Data by technology: Amusement Devices
Amusement Devices
Technical Safety BC oversees the installation and operation of amusement devices throughout British Columbia in accordance with the Safety Standards Act and the Elevating Devices Safety Regulation. The types of regulated amusement devices range from waterslides and inflatable play equipment to larger rides such as roller coasters.
Incidents reported to us in 2021
Injuries reported to us in 2021
Assessments completed in 2021
Incidents
In 2021, the number of incidents reported to Technical Safety BC increased by one over 2020.
Almost all incidents that occurred on amusement rides and devices can be linked to patron actions, operational factors, or a combination of both. Technical Safety BC’s oversight program evaluates reported incidents to inform our knowledge of risk in order to prevent injuries and enhance safety in Amusement Ride operations in BC. As well, we continue our efforts to educate those operating outside of the safety system on the importance of obtaining necessary licences and permits so that we can work together to prevent incidents.
Amusement Device Incidents by Year (2017 - 2021)
Injuries
The number of amusement device injuries increased by two compared to 2020.
Amusement Device Injuries by Year (2017 - 2021)
Permits
In 2021, there were 22 installation permits and 395 operating permits in the Amusement Devices technology. Installation permits increased by 175% and operating permits increased by nine percent. This is in part due to the re-opening of many amusement devices that were not in operation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and provincial health and safety guidelines.
Amusement Device Permits by Year (2017-2021)
Assessments
Technical Safety BC safety officers completed a total of 231 assessments in 2021 which represents an increase of 14% compared to 2020. Of the 231 assessments, 225 were in-person inspections and six were remote inspections.
This increase in the total number of inspections is related to the re-opening of large number of rides that were not in operation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Assessments are rated as follows:
| Pass | The safety officer has assessed that the regulated work and/or regulated product was found to comply with the Safety Standards Act, regulations and/or applicable technical code(s). |
| Conditional Pass | The safety officer has assessed that the regulated work and/or regulated product was found to NOT comply with the Safety Standards Act, regulations and/or applicable technical code(s). Further regulated work may only be undertaken as directed on the certificate of inspection, while the identified non-compliances are being corrected. |
| Fail | The safety officer has assessed that the regulated work and/or regulated product was found to NOT comply with the Safety Standards Act, regulations and/or applicable technical code(s). Further regulated work on the affected system or phase of work, and/or operation of the regulated equipment must not be undertaken until the identified non-compliances have been corrected. |
Amusement Device In-Person Inspections in 2021
Amusement Device Remote Inspections in 2021
Emerging risks
With public concern about trampoline parks rising, Technical Safety BC began a review of its Amusement Devices program as a whole to address new and emerging types of equipment, including but not limited to trampoline parks.
Our review of the regulatory framework around amusement rides and devices indicates that the current framework would benefit from improvement to ensure that it is: (i) adaptive, as technologies change; and (ii) clear, so owners of amusement rides and devices and the public know what is regulated and what form of safety oversight is in place. This aligns with what we have heard from owners, operators, the public, and other agencies during our public consultation on trampoline parks.
For more information, visit engage.technicalsafetybc.ca