Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) plans to conduct audits to promote the safe use of inflatable amusement devices.

Inflatable amusement devices have been involved in some serious incidents, including fatalities within Australia and overseas. Some of the causes related to these incidents are:

• Inadequate tie-down provisions where a gust of strong wind has caused the device to be blown high above the ground • Risk of injuries when patrons of widely different age groups are admitted to jump together on the device.

• Inadequate impact absorbing systems around open sides of the ride • Inadequate emergency procedures

The Australian Standard AS3533.4.1—2005 Amusement Rides and Devices (Specific requirements - Land-borne Inflatable Devices) was published in December 2005. This standard provides guidance on the design and safe use of Land-borne inflatable amusement devices. Under the Queensland legislation, inflatable amusement devices must meet the safety requirements of this or another appropriate technical standard.

The Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 imposes obligations on designers, manufacturers and suppliers of plant as well as obligations on employers and workers. The Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 1997 requires that all inflatable amusement devices used for commercial purposes be registered with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ). Additionally, design registration is required for inflatable amusement devices manufactured after 30 July 2004.

Designers, manufacturers and suppliers of inflatable amusement devices have the obligation to ensure that: • devices are designed, manufactured to the requirements of AS3533.4.1 or another acceptable technical standard

• the device is supplied with sufficient information to enable its safe use • design registration requirements are complied with.

Owners and operators of inflatable amusement devices are to ensure that:

• design registration requirements have been complied with • annual plant registration requirements are complied with

• inflatable amusement devices are used in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations, which should be consistent with requirements of Australian Standard AS3533.4.1 or another acceptable technical standard.

If any owner or operator would like further information on the subject, they should contact Workplace Health and Safety Queensland on 1300 369 915 or email: [email protected]