Standardization News

ASTM International Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices will hold three days of meetings Feb. 16-18, 2012. The committee, which produces global safety standards for the amusement industry, will meet at the Riverside Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Approximately 50 separate meetings will be held, each one focusing on a specific safety element of the amusement industry. Between 150 and 200 safety experts from all over the world are expected. Meetings are open to both members and non-members of ASTM. .

In addition to traditional sessions on issues such as ride design, operations, and maintenance, some of the areas to be covered include nontraditional areas of growth, such as participatory attractions like zip lines, rock wall climbing, inflatables, globe riders, and trampoline parks. A number of meetings will focus on water-related attractions that continue to see ample growth in the resort and hotel industry. A significant amount of work has been performed on the subject of trains, which will also be reviewed in detail.

A number of sessions will again be held to assist global representatives with the adoption of ASTM F24 standards. The successful coordination efforts between F24 and Canadian stakeholders (including the Canadian Standards Association and the Technical Standards and Safety Authority) to develop guidance specific to the design, operation and inspection of amusement rides in Canada is being used as a model for other countries that have a desire to adopt F24 standards, but have unique requirements specific to a particular region or country that must be added to the existing standards. The newly established task group focused on Latin American adoption of F24 will meet to review the model. Leonard Morrissey, a director in the ASTM Technical Committee Operations Division, stated, "With the success of the Canadian and Colombian efforts, we now have a clear path that allows any country to adopt the globally focused F24 standards while being responsive to local level challenges or concerns."

Preregistration for the ASTM F24 spring 2012 meeting is strongly encouraged. Additionally, ASTM F24 urges all participants to make room reservations at the Riverside Hotel as soon as possible to take advantage of the special group rate. A complete list of meeting details can be found on F24's website.

Jim Seay, chairman of ASTM F24 Committee and president of Premier Rides, commented, "I am extremely pleased with the high level of interest expressed by committee members in the upcoming spring 2012 meeting. I am grateful that participants will travel from around the globe to share their passion for safety in the amusement industry. As always, the meeting is open to all who have an interest in safety and would like to contribute to the industry standards."

Additionally, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions will hold its biannual safety committee meeting at the same location on Feb. 15.

CONTACT Technical Information: James Seay, Premier Rides • Baltimore, Md. • Phone: 410-923-0414 O ASTM Staff: Leonard Morrissey • Phone: 610-832-9719 O Upcoming Meeting: Feb. 16-18 • Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.