Overview
ASTM F747-23: Standard Terminology Relating to Amusement Rides and Devices is an internationally recognized repository of approved terms and definitions relevant to amusement rides and devices. Developed by ASTM Committee F24, this standard provides a comprehensive, centralized reference for terminology used across the amusement industry, including rides, devices, and safety-related components. The standard promotes clear communication, effective documentation, and consistency for professionals, manufacturers, operators, regulators, and maintenance personnel involved in the design, manufacture, installation, inspection, and operation of amusement attractions.
Key Topics
ASTM F747-23 serves as an essential resource for understanding technical and operational language connected to amusement rides and devices. The terminology included covers areas such as:
- Ride and Device Classifications: Definitions for types of amusement rides (e.g., flat-rides, high rides, circular rides, amusement railway rides, kiddie rides, and inflatables) clarify design considerations and user intent.
- Safety and Operation: Terms detailing safety features (fail-safe, restraint, patron containment, zone of operator awareness), personnel roles (operator, court attendant, lifeguard), and operational concepts (operating mode, control station, unscheduled cessation).
- Adventure Attractions: Definitions supporting adventure courses (challenge course, canopy tour, zip line, aerial trekking course) and trampoline courts.
- Measurement and Testing: Concepts such as acceleration, calibration, data channel, test documentation, sensitivity coefficient, and coordinate systems establish a common technical foundation for ride evaluation and inspection.
- Specialty Applications: Reference to specialized rides and settings (agritourism, hayride attraction, concession go-karts, trampoline courts, water slides, and netted attractions).
Each definition is carefully curated and, when unique to another F24 standard or guide, cross-referenced for further context and application.
Applications
ASTM F747-23 is widely used across the amusement industry for:
- Design and Engineering: Manufacturers, designers, and engineers employ standardized terms to create technical documentation, safety assessments, compliance reports, and operational guidelines, ensuring alignment with industry benchmarks and regulatory requirements.
- Inspection and Maintenance: Inspectors and maintenance personnel reference the terminology to interpret standards, inspection records, maintenance logs, and incident reports with clarity and precision.
- Training and Operation: Operators, attendants, and training coordinators utilize consistent terminology in manuals, hazard communication, emergency response procedures, and staff onboarding.
- Regulation and Compliance: Regulatory authorities and auditors benefit from standardized language to accurately interpret safety-related compliance, incident monitoring, and policy development for amusement rides and attractions.
- Communication and Documentation: The single-source repository enables clear, unambiguous communication within multi-disciplinary teams and across geographic boundaries.
Related Standards
ASTM F747-23 is intrinsically connected with a range of other ASTM F24 standards that govern different categories of amusement rides and devices, such as:
- ASTM F2375: Practice for design, manufacture, installation, and testing of climbing nets and netting/mesh in amusement attractions.
- ASTM F2376: Practice for classification, design, and operation of water slide systems.
- ASTM F2959: Practice for aerial adventure courses.
- ASTM F2970: Practice specific to trampoline courts.
- ASTM F3168: Practice for hayride attractions.
These references enable users to navigate the broader framework of amusement ride safety standards, reinforcing the value of consistent terminology in effective implementation and compliance.
By referencing ASTM F747-23, industry stakeholders ensure alignment with internationally accepted terminology, supporting safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence in the amusement rides and devices sector.