ASTM F2291-23b PDF

Overview

ASTM F2291-23b, Standard Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices, establishes essential design criteria for amusement rides, devices, and major modifications manufactured after its publication date. Developed by ASTM Committee F24, this standard provides a comprehensive framework to enhance the safety and operational integrity of amusement rides and devices. It guides designers, engineers, manufacturers, owners, and operators regarding best practices for safety, design requirements, documentation, and regulatory compliance.

This standard does not cover patron-directed rides such as go-karts, bumper cars, and various other devices specifically exempted in the scope. It focuses instead on rides where operational safety depends on technical design and operator oversight.

Key Topics

ASTM F2291-23b addresses the following core areas relevant to ride design and safety:

• General Design Criteria: Outlines the engineering and documentation practices necessary for ensuring ride safety and performance.
• Hazard Analysis and Mitigation: Requires thorough ride analysis, including the identification and mitigation of hazards, and documentation of risk management strategies.
• Patron Restraint and Containment: Details requirements for restraint systems, clearance envelopes, and containment, especially focusing on the needs of children and mixed-age patrons.
• Acceleration Limits and Loads: Establishes criteria for allowable ride accelerations and the structural strength required to withstand operational stresses.
• Mechanical, Hydraulic, Pneumatic, and Electrical Systems: Specifies safety and reliability criteria for all major ride subsystems.
• Control Systems and Operator Responsibilities: Requires definition of control interfaces, safety-related control systems, operator roles, and operator awareness zones.
• Documentation and Record-Retention: Outlines required documentation, drawing standards, and mandates record-keeping for a minimum of 20 years following manufacture or major modification.
• Regulatory Review: Guides preparation of documents for regulatory or third-party review.

Applications

ASTM F2291-23b is widely utilized by amusement ride and device manufacturers, engineers, amusement park owners, ride operators, and regulatory authorities. Its application ensures:

• Enhanced Safety: By enforcing systematic hazard analysis and robust engineering criteria, the standard helps reduce risk to ride patrons and personnel.
• Consistency and Compliance: Supports regulatory compliance and harmonization of safety standards across jurisdictions by providing recognized design benchmarks.
• Design of Major Modifications: Guides safe integration of changes and upgrades to ride systems, components, and operational protocols.
• Documentation and Inspection: Facilitates clear communication of specifications for installation, operation, maintenance, and inspection-critical for ongoing safety and performance assessment.
• Patron Suitability and Accessibility: Asserts requirements for anthropometric considerations, ensuring ride accessibility and suitability for intended patron groups.
• Support for Regulatory Approval: Supplies the technical basis and documentation required for submittals to regulatory bodies during the design, commissioning, or alteration of amusement rides and devices.

Related Standards

ASTM F2291-23b references many key industry and international standards to support a holistic safety environment for amusement ride design. Relevant related standards include:

• ASTM F1193 - Quality, manufacture, and construction of amusement rides and devices
• ASTM F2137 - Measuring dynamic characteristics of amusement rides and devices
• ASTM F770 - Operation, maintenance, and inspection of amusement rides and devices
• ASTM F2374 - Design, manufacture, operation, and maintenance of inflatable amusement devices
• ASME, AISC, ANSI, ISO, and EN Standards - Addressing structural, mechanical, and electrical systems
• NFPA 79 & NFPA 70 - Electrical safety standards for industrial machinery

By conforming to ASTM F2291-23b and its referenced standards, amusement industry professionals promote a safer and more reliable leisure environment. This standard is integral to the modern design, engineering, and regulation of amusement parks and attractions worldwide.