Although showers were predicted, Melbourne put on a lovely day for the training programme on mobile amusement devices held at the sea side icon, Luna Park on 4 April.

The day was run as a pilot by the National Regulators Committee and the Competency Maintenance Framework for Inspectors of WorkSafe, Victoria.

The aim was to develop a future pool of inspectors to be involved in the regulation of the design, operation, set up and maintenance of amusement structures.

A total of 36 health and safety inspectors attended, including inspectors from Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, Tasmania, Western Australia and South Australia.

The participants were welcomed by Derrick Harrison Manger MHD, who outlined the day’s program and the historical significance of having inspectors from across Australia, attend.

The morning involved presentations from a national range of speakers including:

Tony Evans of WorkSafe Major Events, who gave a presentation on the Spin Dragon, a recent structure collapse and the requirement for operators and owners to have an effective maintenance program.

Michael Chan of Queensland Department of Industrial Relations, who gave an excellent presentation on Safety Integrity Levels (SIL) and rider restraints. In an update on the National Regulator Committee’s database, for the recording of incidents and issued notices, on amusement devices, the importance of updating the database was stressed. The desire for a national and consistent approach by authorities and the importance of effective rider restraints were the key learnings.

Richard (Dick) Baird, consulting engineer and chairperson on the Australian Standards Committee for amusement devices, gave a presentation in respect of the Australian Standard 3533 and an engineer’s perspective in relation to amusement devices.

Greg O'Neill, an amusement manufacturer, mobile amusement owner and operator and immediate past president and board member of the Australian Amusement Leisure and Recreational Association (AALARA), gave a presentation regarding the manufacturing of rides, problems associated with the setting up of mobile rides in different locations and terrains and an insight into the life of a showman. Greg also emphasised the value of associations such as AALARA and the various jurisdictions, State and Federal, working together in the areas of health and safety in the amusement industry for the protection of all.

Rene Vodstrcil, WorkSafe manger for plant, gave a presentation in relation to Victorian legislation relevant to the regulation of amusement devices & structures.

The afternoon session was devoted to a tour of Luna Park where the issues of maintenance, operator training and rider restraints were the focus.

Mr David Smeaton, technical services manager gave an explanation of the maintenance regime and documentary support system as well as discussing recent upgrades and safety features of specific rider restraints.

Brooke Pether, supervisor of operator training, discussed the operational procedures and operator training provided by Luna Park and demonstrated these on one of the rides. Dick Baird recounted the process of importing a ride discussing, the inspections, safety modifications and documentation required including the consideration of rider characteristics.

The day was a resounding success with many of the group saying they had enjoyed the day and felt that it had been a valuable experience.

A video of the day is being created for wider circulation when completed.