Media Releases
OSH urges communities to be safe over the summer
Thursday 03 January 2002
Children’s safety could be at risk if organisers of community fairs and galas are using unregistered amusement devices, the Occupational Safety and Health Service warned today.
"This is the time of the year where well intentioned fundraisers will use various types of equipment to help raise revenue for charitable causes," said Roger Mortlock, said OSH National Operations Manager.
"Some of these rides may look like fun to the children, but they have caused some nasty spills for young riders.
"This has prompted OSH to warn organisers to ensure that any amusement device used at these functions must have a certificate of registration. With the summer season upon us, people in organising positions need to pay special attention and care to ensuring that fun activities for children are safe," Mr Mortlock said.
There are many forms of entertainment which organisers may not be aware of the requirement to be registered with OSH. Owners of unregistered devices can be prosecuted and fined up to $5,000.
"A nasty accident occurred at Auckland a few years ago where a young boy was thrown off a ride on a wide corner into a metal fence inflicting nasty mouth and facial injuries," said Mr Mortlock.
"This accident was on a magic carpet ride, which consists of a frame connected to a tractor (or similar type vehicle) with ropes attached to rubber mats or sleds. Children sit on the mats and are pulled around the playground at varying speeds."
Other "magic carpet ride" incidents have caused carpet and grass burns.
An amusement device means any appliance driven by a prime mover, such as an engine which is used to carry, raise, lower or move people for their amusement or entertainment. Amusement devices also include motorised karts, mini-bikes, antique fire engines, farmbikes and tractor/trailer vehicles.
"All devices must comply with the Amusement Devices Regulations which requires owners to hold a certificate of registration issued by the Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) Service together with a registered engineer's certificate and a local council permit," said Mr Mortlock.
"As children are the predominant users of amusement devices, school fair organisers should ensure that all devices used hold a current registration certificate, and a phone call to the local OSH office is all it takes to establish whether the proposed fun ride is legal or not.
