Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 42-23-6 - Site, equipment, and general requirements6.1. The operator shall maintain a side safety zone around the jump zone of no less than twenty (20) feet in all directions at each bungee jumping site. The side safety zone must be clear of all obstructions and persons other than staff. a. Where jumps occur over water, the water shall be at least nine (9) feet deep. The vertical safety space shall be at least sixty (60) inches above the water. However, if the depth of the water is greater than nine (9) feet, no vertical safety space is required.b. Where jumps occur over land an air bag or net must be used. The vertical safety space shall be at least sixty (60) inches above the air bag or net.6.2. All platforms must be approved by the Division prior to use.a. The maximum allowable weight on a platform shall never exceed the lower of the safe working load or twenty (20%) percent of the breaking load of the platform as those loads are determined by the manufacturer.b. When the platform is not an integral part of the structure, the maximum allowable weight on the platform shall never exceed the lower of the safe working load or twenty (20%) percent of the breaking load of the platform or its attaching devices, as those loads are determined by their manufacturer(s)c. The platform shall have a non-slip surface.d. The platform shall have anchor points for safety harnesses, designed and placed to easily secure persons and so as flat to pose a hazard to anyone on the platform.e. The platform shall be fitted with a permanent fence separate from the jump point to contain the jumper during preparation.f. There shall be a gate across the jump point which shall remain closed when a jumper is not present.g. The jump master shall stop the jumping operation when the wind speed affects the safe operation on the jump platform and/or the landing area.h. A platform shall not be attached to a portable crane on other structure unless the crane or structure has been specifically engineered and constructed for-the purpose of bungee jumping. No crane or structure shall be placed in use until the Division ascertains and certifies that the crane or structure will not be used in the manner contrary to its manufactured intent.i. The system for lowering the jumper to the landing pad shall be operated by either the jump operator or jump master. There shall be an approved alternative method of jumper recovery should the main lowering system fail.j. Hot air balloons and aircraft are not acceptable platforms. Bungee jumping from hot air balloons or aircraft is prohibited.6.3. Bungee cord requirements:a. The operating length of a bungee cord at its maximum designed dynamic load shall not exceed four (4) times its unloaded length.b. The cord material and sheathing to be used shall be clearly specified in the site operating manual.c. The cord and its non-metallic connectors shall be destroyed if any of the following conditions occur:1. Exposure to daylight exceeds 250 hours. This does not apply when the cord cover or sleeve fully protects all of the cord from visible light and ultra-violet exposure;2. Six months from date of manufacture elapses;3. The threads exhibit wear, including bunching or uneven tension;4. Broken threads exceed five (5) percent of the total threads;5. Upon contact with solvents, corrosive or abrasive substances;6. When any other flaws are found;7. When the dynamic load of the cord reduces to less than the maximum designed dynamic load;8. Upon five hundred (500) jumps on a particular cord; or9. When the cord or its connectors are not in compliance with the manufacturer's specifications.d. No particular cord may be used for successive jumps. At least five (5) minutes must be provided between jumps to allow the cord to fully return to its original unloaded length.e. Bungee cords must be examined daily. Before starting the day's operations, the jump master shall visually inspect the entire length and circumference of the bungee cord for signs of wear. The inspection shall be repeated at least four (4) times during the daily operation and recorded in the site log.f. When unexpected changes in bungee cord performance occur the bungee cord shall be replaced immediately. The bungee cord shall be subjected to inspection and testing as required by this rule.6.4. Jump harnesses and ankle strappings shall be appropriate for their intended use. A jump harness shall be either a full body harness, a sit harness with shoulder straps or an ankle harness. A jump harness shall be available to fit the range of patron sizes accepted for jumping.6.7. All ropes for holding and/or lowering the jumper shall have a breaking load of at least six thousand (6,000) pounds.6.8. All hardware shall meet the following minimum requirements: a. carabineers shall be the screw gate type, manufactured of hardened steel, with a minimum breaking load of six thousand (6,000) pounds;b. Pulleys and shackles shall be manufactured of hardened steel with a minimum breaking load of six thousand (6,000) pounds;c. All pulleys shall be compatible with rope size; and d. webbing shall be flat or tubular mountaineering webbing or equivalent with a minimum breaking load of six thousand (6,000) pounds. If military specification cords are used, all webbing must have redundant connections.