

O.C. 649-91, s. 50.

§ 3 . — Log book

51. The owner shall keep, for each ride, a log book containing the following information:

(1)  the ride name, the manufacturer’s name and the serial number;

(2)  the registration number;

(3)  the rated capacity and the maximum speed specified by the manufacturer;

(4)  the compiling of operating hours;

(5)  the nature of alterations made to a safety device or its elimination as well as the manufacturer’s authorization to this effect;

(6)  the location and nature of alterations and weldings made to a mechanical part or a structural member as well as the welding procedure used;

(7)  the location and type of restraining device or safety retainer which has been installed according to sections 20 and 21;

(8)  the corrections made following the checks carried out during mounting;

(9)  the date of each mounting as well as a statement indicating that the manufacturer’s mounting instructions were followed;

(10)  the identification of any safety device having interrupted the operation of a ride;

(11)  the breakdowns, accidents and evacuations that occurred while operating the ride;

(12)  the corrections made following daily checks;

(13)  the replacement or repair of a steel wire rope;

(14)  the replacement of a link-chain;

(15)  the dates of verification of a portable extinguisher and of a smoke alarm.

O.C. 649-91, s. 51.

DIVISION VII REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

§ 1 . — General

52. Electrical installations of rides and electrical equipment shall comply with the Electrical Code.

O.C. 649-91, s. 52; O.C. 963-2002, s. 2.

53. Feeding or branch conductors used for supplying power and operating a ride may not be used for other purposes or for supplying power to another ride.

O.C. 649-91, s. 53.

54. The structure of a ride may be used to support overhead wiring for lighting, signal, operating control and communication of rides. Only the signal or communication wiring can be supported by the structure of another ride.

O.C. 649-91, s. 54.

§ 2 . — Bonding of itinerant rides

55. Notwithstanding the Electrical Code requirements, the bonding of an itinerant ride may also be done according to one of the following:

(1)  a loop-shaped copper conductor at least equal in size to that mentioned in Table 16 of the Electrical Code but no less than No. 6 AWG and installed so as to form a loop around the ride or around the group of rides connected to the supply system of those rides. The ends of the loop shall be connected to a block whose terminals are connected to the grounded neutral conductor of the supply system.

The noncurrent-carrying metallic parts of the supply system and of the rides, connected to the system shall be connected to the loop-shaped conductor by means of a copper conductor at least equal in size to that mentioned in Table 16 of the Electrical Code but no less than No. 6 AWG;

(2)  an insulated copper conductor, attached to the supply cable, at least equal in size to that mentioned in Table 16 of the Electrical Code but no less than No. 6 AWG.

O.C. 649-91, s. 55.

§ 3 . — Distribution

56. An itinerant ride may be connected to the supply system by means of a movable splitter provided the latter is made of a waterproof material and that it is raised to at least 25 mm from the surface on which it is installed.

O.C. 649-91, s. 56.

57. The cover of a box containing live parts shall be screwed or key-locked. Failing that, the box shall be rendered inaccessible to the public.

O.C. 649-91, s. 57.

58. Any attachment plug used in a ride supplying circuit shall be of the locking type or the equivalent.

Moreover, any attachment plug which does not ensure the simultaneous disconnecting of all conductors shall be inaccessible to the public.

O.C. 649-91, s. 58.

DIVISION VIII FIRE PREVENTION

59. Only incombustible materials may be stored inside a ride or under its structure, and the premises shall be kept in a good state of cleanliness.

O.C. 649-91, s. 59.

60. Refuelling of a ride shall be done only when there are no users on the ride and when the engine is shut down.

O.C. 649-91, s. 60.

61. Engine exhaust pipes shall be located more than 50 mm from any combustible material.

O.C. 649-91, s. 61.

62. A portable extinguisher of a minimum 2-A:10-B: C rating or a set of 2 separate portable extinguishers, one of a minimum 2-A rating and the other of a minimum 10-B: C rating and bearing an Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada (ULC) seal, shall be available near the operating controls of each ride.

Moreover, the operation of the portable extinguisher shall be checked at every mounting of an itinerant ride and every month in other cases.

O.C. 649-91, s. 62.

DIVISION IX FINAL PROVISIONS

63. A registration plate issued by an inspector before the coming into force of this Regulation is deemed to have been issued in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation.

O.C. 649-91, s. 63.

64. (Omitted).

O.C. 649-91, s. 64.

REFERENCES

O.C. 649-91, 1991 G.O. 2, 1705

O.C. 963-2002, 2002 G.O. 2, 4653

O.C. 363-2012, 2012 G.O. 2, 1144