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E111:05 23 August 2005
Have fun at the fair - with a bit of care
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is encouraging
parents to take care of their children when visiting funfairs and theme parks
during the summer holidays.
320 children have been injured at fairs and amusement parks since 2001, frequently
because safety instructions have been ignored or overlooked. A large number
of accidents at fairgrounds and theme parks could be avoided if parents took
a few simple precautions.
HSE advises parents to check that their children are above the required height
to ride on attractions, and that restraints fit them securely when they are
on the ride. Rides should be properly supervised and children should pay
attention to all safety instructions given to them by ride operators. Parents
should make clear to their children that they must sit still while on a ride.
HSE research shows that young children have a far lower perception of risks
than adults, and that while on fairground rides they may try to maintain
eye contact with their parents. This can lead to children turning, kneeling
and even standing up on rides in order to see their parents if they have
not had the importance of staying in their seats properly explained to them.
A final tip is to check that the ride clearly displays an Amusement Devices
Inspection Procedure Scheme (ADIPS) sticker, which confirms that it has been
inspected for safety.
HSE Principal Inspector Barry Baker said: “Many families enjoy a day at the
fair, and everyone plays their part in making them safe. Simple precautions
prevent most accidents. Don’t let your children go on rides that haven’t
got a safety sticker, look in poor condition or where the attendants aren’t
paying proper attention to the children. Make sure your children know it
is important to stay in the seat and keep an eye on very young children when
the ride is moving.”
Notes to Editors
The HSE, in conjunction with the Fairgrounds and Amusement Parks Joint Advisory
Committee (JAC), created the Amusement Devices Inspection Procedure Scheme
(ADIPS) to provide a framework for inspections to monitor essential steps
and checks required to ensure the safety of amusement devices. Further information
on the scheme is available on the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/etis8.htm
or at www.adips.co.uk/
Public Enquiries: HSE InfoLine, tel: 0845 345 0055, visit: www.hse.gov.uk/contact
or write to: HSE InfoLine, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.
Press Enquiries: Journalists only: Karen Eldridge 020 7717 6219
Out of hours 020 7928 8382
