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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 13. Housing
Agency 5. Department of Housing And Community Development
Chapter 31. Virginia Amusement Device Regulations
12/22/2024

13VAC5-31-180. General requirements.

A. The provisions of this part are specific to gravity rides and are in addition to other applicable provisions of this chapter.

B. A ride using carriers shall be designed and constructed to retain the passengers in or on a carrier during the operation of the ride and retain the carrier on or within the track, slide, or chute system during the operation of the ride.

C. A ride that conveys passengers not in or on a carrier shall be designed and constructed to retain the passengers within the chute or slide during the ride.

D. At each loading or unloading area, a hard surface which is other than earth and which is reasonably level shall be provided. The surface shall be large enough to accommodate the intended quantity of passengers.

E. Where loading or unloading platforms are elevated more than 30 inches from the adjacent areas, guard rails conforming to the USBC shall be provided.

F. Passengers shall not have to step up or down more than 12 inches from the loading or unloading surface to enter or exit the ride.

G. The frequency of departure of carriers or riders from the loading areas shall be controlled by a ride operator. The minimum distance between departures shall be determined by the designer of the specific ride.

H. When a passenger has control of the speed or course of the carrier, the passenger shall have a clear sight distance along the course of the ride long enough to allow the passenger to avoid a collision with another person or carrier.

I. The unloading area of the ride shall be designed and constructed to bring riders and carriers to a safe stop without any action by the rider.

J. There shall be attendants at the loading and unloading area when the ride is in use. However, where the physical structure of the ride is such that it is not capable of accommodating an attendant at both the loading and unloading area and the entire ride is visible and under the supervision of a single attendant, attendants at both the loading and unloading areas shall not be required.

K. If the entire course of the ride is not visible to the operator, additional persons with communications equipment shall be provided or approved visual surveillance equipment shall be installed along the course of the ride which is not visible to the operator.

L. Any moving or hot parts that may be injurious to the ride operator or the public shall be effectively guarded to prevent contact.

M. Fencing or adequate clearance shall be provided that will prevent the riders from contact with persons or nearby objects.

Statutory Authority

§ 36-98.3 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 13, Issue 12, eff. April 15, 1997; amended, Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 25, eff. October 1, 2003.

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