Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) protects your safety at carnivals, fairs, amusement parks and other venues. To do this, we work with park owners and ride operators to make sure that operators and mechanics are licensed. TSSA also inspects rides to make sure they are safe.
If you see anything at an amusement park that appears unsafe, report it to TSSA by calling 1-877-682-8772 and choose Option 1 to reach the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Energy Spills Action Centre (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
If you witness an accident, call 911 and stay on the line to provide information about your exact location.
Staying Safe at Amusement Parks
Plan for a safe trip to the amusement park. Visit amusementridesafety.ca for information on what to pack, how to prepare so you can stay safe while you have a good time, and what to do when you get to the park.
Verifying a Licence or Permit
Amusement ride operators and amusement device operators in Ontario are required to have a valid operating licence issued by TSSA
i. Each operating license is valid for the calendar year and expires on December 31 of the year.
ii. To verify the status of a licence:
i. you may ask the amusement ride/device operator for a copy of their licence or
ii. you may contact TSSA's Customer Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-682-8772 or email customerservices@tssa.org and provide them with the company name and licence number if available
Each amusement ride/device operating in Ontario is required to have a valid device permit issued by TSSA
i. Each TSSA-regulated amusement ride/device has a unique TSSA installation number. This number can be found with the device on a metal tag or a sticker issued by TSSA.
ii. A device permit is issued
i. after the device passes an initial inspection during its first year of operation in Ontario , or
ii. after the device passes its annual periodic inspection
Each device permit is valid for the calendar year and expires on December 31 of the year
To verify the status of a permit:
i. you may ask the amusement ride/device operator for a copy of their device permit, or
ii. you may contact TSSA's Customer Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-682-8772 or email customerservices@tssa.org and provide them with the:
i. company name and licence number, if available
ii. name of the amusement ride/device
iii.TSSA-issued installation number of the amusement ride/device, if available
General Tips
Be sure to follow the following safety tips published by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions:
Before going on a ride or an attraction, read and obey the listed age, height, weight, and health restrictions.
Observe all posted ride safety rules. Follow any instructions a ride operator gives you or that you hear on a recorded announcement.
Keep your hands, arms, legs, and feet inside the ride at all times.
Secure all loose articles, including wallets, change, sunglasses, cell phones and hats.
Do not board a ride if you are impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Remain seated in the ride until it comes to a complete stop and a staff member tells you to exit.
Always use the safety equipment provided. Never try to loosen or wriggle free from restraints or other safety devices.
Children who would like to ride should be able to understand and follow safety instructions.
Never force anyone, especially children, to ride attractions they do not want to ride.
For more tips, see Safety tips for amusement rides, go karts and water slides.
Safety First: No Cell Phones on Rides!
Your safety is our top priority. Please remember, for your own protection and the enjoyment of everyone, cell phones should not be brought onto amusement rides. Here's why:
Distractions: Amusement rides can be thrilling, and your full attention is crucial for a safe experience. Distractions like texting or taking calls could lead to accidents.
Secure your belongings: Cell phones can slip out of pocket or hands during rides, risking damage or injuring others. Keep them safely stowed away.
Speed and forces: Rides can be fast and powerful. An unexpected drop or twist can send your cell phone flying.
Embrace the moment: Enjoy the ride to the fullest! Put away your phone and savor the adrenaline rush, the views and the excitement.
Your cooperation ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone. Thank you for riding responsibly!
Roller Coasters
Watch the ride first so that you know what to expect.
Before going on a ride or an attraction, read and obey the listed age, height, weight, and health restrictions.
Secure any loose items like glasses, cell phones, hats, or loose change. If you can, leave these items with someone who is not going on the ride or leave them in dedicated storage bins or lockers in the ride area.
Do not extend your arms, legs or anything else, out of the ride.
Keep your eyes forward and your head back to prevent neck injury.
Follow all instructions you read and hear. Do not remove ride restraints (for example, safety belts or lap bars) until you are instructed to do so.
Take breaks between rides to allow your body to rest.
Never stand when the ride is in motion.
Ferris Wheels
Before going on a ride or an attraction, read and obey the listed age, height, weight, and health restrictions.
Make sure an adult goes with any children in the gondola car.
Merry-Go-Rounds, Carousels, and Other Circular Motion Rides
Follow all instructions you read and hear.
Make sure you use any ride restraints (for example, safety belts or lap bars) provided. Do not remove ride restraints until it is safe and the operator or attendant tell you to do so.
Make sure an adult goes with any children on the ride if it allows. Make sure children hold on.
Do not stand while the ride is moving.
Do not extend your arms or legs, or anything else, out of the ride.
Do not hang off the edge of the ride.
Water Slides, Flume Rides and Dry Slides
Obey the posted rules about proper rider position on the slide.
Never leave a child unattended in or near the water. Children can drown quickly, even in very shallow water.
Make sure that children only use rides or slides that are appropriate for their body weight and height.
Do not dive, run, stand, kneel or rotate in the slide channel.
Keep your hands and feet inside the slide channel.
Download TSSA’s Waterslide Safety Activity Sheet (pdf) to help teach kids about water slide safety.
Go-Karts and Bumper Cars
Before you leave for the track, check to see if you meet the requirements for age and height and have no health restrictions.
Follow all track rules about staying safe on and off the track. Carefully read any passenger guidelines before you ride. Follow any instructions that service staff give you.
Wait outside the safety fence before you board.
When you get in and out of the kart or car, pay attention to your feet so you do not trip or fall.
Fasten your seat belt as soon as possible and keep it fastened for the duration of the ride.
Keep your body as far back in the seat as possible when riding.
Hold the steering wheel with both hands to keep your body stable.
Do not extend body parts out of the car.
Do not stand.
Keep your personal items properly secured.
Do not panic if something unexpected happens. Do not get out of the car. Wait for the staff to come and help you.
Do not grab a bumper car before it stops in the loading area.
Zip Lines
Listen to the safety orientation and follow all instructions.
Pay attention to your surroundings while on the ride.
Use the safety equipment that ride operators give you, such as helmets, gloves, harnesses and lanyards.
Secure any loose items like glasses, cell phones, hats, or loose change. If you can, leave these items with someone who is not going on the ride.