Md. Code Regs. 09.12.60.07

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 09.12.60.07 - Operation

A. Each owner shall read and become familiar with the contents of the manufacturer's recommended operating instructions and specifications.

B. Operation Manual.

(1) The owner shall keep and maintain a manual documenting the operating requirements.

(2) The operation manual shall address the following issues:

(a) Ride cycle time;

(b) Proper loading and unloading procedures and proper rider distribution;

(c) Procedures for responding to emergencies and extreme environmental conditions;

(d) Rider limitations, such as height, age, and rider placement;

(e) Minimum electrical power required to safely operate the amusement attraction;

(f) Minimum and maximum water flow rates, if applicable;

(g) Specific amusement attraction operational procedures consistent with the manufacturer's instructions;

(h) Specific duties and responsibilities of the operator and attendant;

(i) Maintenance requirements and procedures;

(j) Testing requirements and procedures;

(k) General safety procedures; and

(l) Preopening inspection list and preopening inspection procedures.

(3) The manual shall be kept on location with the amusement attraction or otherwise readily available.

(4) A copy of the manual, in English, shall be provided to the Commissioner on request.

(5) The owner shall ensure that all operators adhere to the provisions of the applicable operator's manual.

C. Designated Operator.

(1) The owner shall ensure each amusement attraction is under the direct control of an operator with training specific to that amusement attraction.

(2) An operator shall operate only one amusement attraction at a time.

(3) When the amusement attraction is not in operation, the owner shall prevent operation by any unauthorized person.

(4) An operator:

(a) May not operate any amusement attraction while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;

(b) Shall know the use and function of all operating controls, signal systems, and safety devices applicable to the amusement attraction;

(c) Shall know the proper rider loading sequence, capacity, and speed of the particular amusement attraction being operated;

(d) Shall remain at the operating controls during operation;

(e) Shall have control of the amusement attraction at all times;

(f) Shall enforce applicable restrictions; and

(g) Whenever possible, shall be positioned at a location with a clear view of the rider loading and unloading areas.

D. If a clear view under §C(4)(g) of this regulation cannot be maintained, operators or attendants shall ensure that the area is safe before operation.

E. Operator and Attendant Identification.

(1) An owner shall issue to each operator and attendant identification, such as a uniform or badge that clearly identifies the person as an operator or attendant.

(2) Before issuing any identification, the owner shall train the employee in accordance with §F of this regulation.

(3) The identification shall clearly indicate the following:

(a) The employee title, that is, operator or attendant;

(b) Either the name of the employee or an employee identification number; and

(c) The name of the amusement attraction company.

(4) While operating an amusement attraction, the operator or attendant shall wear the operator or attendant identification in a readily visible location.

F. Operator and Attendant Training.

(1) The owner shall provide training for each operator and attendant of an amusement attraction.

(2) Operator and attendant training shall include, but not be limited to, the items specified in §§C(4) and D of this regulation.

(3) Operators and attendants shall be trained in the following:

(a) Specific amusement attraction operational policies and procedures consistent with the manufacturer's instructions;

(b) Specific duties and responsibilities of the operator and the attendant;

(c) Emergency procedures in the event of an abnormal condition, interruption of power, or severe environmental conditions;

(d) Instructions on general safety procedures; and

(e) Additional instructions considered necessary by the owner.

(4) As part of the training, the owner shall observe each operator's and attendant's ability to operate an amusement attraction safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of the requirements of this section.

(5) The owner shall document that each operator and attendant has been trained and evaluated as required by this regulation with the following:

(a) Name of the operator or attendant,

(b) Date of training, date of evaluation, and

(c) The identity of the person or persons performing the training or evaluation.

(6) The owner shall provide periodic refresher training, including an evaluation of the effectiveness of that training.

(7) The owner shall document the refresher training for each operator and attendant with the information set forth in §F(5) of this regulation.

G. Ride Safety Supervisor. An owner shall designate a ride safety supervisor to:

(1) Monitor amusement attraction operations at all times when in operation; and

(2) Ensure that the amusement attractions are operated safely and in accordance with this chapter.

H. Daily Inspection Program.

(1) The owner shall ensure that each amusement attraction is inspected and tested each day before operation, with a daily preopening inspection program under §H(2) of this regulation.

(2) The daily preopening inspection program shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) Inspection and testing of all rider-carrying devices, including restraint, containing devices and latches;

(b) Inspection and testing of all automatic and manual safety devices;

(c) Inspection and testing of the brakes, including service brakes, emergency brakes, parking brakes, and antirollback devices;

(d) Inspection and testing of control devices, speed-limiting devices, and other equipment provided for safety;

(e) Visual inspection of all fencing, gates, and guardrails;

(f) Visual inspection of the amusement attraction structure, blocking and supports, electrical components, and wiring;

(g) Inspection of entrances, exits, stairways, and ramps;

(h) Functional testing of all communication equipment necessary for the operation of the amusement attraction; and

(i) Before carrying riders, operation of the amusement attraction for a minimum of one complete operating cycle.

(3) A copy of the daily preopening inspection shall be provided to the Commissioner on request.

(4) Worn and damaged components shall be repaired or replaced immediately and before operation.

I. Voice Communication and Signal System.

(1) Voice communication or a signal system, or both, shall be provided if the operator does not have a clear view of the area where riders are loaded or unloaded.

(2) For amusement attractions that require a spoken message of instruction or warning prior to operation, the message shall be:

(a) Given in a manner that is clearly audible to all riders before the start of each ride cycle; and

(b) In writing in the operating manual.

(3) Coded Signals.

(a) When coded signals are necessary for operation of an amusement attraction, the code shall be printed and kept posted at both the operator and signal-person stations.

(b) All persons using coded signals shall be instructed in their use and be trained to understand thoroughly their operation and meaning.

(4) Signals for the movement or operation of an amusement attraction may not be given until all riders, operators, and other persons who may be endangered are in a position of safety.

(5) Voice communication and signal systems shall be tested daily before operation as part of the daily inspection program.

(6) An amusement attraction requiring voice communication or a signal system, or both, may be operated only if the system is functioning properly.

Md. Code Regs. 09.12.60.07

Regulations .07 amended and recodified from 09.12.62.07 effective 49:21 Md. R. 933-968, eff. 11/1/2022