Md. Code Regs. 09.12.62.08

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 21, October 18, 2024

Section 09.12.62.08 - Maintenance

A. Each owner shall read and become familiar with the contents of the manufacturer's instructions and specifications for each amusement attraction owned and operated.

B. The owner shall ensure that each amusement attraction is inspected each day before operation to ensure that:

(1) No part is damaged, missing, or worn; and

(2) The amusement attraction is compliant with the manufacturer's specifications.

C. The owner shall keep and maintain a manual detailing the maintenance requirements as specified by the manufacturer or professional engineer for each amusement attraction owned.

D. If for good cause an owner is unable to obtain a manufacturer's manual containing recommended maintenance procedures, the owner shall employ a licensed professional engineer to develop a maintenance manual that details the safe and appropriate maintenance of the amusement attraction.

E. Lockout Device.

(1) A means shall be provided to lock out or secure an amusement attraction or any associated equipment from all sources or potential sources of energy before performing maintenance, repair, or inspection.

(2) Sources or potential sources of energy include, but are not limited to, electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, spring, gravity, and wind energy.

(3) A lockout device shall be engaged before equipment is inspected or serviced.

F. Replacement Parts.

(1) Worn or damaged electrical components, mechanical parts and machinery shall be replaced in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

(2) Replacement parts for amusement attractions shall be:

(a) Procured from the manufacturer or an authorized parts supplier;

(b) Produced using the original manufacturer's specifications; or

(c) Produced using specifications derived from sufficient analysis to ensure that the parts are for equivalent functions and of equivalent quality to those provided by the original manufacturer.

G. Wire Rope.

(1) Wire rope shall be thoroughly examined as part of the daily inspection or at intervals specified by the manufacturer.

(2) Damaged wire rope shall be replaced with new wire rope of the design and capacity specified by the manufacturer.

(3) Wire rope shall be replaced as specified by the manufacturer or under the following conditions:

(a) In running ropes, when there are six randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay, or three broken wires in one strand in one rope lay;

(b) In pendant rope or rope that bears the entire load and is subject to constant pressure and surge shocks, when there is more than one broken wire in one rope lay;

(c) Severe corrosion;

(d) Kinking, crushing, bird-caging, or other damage resulting in distortion of rope structure;

(e) Heat damage;

(f) For ropes with the following diameters, when there is the noted reduction in diameter as follows:

(i) For normal diameter up to and including 3/4 inch, reduction of more than 3/64 inch;

(ii) For normal diameter of 7/8 inch to 1-1/8 inches, reduction of 1/16 inch; and

(iii) For normal diameter of 1-1/4 inches to 1-1/2 inches, reduction of 3/32 inch; and

(g) Noticeable rusting or broken wire near an attachment.

(4) Wire rope used to support, suspend, bear, or control forces and weights involved in the movement and use of tubs, cars, chairs, seats, gondolas, or other carriers, the sweeps, or other supporting members of an amusement attraction may not be lengthened or repaired by splicing.

(5) Wire rope drums, sheaves, or any mechanical device that is in contact with wire rope shall be examined daily to ensure cleanliness, lubrication, and compliance with manufacturer's specifications.

(6) Mechanical devices used in conjunction with wire rope shall be replaced immediately when worn or showing signs of undue roughness or uneven wear.

H. Chains.

(1) Chains used as a safety device or in a stress-bearing situation shall comply with the manufacturer's specifications or be approved for such use by a licensed professional engineer.

(2) Noncertified chain, including, but not limited to, twisted wire or stamped tin, may not be used.

I. Articulations and Bearings. Articulating pinions, frames, sweeps, eccentrics, bearing surfaces, ball joints, and other mechanical parts shall be:

(1) Inspected for wear, out-of-round, cracks, and other signs of deterioration;

(2) Kept well-lubricated; and

(3) Maintained consistent with manufacturer's specifications.

J. Wood Components.

(1) Wood components shall be inspected daily to ensure continued safe operation of the amusement attraction.

(2) Wood components, when found to be defective or deteriorated, shall be repaired or replaced before operating the amusement attraction.

(3) Pilings.

(a) To check deterioration of a piling, a minimum of 18 inches of soil, with respect to grade, shall be removed around a piling or wood member embedded in dirt for support.

(b) After inspection, the dirt shall be replaced by tamping it into place and forming a mound to shed water away from the piling.

(4) Ground level concrete piers shall be used when the wood piling requires replacement.

(5) A defective wood member shall be replaced with material of equal or greater strength as specified by the manufacturer or a licensed professional engineer.

(6) Repair and replacement of wood components as part of a fixed roller coaster shall be made in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

K. Nondestructive Testing (NDT).

(1) NDT shall be conducted as recommended by the manufacturer or as required by the Commissioner.

(2) When a manufacturer's specifications make no provisions for NDT and if the Commissioner considers it appropriate, the Commissioner may require NDT of components by an approved testing facility.

(3) NDT Results.

(a) NDT results shall:

(i) List the date of the test, the amusement attraction owner, and the serial or identification number of the device;

(ii) Be kept with the amusement attraction to the extent feasible or at a central location at the site of operation; and

(iii) Be maintained for 1 year.

(b) A copy of the NDT results shall be provided to the Commissioner on request.

(4) NDT shall be performed by a qualified NDT inspector in accordance with ASTM E 543-06.

(5) Components found to have relevant indications that do not meet the acceptance criteria shall be replaced or reconditioned in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.

Md. Code Regs. 09.12.62.08

Regulation .08 amended effective April 26, 1993 (20:8 Md. R. 723); January 25, 1999 (26:2 Md. R. 106)
Regulations .08, repealed and new .08 adopted effective March 24, 2008 (35:6 Md. R. 697); recodified from 09.12.62.18 effective 49:21 Md. R. 933-968, eff. 11/1/2022