Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA (March 1, 2012) -- ASTM F24, the committee on amusement rides and attractions which
produces global safety standards for the amusement industry, held its semi-annual
meeting from February 16th-18th in Ft. Lauderdale,
Florida. Approximately fifty separate meetings were held, each one focusing on
a specific safety element of the amusement industry. Attendance was at an
all-time high with over 200 safety experts from around the world participating.
In addition to traditional sessions on issues like ride
design, operations, and maintenance, some of the areas discussed included
nontraditional areas of growth such as the participatory attractions of zip
lines, rock wall climbing, inflatables, Zorbs, and trampolines. A number
of meetings focused on water-related attractions which continue to see ample growth
in the resort and hotel industry. A significant amount of work continues to be
performed on the subject of trains, which balloted a new standard for the first
time.
Jim Seay, Chairman of ASTM F24 Committee and President of
Premier Rides, commented, “I was very impressed by the dedication shown by so
many people who are both passionate about safety and volunteering their
valuable time to participate. As one example of many, the trampoline task group
that had proactively been established last year met for two days straight. Compelling
input was provided by consumers who had been personally affected in a
trampoline incident. The task group’s work effort was remarkable.”
Following up on a growing trend, a number of sessions were
held to assist both domestic and global representatives with the adoption of
ASTM F24 standards. The recently passed Canada-specific standard was used
as a model for other countries that wish to incorporate internal requirements
and existing standards into their adoption of F24 standards. A newly
established task group focused on the Latin American adoption of F24 standards met
to review the model. Len Morrissey, Director/TCO Division of ASTM
International, stated, “With the success of the Canadian and Colombian efforts,
we will be reaching out to specific countries in Latin America within the next
month to assist with the adoption of F24 standards. We also established a task
group to address New Jersey’s desire to harmonize with F24.”
Seay added, “I am extremely pleased with the high level of
interest expressed by committee members in the spring 2012 meeting. I am
grateful that participants travelled around the globe to share their passion
for safety in the amusement industry.” The meeting was open to all with an
interest in safety and a desire to contribute to the industry standards. Global
participants represented a large range of countries, including: Singapore,
Japan, Hong Kong, China, Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United
Kingdom, and Italy.
The International Association of Amusement Parks &
Attractions (IAAPA) collated its biannual Safety Committee Meeting at the same
location on February 15th. In addition to IAAPA, the following
industry associations had representation at the ASTM F24 Spring Meeting: ACCT,
AIMS, IALDA, NAARSO, OABA, and WWA.
The ASTM F24 meetings were sponsored by Great Wolf Lodge,
IMPACT, Premier Rides, Proslide Technology, Rockwell Automation, SeaWorld Parks
& Entertainment, Tapeswitch, and Uremet.
The next ASTM Committee F24 meeting will be held October
18-20th 2012. The fall meeting’s location and venue will be
announced shortly.
ABOUT ASTM COMMITTEE F24
ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices was formed
in 1978. F24 meets twice a year, usually in February and October, typically with
over 150 members from around the world attending several days of technical
meetings. The Committee, with current membership of over 500 global members,
currently has jurisdiction over 17 standards, published in multiple languages
in the Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Volume 15.07. These standards continue to
play a preeminent role in all safety aspects important to amusement rides and
devices.
ABOUT ASTM INTERNATIONAL
ASTM International is one of the largest voluntary standards
development organizations in the world and is a trusted source for the
technical standards of materials, products, systems, and services. Known for
their high technical quality and market relevancy, ASTM International standards
have an important role in the information infrastructure that guides design,
manufacturing and trade in the global economy. Standards developed at ASTM are
the work of over 30,000 ASTM members. These technical experts represent
producers, users, consumers, government and academia from over 120 countries.
Participation in ASTM International is open to all with a material interest,
anywhere in the world.
