Are the rides at your Kansas county fair safe? Here's how to tell
TOPEKA (KSNT) - Summer in Kansas means county fairs, amusement parks and festivals. But safety experts say Kansans should take a closer look at rides before strapping in.
The Kansas Department of Labor's (KDOL) Industrial Safety and Health Division is warning people to remain aware of the possible dangers that come with using amusement park rides which haven't been properly certified this year. Amusement rides are required to display a valid permit issued by KDOL and show proof the owner is legally registered with the state as an amusement ride owner, as regulated by the Kansa Amusement Ride Act.
“It is imperative to report any entity operating with unpermitted rides because they must show proof of liability insurance and be inspected annually by a qualified inspector," said Marlea James, amusement ride supervisor. "This is the best way to ensure safe operation of amusement rides in Kansas."
James says the most common violations she encounters include the operation of rides without a permit and failing to register an amusement ride entity. Under Kansas law, 'amusement rides' include the following:
- Ferris wheels
- Water slides 35 feet in height and which use water to propel people through the ride
- Carousels
- Inflatable devices
- Parachute towers
- Trampoline courts
- Bungee jumping
- Go-Karts
- Reverse bungee jumping
- Equipment associated with winter activities such as ski lifts, ski tows, j-bars, t-bars, chair lifts and aerial tramways
- Commercial zip line
- Equipment not originally meant for use as an amusement ride such as cranes or other lifting devices
- Tunnels of love
- Roller coasters
- Boat rides
“Kansas law requires permits to be posted in plain view on or near the amusement ride where it can be easily seen,” James said. “If you don’t see permits posted on amusement rides, ask to see them. Requesting to view the permits is the best way to ensure entities are in compliance with Kansas law.”
Amusement park ride safety can be a matter of life and death. In 2016, 10-year-old Caleb Schwab, son of Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, was killed while riding a water slide at the Schlitterbahn Water Park in Kansas City, Kansas. A KDOL audit released in 2018 identified multiple problems with rides at the park. It was later demolished to make way for a Margaritaville resort.
Qualified amusement ride inspectors must be licensed professional engineers who have at least two years of experience in the amusement ride field. A full list of qualified inspectors can be found by clicking here. You can make reports online for alleged violations of the Kansas Amusement Ride Act by using this link.
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