Rationale

This ballot proposes a revision to ASTM F1193, “Standard Practice for Quality, Manufacture, and Construction of Amusement Rides and Devices,” to permit the use of recognized national and international welding standards where they demonstrate a level of quality equivalent to, or greater than, AWS. The amusement ride industry operates in a global marketplace, with devices frequently designed and manufactured for multiple jurisdictions. Recognizing this, the proposed revision allows for the application of alternative welding codes and standards, including: • CSA (Canadian Standards Association) • ISO (International Organization for Standardization) • JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) These standards establish requirements for welding procedures and qualifications that are often technically equivalent to, or more prescriptive than, those currently referenced in F1193. Allowing their use promotes global harmonization, reduces redundant qualification and documentation, and minimizes technical barriers to trade—all without compromising structural integrity or public safety. This revision maintains the technical intent of ASTM F1193 while supporting performance-based, technically neutral requirements. Specific Rationale Section Notes: • Section 4.5.2.1 Baseline Standard: AWS remains the baseline standard within F1193. Just as other international bodies (e.g., EN ISO in Europe) designate adopted standards based on the country of origin, ASTM maintains its baseline while recognizing technically equivalent international standards. • Section 4.5.2.1: This section has been specifically retitled “Welding Procedures” to clarify its scope. A Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) is the essential "recipe" for a sound weld; without an approved procedure, welding cannot proceed. Referring to "welding" broadly would incorrectly imply coverage of design (addressed in F2291) or inspection (addressed in a separate section of F1193). • Section 4.5.2.2 (4) Removal: This item was removed to eliminate redundancy, as the requirement is already fully addressed in Practice F1193, Section 4.5.3. • Section 4.5.2.2 (6) Removal: The term “Welding Performance Standards” has been removed. This section is strictly intended for Welding Procedures. Using broader performance terminology is technically inappropriate when referring specifically to a WPS. • Section 4.5.2.2 (Note 1): This note was added following specific requests from several Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) and other members during the most recent F24 conference to provide further clarity on implementation.