N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 12 §§ 45-3.8

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 41, October 9, 2024

Section 45-3.8 - Special requirements for snow slides

(a) Sliding devices. Substantially damaged or worn devices shall not be used.

(b) Slide construction.

(1) The sides of slides shall have all exposed edges reasonably smoothed and rounded away from the sliding surface.

(2) Slides with serpentine runs where lanes are not parallel, or the lanes do not have a starting and ending point in close proximity, shall be considered as individual slides.

(c) End of slide.

(1) A run-out area shall be provided at the end of a slide into which a rider enters upon completing a ride; this area shall be free of obstacles and obstructions.

(2) Run-out space and/or reverse slope grade shall be designed to allow for gradual deceleration, and to minimize contact between sliding devices.

(3) Routine stopping of the sliding device shall not be dependent on collision or bumper devices.

(4) The run out area, and the end of the slide shall be kept free of non-patrons by the use of fences, gates and or suitable barricades.

(d) Staging area. At the top of each slide an area shall be provided for patrons waiting to ride the slide. Means shall be provided to control crowds in this area.

(e) Starting zone. This zone shall begin at the point of the slide where the patron gets into, or on to, the sliding device, in preparation for going down the incline. It shall continue down the incline of the snow slide to a point designated by the slide supervisor.

(1) The lower end of this zone shall be marked.

(2) No other sliding devices shall be allowed in this zone until it is clear of the previously started sliding devices.

(3) The zone shall be long enough to allow for the spacing of sliding devices in order to reduce the likelihood of collisions.

(4) On slides having multiple lanes, the provisions of this subdivision shall apply to each lane individually.

(f) Personnel.

(1) Slide supervisor. The slide supervisor shall have the following duties:

(i) overall responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the snow slide; and

(ii) training of the slide starter and slide attendants in the duties and responsibilities of their assigned tasks.

(2) Slide starter. The slide starter shall be positioned at the top of the snow slide and shall assure that once a sliding device(s) has started down a slide, the next sliding device(s) will not start its descent until the starting zone is clear.

(3) Slide attendants. These attendants shall be in addition to those required by Code Rule 32 for the operation of ski lifts or tows used in conjunction with the slide.

(i) Start of slide. At the start of the slide there shall be at least one attendant whose function shall be to control the line of individuals waiting to use the slide.

(ii) End of slide. At the end of the slide there shall be at least one attendant who shall direct the riders to leave the area promptly with their sliding devices.

(4) One person may be designated to perform multiple duties as required hereunder.

(5) Under all conditions each slide shall have a slide starter at the top and one attendant at the bottom.

(6) Exception. A slide may be operated with only a starter at the top if all of the following conditions are met:

(i) the slide starter has clear line of sight vision of the entire snow slide incline and run out area;

(ii) no other sliding device shall be allowed to begin its descent until the track to the bottom is clear of other patrons, including those crossing over to an exit from other lanes; and

(iii) a means is provided to enable patrons at the bottom of the slope to receive instructions from the slide starter at the top.

(g) Sign instructions and rules of conduct. A large, well maintained sign, containing instructions and rules of conduct pertaining to the use of the slide, shall be conspicuously posted.

(h) Communications. On slides where the starter does not have clear line of sight to the attendant at the opposite end of the device, or the distance is impractical for the use of hand signals, other communication systems shall be provided between the slide starter and the attendants at the bottom of the incline.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 12 §§ 45-3.8