On Wednesday November 2, 2011 at the Louisiana State Fair, (http://www.statefairoflouisiana.com/default.aspx) located in Shreveport, LA a five year old child was critically injured after another child was able to depress the start button for the Kiddie ride called the Twin Ring Demolition Derby manufactured by Moser Rides (http://moserrides.com/funnyrides/twin-rings/tw-cars/twin-rings-cars.htm) . According to documentation released by the Louisiana Office of the State Fair Marshall, the ride was manufactured in 2007 and had been inspected at least twice during 2011 by two different people outside of the carnival. The most recent inspection was dated 10/26/11. This report is clearly incomplete and is missing important information.
In Louisiana the law allows for competent third party inspections with over sight by the State Fire Marshall. To assist in that oversight the state has adopted the American Society of Testing & Material (ASTM) F-24 Committee on Amusement Rides and Devices Consensus Standards. The F-24 Standards are guidelines and/or minimum requirements as outlined by law.
The circumstances in Wednesday's tragic incident are covered in detail in the F-24 Standards and the related references. The particulars of the incident as reported also suggest to me that OSHA Lock Out - Tag Out rules would also apply.
I urge the state to take immediate action to correct all amusement rides that operate in Louisiana with out the required Fail-Safe and/or Lock Out Tag Out devices that are required under the ASTM F-24 and applicable related consensus standards.
http://www.krmgoup.com
