State Regulations

Overview

Devices Covered:

Includes mechanical amusement devices; gravity or passenger-propelled rides when located with other rides covered by the rules; soft play, inflatables at public events, go-karts, bungee, climbing walls, and water rides except single slides < 15′ tall (intended for pools open to the general public).

Inspection Program:

Manufacturers must have their ride/device type-certified through review by state engineers prior to selling the ride for operation in NJ. Rides/devices operated in NJ are inspected annually by state officials. Mechanical and operational inspections are also done at random intervals during the season.

Investigative Authority:

State inspectors are authorized to investigate accidents.

Reporting Criteria:

Owner/operators must report accidents, incidents or mechanical breakdowns. (a) Shut down the ride and report immediately – incidents involving death or serious injury, ejection from the ride or failure of a critical structural or mechanical component. The ride shall stay shut down until opened by the Department. “Serious injury” means any injury in which the injured person has lost consciousness, broken a bone, was transported to an emergency medical facility or an injury for which medical treatment by a physician beyond first aid was required. (b) Report within 24 hours – incidents involving a ride-related injury requiring first aid or any mechanical malfunction or emergency evacuation. When the manufacturer is notified by an owner of an incident anywhere in the world involving serious injury or a critical structural or mechanical component of the ride, they must evaluate the information and if necessary they must issue a safety bulletin. In any case they must notify the Department of the incident and shall report their findings regarding any recommendations to eliminate or prevent future similar incidents. (Note: reporting criteria changed in 2003; prior to change, owner/operators were required to report any injury)

Last Update

April 9, 2017