Part IX. Bungee Jumping
13VAC5-31-220. General requirements.
A. The provisions of this part are specific to bungee jumping and are in addition to other applicable provisions of this chapter.
B. Bungee jumping operations that are open to the public shall be permitted from structures designed for use as part of the bungee jumping operation. Bungee jumping from other types of structures, cranes or derricks is not permitted for public participation.
C. Bungee jumping activities that involve double jumping, sandbagging, catapulting or stunt jumping shall not be permitted to be open for public participation.
Statutory Authority
§ 36-98.3 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 14, eff. May 1, 2008.
13VAC5-31-230. Bungee cords.
A. Bungee cords shall be tested by an approved testing agency or by an engineer licensed in Virginia. The following criteria shall be met:
1. Each lot of bungee cords shall have a minimum of 10%, but not less than one of the cords tested to determine the lowest ultimate tensile strength of the cords tested. A load versus elongation curve based on the test result shall be provided with each lot of bungee cords; and
2. The manufacturer shall specify the maximum number of jumps for which each cord or cord type is designed and the criteria for use of the cord.
B. Bungee cords shall be retired when the cords (i) exhibit deterioration or damage; (ii) do not react according to specifications; or (iii) have reached the maximum usage expressed in number of jumps as specified by the manufacturer. Bungee cords retired from use shall be destroyed immediately by cutting the cord into five-foot lengths.
Statutory Authority
§ 36-98.3 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 14, eff. May 1, 2008.
13VAC5-31-240. Jump hardware.
Jump harnesses shall be either full body-designed, which includes a waist harness worn in conjunction with a chest harness, or ankle-designed with a link to a waist harness. All jump harnesses, carabineers, cables and other hardware shall be designed and manufactured for the purpose or designed or analyzed by an engineer licensed in Virginia and shall be used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's or engineer's instructions.
Statutory Authority
§ 36-98.3 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 14, eff. May 1, 2008.
13VAC5-31-250. Structure requirements.
Structures constructed on site for bungee jumping activities shall be designed by an engineer licensed in Virginia. Structures manufactured for bungee jumping activities shall be analyzed by an engineer licensed in Virginia and assembled and supported in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Statutory Authority
§ 36-98.3 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 14, eff. May 1, 2008.
13VAC5-31-260. Operational and site requirements.
A. Operators shall follow the criteria provided by the manufacturer for the use of bungee cords. A record of the number of jumps with each cord shall be maintained. All cords shall be inspected daily for wear, slippage, or other abnormalities unless the manufacturer specifies more frequent inspections.
B. The jump master or site manager shall be responsible for determining the appropriate use of all bungee cords in relation to the weight of the jumper and height of the platform. Bungee cords shall be attached to the structure at all times when in the connection area.
C. All harnesses shall be inspected prior to harnessing a jumper and shall be removed from service when they exhibit signs of excessive wear or damage. All carabineers shall be inspected daily and shall be removed from service when they exhibit signs of excessive wear or damage or fail to function as designed. The anchors shall be inspected daily and shall be replaced if showing signs of excessive wear.
D. A secondary retrieval system shall be provided in all operations. A locking mechanism on the line shall be used to stop and hold the jumper in place after being pulled back to the jump platform in a retrieval system. A dead man's switch or locking mechanism that will stop the lowering action shall be used in a friction lowering system.
E. The jump zone, preparation area and landing/recovery area shall be identified and maintained during bungee jumping activities. The landing/recovery area shall be accessible to emergency vehicles. Communication shall be maintained between all personnel involved with the jump.
F. An air bag, a minimum of 10 feet by 10 feet, shall be used. The air bag shall be rated for the maximum free fall height possible from the platform during operation. The air bag shall be located immediately below the jump space. The landing area shall be free of spectators and debris at all times and shall be free of any equipment or personnel when a jumper is being prepared on the jump platform and until the bungee cord is at its static extended state. A place to sit and recover shall be provided adjacent to, but outside, the landing area where the jumper shall be allowed to recover.
G. Where the jump space or landing area, or both, is over sea, lake, river, or harbor waters, the following shall apply:
1. The landing water area shall be at least nine feet deep and a minimum of 10 feet by 10 feet or have a minimum of 15 feet in diameter if circular;
2. The jump space and landing area shall be free of other vessels, floating and submerged objects and buoys. A sign of approved size that reads "Bungee Jumping! Keep Clear" shall be fixed to buoys on four sides of the landing area;
3. The landing vessel shall be readily available for the duration of the landing procedures;
4. The landing vessel shall have a landing pad size of at least five feet by five feet within and lower than the sides of the vessel;
5. A landing vessel shall be available that can be maneuvered in the range of water conditions expected and will enable staff to pick up a jumper; and
6. One person may operate the landing vessel where the vessel is positioned without the use of power. A separate person shall operate the vessel where power is required to maneuver into or hold the landing position.
H. Where the landing area is part of a swimming pool or the landing area is specifically constructed for bungee jumping, the following shall apply:
1. Rescue equipment shall be available, such as a life ring or safety pole;
2. The jump space and landing area shall be fenced to exclude the public; and
3. Only the operators of the bungee jump and jumper shall be within the jump zone and landing areas.
I. Storage shall be provided to protect equipment from physical, chemical and ultra-violet radiation damage. The storage shall be provided for any current, replacement and emergency equipment and organized for ready access and shall be secure against unauthorized entry.
Statutory Authority
§ 36-98.3 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 14, eff. May 1, 2008.
13VAC5-31-270. Management and personnel responsibilities.
A. All bungee jumping activities shall have a minimum of one site manager, one jump master and one ground operator to be present at all times during operation of the bungee jump.
B. The site manager is responsible for the following:
1. Controlling the entire operation;
2. Site equipment and procedures;
3. Determining whether it is safe to jump;
4. Selection of, and any training of personnel;
5. Emergency procedures; and
6. Maintaining records.
C. A jump master shall be located at each jump platform and shall have thorough knowledge of, and is responsible for, the following:
1. Overseeing the processing of jumpers, selection of the bungee cord, adjustment of the rigging, final check of jumper's preparation, and countdown for and observation of the jump;
2. Verifying that the cord is attached to the structure at all times when the jumper is in the jump area;
3. Rescue and emergency procedures; and
4. Ensuring that the number of jumps undertaken in a given period of time will allow all personnel to safely carry out their responsibilities.
D. The ground operator shall have knowledge of all equipment used and of jump procedures and shall have the following responsibilities:
1. Ensuring that the jumper is qualified to jump;
2. Assisting the jump master to prepare the jumper and attach the jumper to the harness and rigging;
3. Assisting the jumper to the recovery area; and
4. Maintaining a clear view of the landing area.
E. Each site shall have an operating manual that shall include the following:
1. Site plan, job descriptions (including procedures), inspections and maintenance requirements of equipment including rigging, hardware, bungee cords, harnesses, and lifelines; and
2. An emergency rescue plan.
F. The daily operating procedures shall be conducted in accordance with ASTM F770.
G. The qualification and preparation of jumpers shall include obtaining any pertinent medical information, jumper weight and a briefing of jumping procedures and safety instructions.
Statutory Authority
§ 36-98.3 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 14, eff. May 1, 2008.