Keeping the Carnival Safe
During the Orange County Fair’s 17-day-run, the 70-plus midway carnival rides go through a number of inspections to ensure they operate properly and safely. What inspectors look for on the newest thrill ride at the fair, The Inverter:
Prior to fair:
Cal-OSHA inspects about one-third of the rides and visually surveys the rest.
During fair:
A safety consultant reinspects two or three rides each day while the ride operator reviews a daily pre-opening checklist.
Pre-opening Safety Checks:
Ensure motor is mounted securely
Ensure drive shafts are connected securely
Test shoulder restraints, lap bars
Check for cracks on trailer frame
Look for bolts, nuts, cotter pins on ground
Adjust jack stands to keep ride level
Maintain minimum 42-inch-high fence
Check for cracks in bolt holes, welds, tighten bolts
Inspect hydraulic tank for leaks, proper pressure
Inspect sensors, wiring in electrical panel
Ride operator puts ride through run cycle, listens and looks for problems
Sources: Barry Schaible, ride safety consultant; Bill Huntington, ride foreman
Graphics reporting by BRADY MacDONALD / Los Angeles Times
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
