Standardization News

Perhaps this past summer you saw some walk-on-water balls - large inflatable spheres that allow a person inside to walk across the surface of water - at your favorite water fun park. However, these balls are still not permitted in all areas, due to safety concerns.

An ASTM International committee is working on the first proposed standard for this latest amusement trend, WK47649, Practice for Design, Construction and Operation of Walk on Water Balls. The proposed practice will establish criteria for designing, manufacturing, maintaining, inspecting and operating walk-on-water balls in a controlled environment.

ASTM member Patty Sullivan, president and CEO of Eli Bridge Company, says that the proposed standard will ensure the public that a walk-on-water ball being used in conformance with WK47649 at a public park, fair, festival or carnival will be operated in a manner compliant with the best safety practices.

In addition to manufacturers, WK47649 will be used by owners/operators of walk-on-water balls as well as regulatory bodies that may use the standard to develop inspection guidelines and other regulations.

WK47649 is being developed by Subcommittee F24.60 on Special Rides/Attractions, part of ASTM International Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices. Owners/operators, manufacturers and representatives of regulatory bodies that allow walk-on-water balls in their jurisdiction are encouraged to join in the development of WK47649.

CONTACT Technical Information: Patty Sullivan, Eli Bridge Co. • Jacksonville, Ill. • tel +1.217.245.7145 | ASTM Staff: Katerina Koperna • tel +1.610.832.9728 | Upcoming Meeting: Feb. 11-14 • Fort Lauderdale, Fla.