Staying safe at the fair: Ride Safety

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Amusement ride inspectors with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) are completing final ride inspections at the Indiana State Fair. Personnel have been inspecting rides for any potential safety issues since Wednesday.

 

Inspectors will be on hand throughout the fair and will conduct periodic inspections of the rides to ensure any potential safety issues are promptly identified and remedied.

 

“Pay attention to the directions of amusement ride operators and follow all safety instructions,” says Indiana Building Commissioner Scott Perez. “If you have a concern about the safety of a ride, talk to the ride operator or call the IDHS amusement ride hotline.” The Indiana State Building Commissioner’s Office is a division of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

 

What to know about amusement rides

· Don’t board a ride if you see broken parts, signs of improper maintenance or an inattentive operator. Report your observations to the ride operator or call the IDHS amusement ride hotline at 1-888-203-5020.

· Every ride should have a current permit issued by IDHS. The permit is about the size of a business card and typically located at the operator’s station. Permits are good for one year.

· If the ride has no permit or the permit has expired, call the amusement ride hotline at 1-888-203-5020.

 

Amusement ride safety tips

· Read all posted rules and listen to instructions given by ride operators.

· Watch the ride with children before boarding. Point out the operator and the entrance and exit locations prior to riding. Make sure they understand the instructions and warnings fully.

· Keep all body parts (hands, arms, legs, long hair, etc.) inside the ride at all times. If you have long hair, keep it pulled up with a hat or hair tie.

· If you can’t count on a child to stay seated with hands and feet inside, don’t let them ride.

· Always use the safety equipment provided (seat belt, shoulder harness, lap bar, etc.).

· Obey minimum height, age, and weight restrictions. Never sneak children onto rides if they are too small or too young. A smaller/younger child may not be physically or developmentally able to stay safely seated.

· Remain in the ride until it comes to a complete stop at the unloading point. If a ride stops temporarily due to mechanical failure or other reasons, stay seated and wait for an operator to give you further instructions.

· Know your physical conditions and limitations. If you suspect that your health could be at risk for any reason, or you could aggravate a pre-existing condition of any kind, do not ride.

· Additional ride safety tips are available at www.in.gov/dhs/getprepared.