Aug 11, 2010

Jim Seay, chairman of ASTM International Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices, and president of attractions provider Premier Rides, delivered the opening educational session at the 2010 International Association of Amusement Parks' (IAAPA) Asian Attraction Expo held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center in Malaysia July 13-16. Seay's presentation was part of an all day IAAPA Safety Institute that brought experienced professionals from around the world to various global locations to deliver a concentrated program on many aspects of safety in the amusement industry. 

Seay's presentation focused on a number of topics, including new F24 standards issued over the past year, the success of the new F24 Global Harmonization Subcommittee that passed a Canada-specific standard, and the continued achievement of getting F24 adopted globally to enhance safety in the amusement attractions business. Regarding the standing room only audience, Seay commented, “I was extremely impressed with the passion and interest displayed by the attendees. The Asian market is the most dynamic in the world right now experiencing tremendous expansion and it is clear there is a strong desire to be informed about safety standards and to understand the procedures of incorporating such standards into both the regulatory process and the parks' internal operating procedures.”

With respect to new F24 standards, Seay discussed the yearlong efforts of F24's more than 500 members who volunteer their time both in person and online using ASTM's live standards development tools. Specific accomplishments include the approval of ASTM F2375, Standard for Design, Manufacture, Installation and Testing of Climbing Nets and Netting/Mesh Used in Amusement Rides, Devices, Play Areas and Attractions, and ASTM F2461, Standard for Manufacture, Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of Aquatic Play Equipment. Additionally, Seay described a significant update of existing G Force standards based on a collaborative effort with IAAPA's European members.

Seay reviewed the new Global Harmonization Subcommittee's work that successfully established a stand-alone Canadian standard that allows the Canadians to adopt F24 in their regulatory language while still having a specific standard for issues particular to Canada such as electrical codes.  Seay remarked, “With ASTM F24 standards meeting the WTO guidelines that define international standards acceptable for global use, the Canadian model is one that any country in the world can use to expeditiously include F24 in their code.  Additionally, the very low cost of entry, virtually no cost for developing nations, makes the model very appealing.”

Seay also met with a number of representatives from Asian countries that displayed a high level of interest in adopting F24 standards.  The Harmonization Subcommittee will establish task groups specifically assigned to each country.

Formed in 1978, ASTM Committee F24 meets twice a year, usually in February and October, with more than 100 members from around the world attending several days of technical meetings. The committee currently has jurisdiction over 17 standards published in multiple languages in the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. These standards have and continue to play a pre-eminent role in all safety aspects important to amusement rides and devices.
 
ASTM Committee F24 Next Meeting: Oct. 21-23, Scottsdale, Ariz.
ASTM Staff Contact: Leonard Morrissey, Phone: 610-832-9719; lmorriss@astm.org
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org

Release #8640