Rationale

When a person can be at risk of hazardous electrical shock due to contact with a conductive surface, these surfaces need to be connected to the electrical ground or common voltage source to protect the person. Additional protective means can include methods such as overcurrent protection, ground fault detection, etc. Codes and regulations address shock hazard protection for persons exposed to facility structures and area development elements that could be energized, such as building steel, handrails, etc. Conductive surfaces integral to and adjacent to equipment such as ride track, ride vehicles, ride mounted audio/video equipment, ride/show action equipment, etc. are not typically covered by these codes and regulations. These requirements aim to identify that in this industry many more conductive surfaces not prescribed in codes and regulations may pose potential shock hazards due to the frequency of exposure of contact and that patrons are unaware of shock hazards. The means of detection and protection from the loss of electrical connection varies by application and is subject to a risk assessment. Common methods of detection and protection may include inspection of bonding wires, redundant connections, or ground integrity monitoring.