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CONCESSION CORNER

SAFETY ELEMENTS FOR ALL FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS
By Peter F. Olesen, P.E.

The following safety elements should be considered in the design and operation of all family entertainment centers. There may be other items that should have been on the list and some specific items may have to be modified to meet specific attractions and their design. Make certain that all safety requirements identified by equipment manufacturers or set forth by Federal, State or local agencies are followed. Safety is of utmost importance in the development and operation of successful family entertainment centers. This list is intended as a starting point.

Controlled Entry/Exit Point:
Secure fencing around entire site to avoid unauthorized access. The height of the fence should be determined by the location. Some facilities may be secure with a six-foot fence while other may require eight feet.

Each attraction shall have a four-foot high childproof fence all the way around each go-kart track, bumper boat pond and any other attraction that has any potential for unattended small children from getting in harm’s way.

Clear access to all emergency exits from buildings. They should be equipped with panic hardware even if not required by local or state regulations.

GO-KARTS:
Go-Karts should meet all ASTM and/or IRGA recommended guidelines. This shall include all safety covers

Safe track barriers are required in many states, but not all. We recommend that the minimum barrier guidelines be exceeded to include a continuous concrete curb be constructed as the backing for the tire barrier system to maintain uniform alignment and maximizing of the energy attenuation of the tires and steel barrier plates. Pin backed systems create a potential partial double impact as the tires are compressed against the pins and fold in half.

Pit entrances and exits should always be protected by gate systems to prevent errant karts from running into the pits prematurely. This is to protect both guests and pit area staff.

All concession go-karts should be protected by remote control shut-offs that either kill the engines or put them into an idle mode. One of the most effective and widely used systems is Kartrol, which is remotely controlled by the track supervisor. There are other systems on the market and a person should check them out. Electric go-karts are usually protected by the manufacturers own remote control system that not only permits changing speeds to accommodate different driving skills, but also provide the shut-off systems.

Fire extinguishers should be readily available throughout the go-kart track system, as well as throughout the entire park.

The queue lines should have instruction signage covering all instructions set forth in IRGA, ASTM and manufacturer’s guidelines. We suggest a repeating tape and queue line speaker be used to assure that the proper message is always given.

Maintain proper settings on each kart to avoid excessive speeds.

Establish sound fuelling practices. Never fuel karts when guests are nearby and never in the pit lanes during hours of operation. Have proper fuel cans or fuel caddy. Have fire extinguishers at the fueling point.

A video camera with a 24-hour tape should be installed in a visible location to record the actions of the guests, staff and vehicular movements in the pit area. It helps reduce unruly behavior and provides documentation in the event of accidents.

Never permit inebriated guests on go-karts.

BUMPER BOAT POND:
A four-foot high childproof safety fence shall be placed around the entire pond.

Entrance to and exit from loading area shall be protected by locked gate.

Bumper boat ponds should be designed with a safety walk around the entire pond to permit staff a faster route to any emergency within the pond.

Flotation devices for small children through adults should be available at the pond site for those people wishing to use them. Life preservers should be located in accordance with regulations.

Adequate boat anchors shall be installed for each boat and always used.

Pond shall be adequately illuminated to permit clear vision to the bottom of the pool.

Water in Pond should be treated to provide swimming pool quality.

Fueling operations for gasoline-powered boats shall be performed in strict compliance with manufacturer’s recommendations. These shall be reinforced with any further requirements of local or state agencies.

The charging operations for battery-powered boats shall be in strict compliance with manufacturer’s recommendations and in compliance with all national and local safety codes. The charging equipment should not be accessible by the guests.

The access deck and safety walk surfaces should be treated to provide a non-slip surface.

Never permit inebriated guests on bumper boats.

Proper safety signage must be placed in visible location.

BUMPER CARS:
Maintain daily inspection of bumper cars, batteries, electrically charged floor and safety fencing.

Post safety signage in visible location.

Install proper safety fences and gates.

MINIATURE GOLF COURSE:
Create course design that is free from hidden tripping points.

Have secure handrails or rope rails for all bridges.
Make certain water elements are designed to reduce drowning hazards.

Provide proper lighting.

Batting Cages:
Enforce helmet rules. Have safety and operating instructions posted at each cage.

Maintain proper settings on pitching machines.

Discard any damaged balls or bats.

Maintain netting.

PAINT BALL:
Carefully inspect equipment on a regular basis to maintain proper settings.

Check guests to be certain they are wearing proper equipment. Post all safety regulations and operating rules at the entrance to the playing field.

Select location of paintball field carefully. Many parents have strong objections to guns and related activities.

CARNIVAL TYPE RIDES:
Constantly check the condition of the equipment.

Post all safety regulations in prominent location.

Maintain proper fencing to control guests.

Make certain that the staff operating these attractions are fully trained on their operation and emergency procedures.

Follow all manufacturer's recommendations on safety and operation.

ROCK CLIMBING WALLS:
Make certain all manufacture's recommendations are followed.

Provide daily inspection of all equipment, harnesses, etc.

Maintain proper landing area.

Maintain proper fencing in climbing area.

INDOOR ATTRACTIONS:
Install and maintain proper safety fencing around all attractions.

Check mechanical equipment often, to avoid malfunctions.

Make certain that all electrical service connections are protected from contact with the guests.

Establish safe money handling practices to avoid theft.

GENERAL SITE SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS:
All Staff members should receive training in emergency procedures as well in the proper operation of the various equipment they will come in contact with. This should be done on a periodic basis to reinforce their skills.

Emergency training of the entire staff should be given to address major storms, fire and accident situations.

Establish contacts with EMT, fire and police departments. Seek to have them make safety presentations to your employees, if possible.

No piece of mechanical equipment is without some potential accident circumstance. This can be electric shock, breakage, sudden stops or other circumstances.

Safety training should also include the procedures to be taken with unruly guests, vandalism in progress or gang related situations.

Maintain good lighting throughout the entire facility. This includes in the parking lot and at entrance to the highway. This promotes safety and the feeling of security for your guests.

Have emergency lighting for power failures.

Do Not tolerate unruly behavior, group loitering, vulgarity, drunkenness or any other behavior that can create an uneasy or unsafe atmosphere.

Thoroughly check your site plans and finished facility to be certain there are no hidden areas where perverts can entice your younger guests. This is true both inside your buildings and on the outdoor areas as well.

In designing safety elements throughout your facility, remember that small children can get into some strange situations and teenagers consider themselves indestructible.

Create safety checklists for each of your attractions and the site in general. Make it a daily requirement that the staff responsible for each operation perform the daily (weekly) safety checks and inspections. Require them to sign off on their inspections.

Establish accident-reporting forms to be used by staff members and instruct them on their use.

Create emergency kits to be maintained at each attraction. They should include web cutters for seat belts on go-karts and other equipment that may have seat belts. There should also be working flashlights, a whistle, first aid items, accident forms, instant camera and other items that may be specific to a given attraction. Make staff aware of their location and use.

Establish a security staff that is sized to meet the needs of the specific site. Good choices are uniformed off-duty police officers and local high school coaches. They should be on premise during peak hours.

Safety is an ongoing issue. Set up a repetitive program of reinforcing each staff member's knowledge. People forget.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Peter Olesen is a Licensed Professional Engineer in eight states and President of Peter F. Olesen and Associates, Inc. 500 West Central Road, Suite 205, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056 USA. The firm provides consulting services to concession go-kart and Family Entertainment Center clients. Project span 35 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico and Brunei. Services range from preliminary site evaluations, feasibility studies, concept development, master planning, design and construction engineering services for project that include concession go-kart tracks, miniature golf courses, indoor and outdoor family entertainment centers and theme parks. These services apply to new facilities as well as renovation or expansion of existing facilities. Mr. Olesen has written many magazine articles on the industry and has made presentations at numerous industry seminars. For more information, see www.olesen.com or call 847-253-1515.

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