Standardization News

Global Availability of F24 Safety Standards Highlighted

James Seay, chairman of ASTM International Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices, and president of Premier Rides, Baltimore, Md., delivered the opening educational session at the 2010 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions' Asian Attractions Expo held July 13-16 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center in Malaysia. Seay's presentation was part of an all-day IAAPA Safety Institute that brought experienced professionals from around the world to various global locations to deliver a concentrated program on many aspects of safety in the amusement industry.

Seay focused on a number of topics, including new F24 standards issued over the past year, the success of the new F24 global harmonization subcommittee that passed a Canada-specific standard, and the continued achievement of the global adoption of F24 standards to enhance safety in the amusement attractions business.

Regarding the standing room only audience, Seay commented, "I was extremely impressed with the passion and interest displayed by the attendees. The Asian market is the most dynamic in the world right now, experiencing tremendous expansion, and it is clear there is a strong desire to both be informed about safety standards and to understand the procedures of incorporating such standards into both the regulatory process and the parks' internal operating procedures."

With respect to new F24 standards, Seay discussed the yearlong efforts of F24's approximately 500 participants who volunteer their time both in person and online using ASTM's always available standards development tools. Specific accomplishments include the approval of F2375, Practice for Design, Manufacture, Installation and Testing of Climbing Nets and Netting/Mesh Used in Amusement Rides, Devices, Play Areas and Attractions, and F2461, Practice for Manufacture, Construction, Operation and Maintenance of Aquatic Play Equipment. Additionally, Seay described a significant update of existing G-force standards based on a collaborative effort with IAAPA's European members.

Seay reviewed the global harmonization subcommittee's work, which successfully established a stand-alone Canadian standard that allows Canadians to adopt F24 in their regulatory language while still having a specific standard for issues particular to Canada such as electrical codes. Seay remarked, "With ASTM F24 standards meeting the WTO [World Trade Organization] guidelines that define international standards acceptable for global use, the Canadian model is one that any country in the world can use to expeditiously include F24 in their code. Additionally, the very low cost of entry, virtually no cost for developing nations, makes the model very appealing."

After the presentation, Seay met with a number of representatives of Asian countries who displayed interest in F24's work. The harmonization subcommittee will establish task groups assigned to each country wishing to adopt F24 standards to ensure that the process is handled professionally and expeditiously.