Amusement Devices
Annual State of Safety 2022
State of Safety: Amusement Devices
We oversee the installation and operation of amusement devices throughout BC in accordance with the Safety Standards Act and Safety Regulation. The types of regulated amusement devices range from waterslides and inflatable play equipment to larger roller coasters.
Keeping Current Helps Keep Amusement Devices Safe
To improve the safety of British Columbians, the Province of BC has amended the Safety Standards Act to include amusement devices. This will bring previously unregulated amusement devices under Technical Safety BC’s safety oversight. As we prepare for these changes, our technical programs team continues to participate in opportunities to learn from and collaborate with the amusement devices industry.
In 2022, we attended the International Adventure and Trampoline Parks (IATP) association meeting which featured safety information and allowed us to connect with those in the trampoline court industry.
We presented at the SafeConnect safety conference at the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) to attendees from BC and Alberta. This conference provides comprehensive amusement industry education for participants to stay current with industry standards and best practices.
As an active member of the American Standards and Test Methods (ASTM) Standards Committee F-24 (safety standard for amusement rides and devices), we participated in several subcommittees, including the F-2783 standard committee, which is the Canadian Harmonized standard bring proposed for adoption in BC.
These meetings and partnerships are one of many opportunities where we can glean insight from safety partners as we prepare for expanded safety oversight of amusement devices.
Incidents
In 2022, the number of incidents reported to us increased by two (9%) compared to 2021. Most incidents can be linked to patron actions, operational factors, or a combination of both.
Our oversight program evaluates reported incidents to inform our knowledge of risk in order to prevent injuries and enhance safety in amusement ride operations in BC. We continue our efforts to educate those operating outside of the safety system on the importance of obtaining necessary licences and permits so that we can work together to prevent incidents.
Amusement Device Incidents by Year
(2018 - 2022)
Injuries
Ten injuries were reported to us in 2022, which was two more reported injuries compared to 2021.
Amusement Device Injuries by Year
(2018 - 2022)
Permits
In 2022, there were 45 installation permits and 522 active operating permits in the amusement devices technology.
Installation permits increased by 114% compared to 2022. This increase was in part due to the re-opening of many amusement devices that were not in operation in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic and provincial health and safety guidelines.
Amusement Device Operating Permits and Installation Permits by Year (2018-2022)
Assessments
Our safety officers completed a total of 339 assessments in 2022 which represents an increase of 30% compared to 2021. Of the 339 assessments, 317 were in-person inspections and 22 were remote inspections. The increase in the total number of inspections is related to the re-opening of large number of rides that were not in operation in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic and provincial health and safety guidelines.
The results of in-person assessments included: 254 ranked as “conditional pass,” 39 ranked as “pass,” and 24 ranked as “failed." The results of remote assessments included: 11 ranked as “conditional pass,” 9 ranked as “pass,” and 2 ranked as “failed.”
Assessments are rated as follows:
Pass
The safety officer has assessed that the regulated work and/or regulated product was found to comply with the Safety Standards Act, regulations and/or applicable technical code(s).
Conditional Pass
The safety officer has assessed that the regulated work and/or regulated product was found to NOT comply with the Safety Standards Act, regulations and/or applicable technical code(s). Further regulated work may only be undertaken as directed on the certificate of inspection, while the identified non-compliances are being corrected.
Fail
The safety officer has assessed that the regulated work and/or regulated product was found to NOT comply with the Safety Standards Act, regulations and/or applicable technical code(s). Further regulated work on the affected system or phase of work, and/or operation of the regulated equipment must not be undertaken until the identified non-compliances have been corrected.