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Call for Nominations to the Amusement Devices Advisory Council

Industry: Amusement Devices

Category: TSSA News

Sep 16, 2024

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Deadline Monday, September 30, 2024 

Notice: Parties having an interest and expertise in the Amusement Devices industry

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) actively solicits the advice and input of key stakeholders from the respective industries that it regulates through several industry specific advisory councils. The advisory councils are invited to work with TSSA in support of safety initiatives and general enhancements in service delivery within their respective industries.

The Amusement Devices Advisory Council was established to provide a forum through which TSSA can consult with industry relative to its safety strategies and receive valuable input and advice to help guide TSSA’s decision making and operations. This structure provides:

  • a communication channel through which their safety concerns can be voiced
  • a means to support and advise TSSA with respect to continuous improvement of its services
  • a valuable resource through which to solicit industry input and advice; anda mechanism to facilitate communication back to industry at large.

The Amusement Devices Advisory Council is seeking the following nominations to represent this stakeholder group:

  • An owner/operator of Camps
  • Insurance

Visit the TSSA website to access information about the Amusement Devices Advisory Council, including the minutes of past meetings:

If you are interested in nominating an individual as Council Member, please submit his/her letter of interest or nomination together with the individual’s resume by Sep 30, 2024, to:

Iuliana Afanase
Stakeholder Outreach Advisor
Technical Standards and Safety Authority
345 Carlingview Drive
Toronto, Ontario
M9W 6N9
Email: tssaadvisorycouncil@tssa.org 

Getting Ready for Amusement Ride Season

Industry: Amusement Devices

Category: Public Safety

Jun 21, 2024

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As summer rolls around, amusement parks are not the only places opening their doors for a season of thrill and fun.

With summer upon us, event organizers in schools, camps, townships, municipalities and shopping malls may be holding various events that involve amusement and inflatable devices like bouncy castles to draw crowds, raise funds or simply generate excitement.

Renting amusement and inflatable devices from licensed owners who drop off these devices on their customers’ premises can create safety gaps, such as failing to ensure these devices are installed properly and operated by trained attendants.  

Before renting inflatable devices, it’s important to be aware of the safety requirements you need to comply with and how to ensure the amusement and inflatable devices on your premises are operated safely. 

                                        Staying in Compliance

To help event organizers understand their safety obligations, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) provides the following information on what they need to know and do when operating rented amusement and inflatable devices in non-private dwellings:  

Installation
- Only a mechanic or mechanic-in-training under the supervision of a mechanic can erect and maintain amusement devices.

Training
- The amusement device attendant shall be sufficiently trained and responsible for the safe functioning and use of the amusement device and be able to perform their duties without supervision. The owner or operator shall ensure that a record of training provided to operators and attendants on amusement devices is kept in the logbook. The record of training shall indicate the following information:

1. The date of the training
2. The specific device on which the training took place
3. The printed name of the supervisor who conducted the training 
4. The printed name of the trainee
5. A statement signed by the trainer that the trainee is competent to perform the assigned duties after having taken the training specified in a documented training procedure that includes the manufacturers’ recommendations.

- The amusement device attendant on site should be able to provide the required documentation for the device, including the training records of that attendant, if TSSA conducts an operational inspection.

Attendant Responsibilities
- The owner or operator must ensure the amusement device attendant knows his or her responsibilities on incident response, incident reporting and removing a device from service. Refer to incident reporting guidelines on TSSA’s website. All incidents and near misses must be reported to 1-877-682-8772.

- The amusement device attendant shall be trained to respond to an evacuation situation. (For example: Power loss to the blower or wind speed exceeding the maximum operating threshold indicated in the technical dossier)

- An amusement device attendant can only supervise one inflatable device at a time. 

- Each attendant or operator should be readily identifiable by wearing company T-shirts, vests or VIP neck badges.

For more information, refer to the following resources:
Advisory: ‘Drop-off’ Practice for Inflatable Device Rentals
Bouncy Castle and Inflated Device Safety
Amusement Ride Safety

Photo Caption: Ontario Regulation 221/01 (Amusement Devices) does not apply if the rented amusement devices are operated in private dwellings (including the land upon which the private dwellings are situated) and used exclusively by the owner or occupants and their guests. Private events held in churches, schools and parks are not considered private dwellings. Amusement and inflatable devices that are not used in a private dwelling must comply with O. Reg 221/01.

Ride Smart This Summer with These Safety Tips

Industry: Amusement Devices

Category: Public Safety

Jun 17, 2024

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As summer heats up, nothing is more thrilling than an exhilarating trip to an amusement park. Whether you're a roller coaster enthusiast, a go-kart driver, or a zip line adventurer, following safety guidelines is the best way to make your amusement park experience fun – and worry-free. 

Here are five ride smart tips to keep in mind for a safe summer at amusement parks:

1. Follow Age, Height, Weight, and Health Restrictions
Before hopping onto any ride, spend some time to read the posted age, height, weight, and health restrictions. Meeting the physical requirements for the ride's intensity will keep you safe. 

2. Observe All Posted Safety Rules
Each amusement ride has its own set of safety rules. Follow all instructions provided by ride operators and any recorded announcements or signs. These guidelines are meant to protect you, so always pay attention to them.

3. Secure Your Posture 
Keep your hands, arms, legs, and feet inside the ride or water slide at all times. Never stand when the ride is in motion and stay seated until told by a ride operator to exit. 

4. Use Safety Equipment Properly
Amusement parks provide various safety devices like seat belts and lap bars to keep you secure. Always use these safety devices as intended and never attempt to loosen or remove them while the ride is in motion. 

5. Avoid Using Phones on Rides
Avoid using cell phones on rides. Distractions like texting, answering calls, taking photos or videos could lead to accidents. Besides, phones can slip out of your hands or pockets, causing potential harm to yourself or other riders. Be sure to stow your phones safely, along with other loose items, including wallets, sunglasses, cell phones, and hats. 

Safety is essential for maximum amusement park fun. This summer, make sure you're the safety superhero for yourself and your family. Keep the excitement high and the worries low by adhering to safety measures on every ride.