Job opening: ride managers

Theme park operators have six months from 1 July 2011 to appoint one as part of new regulations.

As per the Amusement Rides Safety Act and Regulations 2011, a risk-based regulatory approach will be used to ensure that amusement rides are designed, installed, operated and maintained according to recognised international safety codes and standards.

According to the Building and Construction Authority, the rides will require permits for their installation, modification and operation, among others, and have to be inspected annually by a specialist professional engineer.

Under the new regulations, new roles and statutory responsibilities will be introduced for key stakeholders and they will be held accountable for the maintenance and safety of rides:
(a) Person Responsible: The Person Responsible under the regulations, is the holder of the operating permit and has the charge, management or control of the ride. He has to ensure that the ride is operated safely, maintained in good working condition and is covered by public liability insurance of at least S$1 million.
(b) Ride Manager: Appointed by the holder of the operating permit, this person will be responsible for overseeing, managing and supervising the operations and maintenance of the ride.
(c) Qualified Person (QP): Appointed by the holder of the operating permit, this person will be responsible for carrying out technical duties such as certifying that design codes of the ride are complied with, supervising the installation, and carrying out annual safety inspections of rides. He must be a specialist professional engineer registered with the Professional Engineers Board in the discipline of amusement ride engineering.

In a report by BCA, it said the new regulations will also require the holder of the operating permit to submit a fire and rescue management system to the Singapore Civil Defence Force for the Commissioner of Civil Defence’s approval. It includes details of the operator’s emergency response plan and emergency response team. Upon approval, the Singapore Civil Defence Force will issue a Certificate of Compliance to the amusement ride operator.

The regulations will come under the charge of the Commissioner of Amusement Rides Safety, who will be supported by the Building and Construction Authority in the administration of the legislation. BCA will ensure that the rides are certified to prescribed codes and standards and inspected regularly.

There will be a grace period of six months, from 1 July, given to all existing operators to comply with the new requirements, such as appointing a suitably qualified ride manager, obtaining the required insurance coverage and the Certificate of Compliance from the Singapore Civil Defence Force.