Children and attractions. What to pay attention to.
Every year, with the onset of the summer period, the season of amusement ride operation begins. Bright swings of all kinds, inflatable trampolines, water, land, air, high-speed, shooting amusements, and seemingly completely harmless ones… Not every child can calmly pass by such entertainment. However, in addition to positive emotions, serious injuries can be sustained on amusement rides.
In the Republic of Belarus, the operation of amusement rides is governed by the Technical Regulation of the Eurasian Economic Union "On the Safety of Amusement Rides" (TR EAEU 038/2016), the Rules for Ensuring the Industrial Safety of Amusement Rides, approved by Resolution No. 67 of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Belarus dated December 27, 2015, and the Rules for Ensuring Technical Safety "Requirements for the Operation of Inflatable Play Equipment, Inflatable Amusement Rides," approved by Resolution No. 64 of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Belarus dated November 17, 2022, which establish requirements for the operation of amusement rides.
However, the existence of requirements for the operation of amusement rides does not absolve parents of responsibility for the safety of their children. This is because danger usually lies in what we cannot control.
Before purchasing tickets for a particular amusement ride, you need to find out if it is suitable for your child. It is necessary to study the rules of conduct and use of the amusement ride, posted on the information board at the entrance, as well as additional safety instructions (text warnings, signs, signals, symbols) and assess the child's ability to use the amusement ride based on the restrictions indicated in the rules of conduct and use regarding height, weight, age, and health status.
After studying the rules of conduct and use of the attraction, you must familiarize the child with them and the potential dangers in case of non-compliance. Explain that you can only slide down the slide feet first, lying on your back. Sliding on your stomach is allowed, but strictly feet first. However, sliding while standing or head first, lying on your stomach, is dangerous. It is not recommended to slide "in a train," holding onto each other. There is a high risk that they may get injured when trying to stick out beyond the cabin. The child should crawl or roll away in time after sliding down the hill, as standing up can be dangerous, and not everyone can do it. Do not jump on trampolines with all your might and it is better to jump away from other children. Do not ride or jump with food, as this is unsafe. Always choose an attraction according to the child's age.
It is important to understand and be able to explain to the child where exactly to be careful. Do not lose sight of the child at all times while they are riding an attraction, water slide, or playing on a trampoline. The attraction operator must always be nearby, must be able to handle various situations, but cannot always keep an eye on all children at once. Never leave a child unattended.
It would also be useful to pay attention to the placement of the attraction itself. There should be a zone around it free from any obstacles that could lead to injuries, safe entry/exit, and the possibility of user evacuation if necessary.
Please note how securely the passenger is held by the safety restraint system. Movable equipment elements (ropes, chains, rope ladders, nets, etc.) must not become entangled and pose a risk during use.
It should also be understood that the operation of the attraction is not permitted:
- without technical inspection and constant monitoring of its operation;
- if any element or fastening unit is damaged;
- in adverse weather conditions: rain, hail, wind speed.
By adhering to the above recommendations, attractions will bring only enjoyment and be remembered as an incredible adventure.