Page 20 - The Outdoor Showman APR-JUN 2020

Why record keeping is
so important for ride operators
Amusement ride operators who find the WorkSafe Victoria inspection process frustrating can take a few simple steps to ensure it runs smoothly and without delay. Whether it is the ride’s first inspection of the season, or one of the many repeat inspections required under Victorian regulations, good record keeping is essential to helping WorkSafe determine whether a ride is fit and safe for use. This includes when rides are being inspected following maintenance and repair works.
Many operators are now using electronic log books, while others continue to use hard copy written documents. Whatever your method, ensuring these documents are easily accessible, well prepared and easy to understand before an event goes live is essential.
Anyone who has management or control of an amusement ride, whether they
are an employer or self-employed, has a responsibility under the OHS Regulation 106 and Section B of the National
Audit Tool for Amusement Devices, to keep a record of all inspections and maintenance carried out while they have management or control of the ride.
The records must include all commissioning, tests, inspections maintenance, decommissioning, dismantling and alteration of the
ride. If someone else is going to take management or control of the ride then the records must be made available to them as well.
There are also a number of other documents that should be kept with amusement rides in the event a WorkSafe inspector requires them. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004) and the Equipment (Public Safety) Act 1994, an inspector can ask for:
• Design registration number and letter or certificate from the state or territory that issued it.
• Name of device.
• Class of device.
• The amusement structure or device log book.
• Copy or original of set-up and pull down procedure.
• Copy or original of operating instructions.
• Copy or original of last engineer’s certificate.
• Copy or original of hazard identification and risk assessment.
• Copy or original of repairs and alterations.
• Copy or original of maintenance program.
• Copy or original of any improvement/ prohibition notices issued.
• Copy or original of set-up record, daily check sheets for usage, including
a record of operation without passengers prior to use on any day.
• Copy or original of emergency procedures.
• Copy or original of Non Destructive Testing (NDT).
• Copy or original of critical components list (if any).
• Copy or original of operating areas, loading details and any restrictions on patron size or age.
• Copy or original of schedule.
• Copy or original of procedure.
• Copy or original of checklist.
• Copy or original of procedure.
• Copy or original of trained operators.
• Copy or original of instructions.
maintenance set-up
daily operational operator training register of operating hazard
• Copy or original of
identification and risk assessment.
• Copy or original of record of inspections.
• Copy or original of reports relating to repairs and NDT.
• Copy or original of information relating to assessment of wind speed, ground-bearing capacity, emergency planning, any asbestos- containing component and noise.
• Copy or original of accident recording and reporting information.
Eugene Richards
Events Program Coordinator Health & Safety Operations
Should anyone have any further questions or any issues I encourage Victorian
Guild Members to raise this with Justine Sinclair – Executive Officer at the Victorian Showmen’s Guild on phone (03) 9376 8544 or email vicshowmen@gmail.com
18 THE OUTDOOR SHOWMAN