N.J. Admin. Code § 5:14A-9.8

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 9, May 6, 2024

Section 5:14A-9.8 - Control of operation

(a) All amusement rides shall have an operating manual. The owner of an amusement ride shall operate the ride in accordance with the manufacturer's operating manual. In the absence of a manufacturer's operating manual, the owner shall write an approved operating manual. Where any conflict occurs between the operating manual and this chapter, this chapter shall govern. The operating manual shall be kept at the site where the ride is in use and shall be available for use by the Department.

(b) The owner shall ensure compliance with the requirements of 5:14A-4.8 for ride operators.

(c) The ride operator shall not allow anyone obviously under the influence of alcohol or drugs to ride the ride.

(d) The ride operator shall operate no more than one ride at any given time.

(e) The ride operator shall monitor the riders until the ride is completed.

(f) The correct number of operators necessary to safely operate the ride, based on the operating manual, shall be on site and in the correct location(s).

(g) The Department may require additional operators in the event of "blind spots." An additional operator with emergency stop capabilities shall be stationed in each "blind spot" location during operations.

(h) An operator shall not leave the ride unattended without disabling the controls so the ride cannot be started by unauthorized persons. If the ride is left unattended and disabled during an operational day, the operator, upon returning, shall run a complete cycle of the ride.

(i) The operator or operator assistants shall check each and every restraint, constraint, seatbelt, lap bar and any other device used in securing riders into a vehicle individually to assure that it is locked properly and that the rider fits properly in the safety system.

(j) Additional operation start button(s) shall be provided where loading and unloading operations are being performed in an extended area where safety restraints, harness and other devices are required to prevent ejection from the ride during operations. The start button(s) shall work in series in that all button(s) shall be depressed by operators before the ride will start.

(k) The operator or operator assistant shall check the height, weight or size of riders, as applicable, with the height mark, scale or other means of measurement provided by the owner. The means of measurement shall enable the operator to determine whether a rider meets the required limit in a "go, no go" fashion. No one who does not meet the required limits shall be permitted to ride the ride.

1. When the weight of a rider is used to determine entry to or use of an amusement ride, an accurate scale shall be provided.

2. A rider not meeting the approved height restriction may be accompanied by a companion if provided for in the manufacturer's operations manual or otherwise specified by the manufacturer. Companions shall meet any requirements given in the manufacturer's specifications. The larger person shall be by the exit door to ensure it stays closed and latched during operation unless this arrangement of riders creates a conflict with (k)3 below.

3. Where riders are of disparate sizes, riders shall be placed in the ride such that any action caused by centrifugal forces shall push the weight of the lighter rider into the heavier rider.

4. Riders at or above the maximum weight may be allowed if such riders are provided for in the manufacturer's operations manual. Distribution of such riders shall be as per the operations manual.

(l) All powered amusement rides and devices shall be equipped with a properly functioning operator presence device.

1. The operator shall be in constant contact with the operator presence device at all times during normal operation of the ride. This rule shall not be construed to prohibit riders from using amusement ride operating controls designed for use by a rider.

2. The operator presence device shall be tested at each inspection.

3. Exception: For rides and attractions where the operator presence device does not add to safety, including roller coasters, bumper cars, log flumes, go karts and some computer controlled rides, an operator presence device shall not be required.

(m) The ride operator shall exercise control over the ride to prevent dangerous actions by a rider.

(n) In the event of an emergency stop, routine stop (for the purpose of loading or unloading of a rider), or a stop for any other reason, the operator or operator assistants shall assure that no other riders have exited their vehicles unexpectedly.

N.J. Admin. Code § 5:14A-9.8