With the warming weather, especially families with children frequently visit amusement parks and playgrounds. Experts, pointing to the precautions that should be taken for children to have fun safely in such places during Eid al-Adha, emphasize that the equipment in playgrounds and amusement parks should be run empty daily to check their operating mechanisms. Experts, stating that the inspection and maintenance of machines in amusement parks should be carried out by specialists at least twice a month, also warned that children should never be left alone in amusement parks.
Lecturer Esad Sadık Demirtaş from Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Health and Safety, evaluated the safety of playgrounds and amusement parks, which are popular among families with children during Eid al-Adha.
Periodic inspections should be carried out regularly
OHS Specialist Esad Sadık Demirtaş stated that businesses like amusement parks are places that appeal to all ages, where people can have fun. “Today, the number of occupational accidents occurring in businesses is increasing. In this process, a great responsibility falls on employers. Operators should regularly carry out periodic inspections of entertainment rides such as Ferris wheels, bumper cars, gondolas, roller coasters, and kamikazes, which operate with many mechanical parts, especially in amusement parks where children are predominant.” he said.
Should be run empty and checked every day
OHS Specialist Demirtaş also noted that “in cases where the safety of work equipment depends on installation and assembly conditions, periodic inspections should be carried out after the equipment is installed and before it is used for the first time, after major maintenance and repairs, and after every change of location.” He informed that “these devices should be operated empty daily to check their operating mechanisms.”
Inspection and maintenance should be done at least twice a month
Demirtaş also emphasized that, according to the Regulation on Opening and Operating Workplaces, the inspection and maintenance of constructions, equipment, and machines in amusement parks should be carried out regularly, not less than twice a month, by at least one mechanical or electrical engineer and at least one mechanical or electrical technician. “Regular inspections and maintenance can also be carried out by authorized technical services under the supervision of the employer. Training on potential hazards in the workplace should be provided to employees working in the amusement park, and these trainings should be periodically renewed according to the workplace's hazard class. These processes are among the most important duties for amusement park operators.” he stated.
Safety measures should be taken to prevent accidents
Demirtaş also explained that the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation No. 6331 includes the clause stating that among the employer's responsibilities is ‘to take all kinds of measures, including prevention of occupational risks, provision of training and information, organization, provision of necessary tools and equipment, adaptation of health and safety measures to changing conditions, and efforts to improve the existing situation,’ and continued:
“In the event of an accident in an entertainment center where periodic inspections are not carried out, operators who fail to identify hazards and take no safety measures in this regard will be at fault. Safety measures should be taken proactively by analyzing hazards before an accident occurs, not after one has happened.”
Seat belts are a must in moving machines and play rides…
Demirtaş reminded that the installation, use, and operation of entertainment rides in amusement parks are subject to the standard TS EN 13814 – Machines and Structures Used in Amusement Parks and Playgrounds, published by the Turkish Standards Institute. He also stated that the Regulation on Opening and Operating Workplaces provides detailed information on what needs to be paid attention to, and listed the concepts that especially require attention according to the relevant regulation as follows:
“Seat belts shall be provided in moving machines and play rides. A generator with sufficient capacity to automatically activate in case of power failure shall be present. At least one modern toilet and mirrored washbasin shall be available for every 50 people, half for women and half for men. The floor shall be covered with suitable material that does not raise dust. Gambling and similar games of chance shall not be played, except for games that develop knowledge and intelligence, or are based on skill and dexterity.”
Inspections are very important for preventing accidents
Lecturer Esad Sadık Demirtaş, highlighting the importance of regular inspections of amusement parks, said, "Inspections should be carried out by municipal units and expert teams within the ministry. The team should include a mechanical engineer, a mechatronics engineer, an electrical engineer, and an occupational safety specialist." Demirtaş emphasized that these inspections are critical for preventing possible accidents in play areas.
Special attention should be paid to children
Demirtaş stated that important duties fall upon families. "With developing technology, children spend too much time with computers and tablets. Amusement park areas are established for children to have fun and even socialize. The task that falls on our families here is quite critical. It must be ensured that children use seat belts on amusement rides, and individuals with health problems such as heart conditions, diabetes, and high blood pressure should avoid rides that require high adrenaline. Attention should be paid to the presence of security personnel, and children should never be left alone in amusement parks." he warned.
Demirtaş added that, in addition to regular inspections and periodic controls, occupational safety training provided to employees will also minimize the risk of accidents in amusement parks.