Section 6000.10  Definitions

 

In addition to those definitions found in Section 2-2 of the Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Act, the following definitions shall apply for the purposes of this Part:

 

"Act" means the Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Act [430 ILCS 85].

 

"ACCT" means the abbreviation for the Association for Challenge Course Technology, P.O. Box 19797, Boulder CO 80308.

 

"Administrative Hearing Fee" means a fee assessed by the Department upon an operator when the Department issues a notice for an administrative hearing to suspend the Permit to Operate or collect past due fees.

 

"AIMS" means Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers International, P.O. Box 5178, Jacksonville FL 32247.

 

"All-Terrain Vehicle" or "ATV" means any vehicle designed and manufactured for off-road use.

 

"A.M. Best" or "Best" is the abbreviation for A.M. Best Company, Ambest Road, Oldwick NJ 08858.

 

"Annual Inspection" is the official inspection of an amusement ride or amusement attraction performed by the Director or the Director's designee.

 

"ANSI" means American National Standards Institute, Inc., 1899 L Street, NW, 11^th Floor, Washington DC 20036.

 

"ASNT" means American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc., 1711 Arlingate Lane, P.O. Box #28518, Columbus OH 43228.

 

"ASTM" means ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken PA 19428.

 

"Board" means the Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Board as defined in Section 2-3 of the Act.

 

"Building" means a structure that stands alone or that is cut off from adjoining structures by fire walls with all openings therein protected by approved fire doors.

 

"Carabiners" means shaped metal or alloy devices used to connect sections of jump rigging, equipment or safety gear.

 

"Carnival" or "Amusement Enterprise" means an enterprise that offers amusement or entertainment to the public by means of one or more amusement attractions or amusement rides. (Section 2-2(5) of the Act)

 

"Carnival Worker" or "Amusement Enterprise Worker" means a person who is employed (and is therefore not a volunteer) by a carnival, amusement enterprise, or fair to manage, physically operate, or assist in the operation of an amusement ride or amusement attraction when it is open to the public. (Section 2-2(8) of the Act)

 

"Certified Arborist" means an individual who holds a valid arborist certificate from the International Society of Arboriculture or comparable authority in another state.

 

"Coaster – Intermediate" means any coaster that is more than 25 feet but less than 50 feet in height at the highest point of the track above grade.

 

"Coaster – Large" means any coaster that is 50 feet or more at the highest point of the track above grade.

 

"Concession Go-kart" means a go-kart specifically designed and manufactured for indoor or outdoor use for up to 15 mph.

 

"Crane Operator" means a person who is experienced in operating a crane used for hoisting material or personnel.  Proof of experience shall be a statement on letterhead stationery from a present employer or a journeyman's card in good standing from the International Union of Operating Engineers.

 

"Department" means Illinois Department of Labor. (Section 2-2(2) of the Act)

 

"Director" means the Director of the Illinois Department of Labor or the Director's designee. (Section 2-2(1) of the Act)

 

"Dry Slide" means an inclined surface with a change in elevation upon which people slide or are conveyed, except:

 

any slide that is placed in a playground and that does not normally require the supervision or services of a person responsible for its operation; or

 

any slide that is not open to the general public and for which admission is monitored and strictly controlled by invitation, company or group identification, or other means of identification. (Section 2-2(4)(d) of the Act)

 

"Dune Buggy" means a small vehicle generally made from standard compact rear engine chassis and prefabricated, often fiberglass body, originally equipped with wide low-pressure tires for driving on sand.

 

"Employee", for purposes of this Part, means an individual who is performing services for pay or lodging as an attendant or assistant on an amusement ride or amusement attraction.

 

"Employed" means to perform services for pay or lodging as an attendant or assistant on an amusement ride or amusement attraction.

 

"Fair" means an enterprise principally devoted to the exhibition of products of agriculture or industry in connection with which amusement rides or amusement attractions are operated.  (Section 2-2(6) of the Act)

 

"Inflatable Amusement Attraction" means an amusement ride or device designed for use that may include, but is not limited to, bounce, climb, slide or interactive play, which is made of flexible fabric, is kept inflated by continuous air flow by one or more blowers, and relies upon air pressure to maintain its shape.  This definition shall not include inflatable devices that are used for professional exhibition or stunt work, safety and rescue activities, aerial or aviation structures or devices, exhibit floats, or similar inflatable devices.

 

"In-line Riding" means one person in front of the other.

 

"Kiddie Kart" means karts that are designed for 75 pounds or less per passenger and go less than 10 mph.

 

"Kiddie Rides" means amusement rides or amusement attractions designed for 75 pounds or less per passenger.

 

"Licensed Professional Engineer" means an individual who holds a valid license as a licensed professional engineer from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

 

"Licensed Structural Engineer" means an individual who holds a valid license as a licensed structural engineer from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

 

"Major Alteration" means a change in the type or capacity of an amusement ride or amusement attraction or a change in the structure or mechanism that materially affects its functions or operation.  This includes but is not limited to changing its mode of transportation from non-wheeled to a truck or flatbed mount, and changing its mode of assembly or other operational functions from manual to mechanical or hydraulic.

 

"Major Breakdown" means a stoppage of operation of an amusement ride or amusement attraction occurring from damage to a structural component.

 

"Major Rides" means amusement rides or amusement attractions designed for more than 75 pounds per passenger. The term includes any coaster that is 25 feet or less at the highest point of the track above grade.

 

“NAARSO” means the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials, 107 Dunbar Ave., Suite Q, Oldsmar FL 34677.

 

"NFPA" means National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy MA 02169.

 

"Operating Staff" is inclusive of and means any of the following individuals or some combination thereof:

 

"Owner" means the individual, partnership, company, corporation, or any other entity, or agency of the State or any of its political subdivisions, that owns an amusement ride or amusement attraction.

 

"Agent" means an individual employed by the owner to carry out the responsibilities of management on the owner's behalf.

 

"Manager" means an individual, employed by the owner, who is responsible to the agent or the owner for the day-to-day, on-site management of an amusement ride or amusement attraction.

 

"Attendant" means an individual employed by the owner to physically operate an amusement ride or amusement attraction when such ride or attraction is open to the public.

 

"Assistant" means an individual employed by the owner to assist the attendant in operating an amusement ride or amusement attraction when such ride or attraction is open to the public.

 

"Operator" means a person, or the agent of a person, who owns or controls or has the duty to control the operation of an amusement ride or amusement attraction at a carnival, amusement enterprise, or fair.  "Operator" includes an agency of the State or any of its political subdivisions. (Section 2-2(7) of the Act)

 

"Payment of Fees" shall be deemed made when the Department receives all fees due, as calculated on the application, in the form of a certified check, cashier's  check, or money order made payable to "Illinois Department of Labor", or in the form of an electronic payment using an electronic payment system designated by the Department for such payments.  All fees shall be paid before a permit to operate an amusement ride or amusement attraction is issued.

 

"Permit" means a permit issued annually by the Department allowing an amusement ride or amusement attraction unit to be operated in the State of Illinois.

 

"Person" means any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, governmental subdivision, or public or private organization of any character.

 

"PRCA" means Professional Ropes Course Association, 6260 E. Riverside Blvd., #104, Loves Park IL  61111.

 

"Public Use" means an operator of an amusement ride or amusement attraction does not prohibit or restrict access to the amusement ride or amusement attraction by members of the community, except as permitted under Section 2-19 of the Act and Section 6000.130 of this Part.

 

"Qualified Industry Training Professional" means an individual who, by possession of a recognized degree or certificate of professional standing, or who, by possession of extensive knowledge and experience and the completion of extensive training in the subject field, has successfully demonstrated their ability in training amusement ride or amusement attraction operating staff in the proper operation of that amusement ride or amusement attraction, as judged by a reasonable person.

 

"Qualified Person" means an individual who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate or professional standing, or who, by possession of extensive knowledge, training and experience in the subject field, has successfully demonstrated ability in design, analysis, evaluation, inspection and specification in the subject work, project or product to the extent established by the manufacturer.

 

"Racing Go-Kart" means a go-kart specifically designed and manufactured for racing at 15 mph or more, for indoor or outdoor use.

 

"Roll Over Protection System" means a system that supports the combined driver and passenger weight capacity, as specified by the manufacturer, and the weight of the vehicle.

 

"Reinspection" is an inspection, other than the annual inspection made during the year, as a result of any necessary repairs not being completed while the inspector is on site.

 

"SAE" means the Society of Automotive Engineers, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale PA 15096.

 

"Serious Injury" means an injury for which treatment by a licensed physician is required.

 

"Snell Foundation" means Snell Memorial Foundation, 3628 Madison Avenue, Suite 11, North Highlands CA 95660.

 

"Structure" means something that is built or constructed with confined space and rigid walls.

 

"Tram" means any tram, open car, or combination of open cars or wagons pulled by a tractor or other motorized device that is not licensed by the Secretary of State, which may, but does not necessarily, follow a fixed or restricted course, and that is used primarily for the purpose of giving its passengers amusement, pleasure, thrills or excitement, and for which an individual fee is charged or a donation accepted, with the exception of hayrack rides. (Section 2-2(4)(e) of the Act)

 

"Volunteer" means a person who operates or assists in the operation of an amusement ride or amusement attraction for an owner or operator without pay or lodging.  An individual shall not be considered a volunteer if the individual is otherwise employed by the same owner or operator to perform the same type of service as those for which the individual proposes to volunteer. (Section 2-2(9) of the Act)

 

"Working Days" means Monday through Friday, excluding State holidays.

 

"Zip Line" means a system consisting of a pulley or trolley that is suspended on a cable mounted on an incline allowing a rider to travel from the departure point to an arrival point by holding on to, or attaching to, the pulley or trolley.

 

(Source:  Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 9899, effective May 26, 2022)

 

Section 6000.15  Incorporated and Referenced Materials

 

a)         The following regulations and standards are incorporated in this Part.  All incorporations by reference refer to the regulations, guidelines and standards on the date specified and do not include any editions or amendments after the specified date.

 

1)         Private and professional association standards:

 

A)        A.M. Best Bond and Liability Insurance Ratings, available from A.M. Best Company, Ambest Road, Oldwick NJ 08858.

 

B)        The following standards and recommended practices of the American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI), which may be obtained from the American National Standards Institute, Inc., 1899 L Street, NW, 11^th Floor, Washington DC 20036:

 

i)          Standards

 

ANSI B-77.1 – 2006 Passenger Ropeways – Aerial Tramways, Aerial Lifts, Surface Lifts, Tows and Conveyors – Safety Requirements (2006); and

 

ANSI B30.5 – 2000 Safety Standard for Mobile and Locomotive Cranes (2006).

 

ii)         Recommended Practices

 

ANSI SAE J-1241 Ground Vehicle Recommended Practices (1999).

 

C)        American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc. (ASNT) Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A (2006), which may be obtained from the American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc., 1711 Arlingate Lane, Columbus OH 43228.

 

D)        The following standards of the ASTM International (ASTM), which may be obtained from the ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken PA 19428:

 

i)          ASTM F770-18 Standard Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices (2009);

 

ii)         ASTM F2374-17 Standard Practice for Design, Manufacture, Operation, and Maintenance of Inflatable Amusement Devices (2010);

 

iii)        ASTM F2007-12 Standard Practice for Design, Manufacture, and Operation of Concession Go‑Karts and Facilities (2012);

 

iv)        ASTM F2291-21 Standard Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices (2021), except 6.4.2.2;

 

v)         ASTM F2374-10 Standard Practice for Design, Manufacture, Operation, and Maintenance of Inflatable Amusement Devices (2010);

 

vi)        ASTM F2374-17 Standard Practice for Design, Manufacture, Operation, and Maintenance of Inflatable Amusement Devices (2017);

 

vii)       ASTM 2959-19 Standard Practice for Aerial Adventure Courses;

 

viii)      ASTM F2970-20 Standard Practice for Design, Manufacturing, Installation, Operation, Maintenance, Inspection and Major Modifications of Trampoline Courts (2020); and

 

ix)        ASTM F2974-18 Standard Guide for Auditing Amusement Rides and Devices (2013)

 

E)        The following standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which may be obtained from the National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy MA 02169:

 

i)          NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers (2007); 

 

ii)         NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code (2003);

 

iii)        NFPA 70, National Electrical Code^® – Article 525 Carnivals, Circuses, Fairs, and Similar Events (2005); and

 

iv)        NFPA 701, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films (1999).

 

F)         SAE J-1241-1999 Fuel and Lubricant Tanks for Motorcycles, which may be obtained from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale PA 15096 (1999).

 

G)        Snell Helmet Safety Standards, which may be obtained from Snell Memorial Foundation Inc., 3628 Madison Avenue, North Highlands CA 95660 (1998).

 

2)         Federal Regulations

 

A)        29 CFR 1910.180 (2006); and

 

B)        29 CFR 1926.550(g) (2006).

 

b)         The following State statutes are referenced in this Part:

 

1)         Freedom of Information Act [5 ILCS 140];

 

2)         Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Act [430 ILCS 85];

 

3)         Illinois Controlled Substances Act [720 ILCS 570]; and

 

4)         Weights and Measures Act [225 ILCS 470].

 

(Source:  Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 9899, effective May 26, 2022)

 

Section 6000.20  Exemptions

 

The following amusement rides or amusement attractions are exempt from the provisions of this Act:

 

a)         Any amusement ride or amusement attraction which is owned or operated by a non-profit religious, educational or charitable institution or association if such amusement ride or amusement attraction is located within a building subject to inspection by the State Fire Marshal or by any political subdivisions of the State under its building, fire, electrical, and related public safety ordinances, and the amusement ride or amusement attraction itself is subject to inspection by a political subdivision of the State in accordance with Section 2-17 of the Act.  (Section 2-16 of the Act) To qualify for this exemption, the owner or operator must file completed exemption forms, proof of insurance, and a 501(c)(3) registration letter with the Department annually, and all documents filed must be approved by the Director.

 

b)         Unpowered, non-motorized equipment that is customarily placed in a playground, such as swings, seesaws, stationary spring-mounted animal features, rider-propelled merry-go-rounds, and slides, that do not normally require the supervision or services of a person responsible for its operation.

 

c)         Any single passenger manually, mechanically, or electrically operated, coin-actuated ride that is customarily placed singly, or in groups, in a public location and that does not normally require the supervision or services of a person responsible for its operation.

 

d)         Any amusement ride or amusement attraction that is not open to the general public and where admission is monitored and strictly controlled by invitation, company or group identification or other means of identification.

 

(Source:  Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 9899, effective May 26, 2022)

 

Section 6000.25  Qualifications of Inspectors

 

All amusement ride and amusement attraction inspectors shall meet the following qualifications:

 

a)         have knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, including coursework in engineering, physics, physical sciences, or directly related fields.  Evidence of related work experience may substitute for college on a year-for-year basis;

 

b)         be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook.  Have the ability to use and understand inspection software and computer hardware materials;

 

c)         have a working knowledge of effective methods of inspection and enforcement;

 

d)         have the ability to prepare clear and concise inspection reports;

 

e)         have a working knowledge of the fundamental principles of accepted safety and health practices and methods;

 

f)         have the ability to interpret laws, rules, regulations and standards associated with amusement ride and attraction safety;

 

g)         have the ability to climb amusement rides or amusement attractions and tolerate heights and work in extreme outdoor weather conditions;

 

h)         receive annual training or continuing education (see Section 6000.120(c)) regarding amusement ride and attraction safety, fire protection safety, and occupational safety and health issues;

 

i)          take appropriate course work and pass necessary examinations, such as those administered by the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO) or the equivalent, as may be determined by the Department;

 

j)          possess a valid Illinois driver's license and have the ability to travel.

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)

 

Section 6000.30  Inspections

 

a)         The inspector, upon presenting credentials, is authorized without prior notice to inspect and investigate during regular working hours, any establishment, assembly area, or other areas where amusement rides or amusement attractions are assembled or are in use.

 

b)         Inspection includes a review of necessary documents required under this Part and observance or inspection of amusement ride or amusement attraction assembly or setup.  Inspection of the amusement ride or amusement attraction is to include:  foundation, blocking, fuel containers, mechanical conditions, and safe operation of the amusement ride or amusement attraction.

 

c)         Inspections shall also include the observation of operators, assistants or attendants during the operation of amusement rides or amusement attractions.  An inspector shall notify the owner or person responsible for the operation of the amusement ride or amusement attraction in writing via an inspection report or a verification report if an inspector observes distracted attendants or assistants as noted in Section 6000.120(i).  The first offense or violation shall be a warning and the behavior is to be corrected by the owner or the person responsible for the operation of the amusement ride or amusement attraction.  A second or subsequent violation may result in the revocation of the permit, the issuance of a Stop Operation Order for the amusement ride or amusement attraction that the assistant or attendant is running, and the imposition of a civil penalty.

 

(Source:  Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 9899, effective May 26, 2022)

 

Section 6000.40  Application for a Permit to Operate

 

a)         No amusement ride or amusement attraction shall be operated for public use at a carnival or fair in this State without a permit having been issued by the Director to the owner of that equipment.

 

b)         The permit will be valid for one calendar year (January 1 through December 31).  A permit is not transferable and, if the owner transfers ownership of the amusement ride or amusement attraction, all rights secured under the permit are terminated.

 

c)         At least 30 days prior to the first day of operation or the expiration of the permit, the owner or agent shall apply to the Director for a permit to operate in Illinois.  The application shall be made on a form to be supplied by the Department and be accompanied by a certificate of insurance in the amount as set forth in Section 2-14 of the Act, Non-Destructive Test Certificates as required by Section 6000.280, the times and places where the amusement rides or amusement attractions will be available for inspection, and a check, money order or form of electronic payment through E-Pay for the required fees.

 

d)         Inspections will be scheduled as expeditiously as practicable, considering the availability of inspectors, the location of the sites to be inspected, and the complexity of the inspection.  An applicant must submit all of the required application materials, fees, insurance certificates and testing certificates at least 30 calendar days in advance of the first operation by the applicant in the State of Illinois.

 

e)         If an amusement ride or amusement attraction undergoes a major alteration or is repaired after a major breakdown, it shall be reinspected.

 

f)         The Department's website shall outline the most current method of applying for a permit and paying for fees.  Without exception, payment may not be made to an inspector.

 

g)         No permit will be issued if the owner or agent fails to comply with the procedures set forth in this Part or if there are any:

 

1)         Outstanding charges or fees;

 

2)         Open Stop Operation Orders; or

 

3)         Modifications, repairs or maintenance procedures that are not in accordance with manufacturer's standards.

 

h)         In order to keep the Department informed regarding the operation of relocatable or mobile amusement rides or amusement attractions, the owner or the person who will be operating or who controls or has the duty to control the operation of the amusement ride or amusement attraction shall submit, with the required registration application, a tentative itinerary and/or route sheet providing dates and locations of expected operation in the State of Illinois.  Throughout the operating season, this itinerary and/or route sheet shall be updated through written submission of notices as to additional operating periods or locations as soon as practicable but prior to operation.  The itinerary and/or route sheet shall be submitted on a form to be supplied by the Department and shall include the following:

 

1)         the name of the company;

 

2)         the name of the event and/or the event contact person and telephone number;

 

3)         the location address of the event;

 

4)         the date and time the amusement ride or amusement attraction is scheduled to arrive at the location;

 

5)         the date and time the amusement ride or amusement attraction is scheduled to begin operation; and

 

6)         the last date and time the amusement ride or amusement attraction is scheduled to be in operation at that location.

 

i)          The Department shall maintain the confidentiality of all route sheets as authorized by Section 7(1)(g) of the Freedom of Information Act.

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)

 

Section 6000.50  Permit, Inspection and Associated Fees

 

Fees assessed under the Act will be:

 

a)         Permit Fees

 

1)         Kiddie Rides:  $10 each

 

2)         Major Rides:  $25 each

 

3)         Other Amusement Attractions not otherwise specified:  $25 each

 

4)         Ski Lifts and Aerial Tramways:  $25 each

 

5)         Inflatable Amusement Attractions:  $10 each

 

6)         Permit Issued upon Resolution of a Stop Operation Order:  $10 each

 

7)         Rope Tows, Conveyors and Surface Lifts:  $25 each

 

8)         Coasters − Intermediate:  $25 each

 

9)         Coasters − Large:  $25 each

 

b)         Inspection Fees

 

1)         Kiddie Rides:  $45 each

 

2)         Major Rides:  $105 each

 

3)         Other Amusement Attractions not otherwise specified:  $105 each

 

4)         Ski Lifts and Aerial Tramways:  $365 each

 

5)         Inflatable Amusement Attractions:

 

A)        Inflatable Unit less than 1,500 square feet:  $45 per unit

 

B)        Inflatable Unit 1,500 square feet or greater:  $120 per unit

 

6)         Reinspection to Resolve a Stop Operation Order:  $250 each

 

7)         Reinspection:  $30 each

 

8)         Rope Tows, Conveyors and Surface Lifts:  $105 each

 

9)         Coasters – Intermediate:  $235 each

 

10)        Coasters – Large:  $365 each

 

c)         Administrative Hearing Fee:  $250 per hearing when a Notice of Violation or Stop Operation Order or fine has been successfully levied by the Department.

 

d)         An Expedited Site Inspection Fee is a surcharge that shall be paid by the operator to have its permit and inspection expedited.  Expedited permit fees are assessed when an operator fails to notify the Department at least 30 calendar days in advance of operation and requests an inspection and permit.  When the operator fails to properly notify the Department at least 30 calendar days in advance and requests an inspection and permit, the Department, absent proof that the operator could not reasonably comply with the 30-day requirement and that the request has not been made immediately after the need for a permit has been determined, may assess the following additional one-time site fee, which shall be paid before the Department issues a permit:

 

1)         When the inspection is to be conducted during normal inspection hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time) Tuesday through Friday, an additional fee of $250 per site shall be assessed.

 

2)         When the inspection is to be conducted outside normal inspection hours, an additional fee of $500 per site shall be assessed.

 

e)         When an operator cancels an inspection and fails to notify the Department or the inspector involved bythe close of business on the day before the scheduled inspection, the Department, depending upon the circumstances surrounding the cancellation and lack of notice, may charge a one-time fee in the amount prescribed by subsection (d)(1) or (d)(2) for the canceled inspection and rescheduling the inspection.  This fee must be paid before the Department issues a permit.

 

(Source:  Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 9899, effective May 26, 2022)

 

Section 6000.60  Revocation of Permit to Operate (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 11 Ill. Reg. 19650, effective November 18, 1987)

 

Section 6000.65  Suspension of Permit to Operate

 

a)         The Director may deny, suspend or revoke the permit to operate when the amusement ride or amusement attraction does not meet the requirements of the Act or this Part or has been operated in violation of the Act or this Part, or for other good cause under the meaning and purposes of the Act.  The amusement ride or amusement attraction may not be operated while the permit is denied, suspended or revoked.

 

b)         If the Department denies, suspends or revokes a permit or issues a Stop Operation Order as provided in Section 6000.180, it shall notify, in writing, the owner and, if the owner is neither the person operating nor controlling, nor has the duty to control, the operation of the amusement ride or amusement attraction, the Department shall also notify that person of the basis for the Department's action. If the Department issues a Stop Operation Order, the notice shall also include the conditions requiring correction at the time the Stop Operation Order is issued.

 

c)         If a person whose permit has been suspended or revoked, whose application for a permit has been denied, or who has received a Stop Operation Order believes that the violation or condition justifying suspension, revocation, Stop Operation Order or denial does not exist, the person may appeal the Department's decision by filing a written request for a hearing within 10 working days after the Department's decision. Failure to file an appeal and request for a hearing shall cause the decision of the Department to become a final administrative decision subject to the Administrative Review Law [735 ILCS 5/Art. III].

 

d)         Unless otherwise mutually agreed by the parties, the Department shall schedule a hearing within 48 hours after the request for hearing.

 

e)         Service of notice of a hearing shall be made by personal service or certified mail to the address shown on the application for permit, or to any other address on file with the Department and reasonably believed to be the current address of the permit holder.

 

f)         The written notice of a hearing shall specify the time, date and location of the hearing and the reasons for the action proposed by the Department.

 

g)         At the hearing, the Department shall have the burden of establishing good cause for its action. Good cause shall be considered shown when the Department establishes that the ride or amusement attraction has been operating without a permit or the operator has failed to comply with the requirements for a permit as provided for under the Act and this Part. 

 

h)         The hearing under this Section shall comply with the Department's Rules of Procedure in Administrative Hearings (56 Ill. Adm. Code 120), except that formal discovery, such as production requests, interrogatories, requests to admit and depositions shall not be allowed.  Prior to hearing, the parties shall exchange documents and witness lists and may issue subpoenas.

 

i)          The final decision by the Department shall be rendered within 5 working days after the conclusion of the hearing. The Administrative Law Judge's decision shall be deemed a final administrative decision by the Department, subject to the Administrative Review Law.

 

j)          In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by this Part, the day of the act, event or default after which the designated period of time begins to run is not to be included, and the designated period shall run until the end of the last day, or the next following working day.

 

k)         If a party seeks judicial review of a final administrative decision, that party shall pay the actual cost to the Department of preparing the administrative record and filing the record in court.  Payment shall be by electronic fund transfer, check or money order made payable to the Illinois Department of Labor.

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)

 

Section 6000.70  Amusement Ride and Amusement Attraction Design and Construction

 

All amusement rides and amusement attractions shall meet the manufacturer's standards and specifications.  No amusement ride or amusement attraction manufactured or undergoing major alterations after April 29, 1986 shall be placed in service unless:

 

a)         The owner is supplied with a manual containing the operation procedures established by ASTM F770-18; and

 

b)         It complies with ASTM F2291-21.

 

(Source:  Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 9899, effective May 26, 2022)

 

Section 6000.80  Insurance

 

No person shall operate an amusement ride or amusement attraction unless there is in force a  current liability insurance policy or policies, with coverage in amounts at least as great as those required by Section 2-14 of the Act.

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)

 

Section 6000.85  Requirements for Liability Insurance

 

The owner, operator, agent or manager shall have in force liability insurance in the amounts specified in Section 2-14 of the Act.

 

a)         Liability Insurance

 

1)         Proof of insurance shall be a copy of the policy or policies, including all endorsements, or a certificate of insurance issued by the insurer and filed with the Department's Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Division.

 

2)         The company or companies affording coverage shall have a current Best's Financial Strength Rating of "B+" or better and a current Best's Financial Size Category of class "V" or better.

 

3)         Policies and certificates issued by companies not a part of the Illinois Insurance Guaranty Fund shall bear a surplus lines stamp.

 

b)         Self-Insured Governmental Bodies

 

1)         A governmental body that is self-insured shall submit a Statement of Self-Insurance at least as great as those required by Section 2-14 of the Act.

 

2)         If the governmental body's self-insurance is not as great as required, then the body shall also submit documentation of its excess coverage, either through a conventional insurance company or an insurance pool.  If the excess coverage is through a conventional insurance carrier, then the A.M. Best ratings as stated in this Section shall apply.  If a pool is used, the pool shall be registered with the Department of Insurance, and shall submit a financial statement to the Department's Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Division evidencing a surplus to liability ratio of at least 2.5 to 1.

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)

 

Section 6000.90  Penalties

 

a)         Any person who operates an amusement ride or amusement attraction at a carnival, amusement enterprise, or fair without having obtained a permit from the Department or who violates any order or rule issued by the Department under the Act is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.  Each day shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.  (Section 2-15 of the Act)

 

b)         Any person who interferes with, impedes, or obstructs in any manner the Director or any authorized representative of the Department in the performance of their duties under the Act is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.  (Section 2-15 of the Act)

 

c)         The Department may assess a civil penalty not to exceed $2,500 per violation for a first violation and not to exceed $5,000 for a second or subsequent violation to any person who owns or operates an amusement ride or amusement attraction without having obtained a permit from the Department in violation of the Act.  (Section 2-15 of the Act)

 

d)         The Department may assess a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $5,000 for a first offense, not to exceed $10,000 for a second offense, and a subsequent offense shall result in the revocation of a permit to operate in accordance with Section 2-8.1 of the Act to any person that owns or operates a carnival or fair that fails to conduct a criminal history records check or a sex offender registry check for carnival or amusement enterprise workers in its employ, as required by the Act.  (Section 2-20 of the Act)

 

e)         When the Department assesses a penalty in accordance with subsection (c) or (d), the Department shall notify the owner/operator of the grounds for its action.

 

f)         If a person against whom the penalty has been assessed wishes to challenge the basis for the penalty or the amount of the penalty, the person may appeal the Department's decision by filing a written request for a hearing within 10 working days after the Department's action. Failure to file an appeal and request for a hearing shall cause the decision of the Department to become a final decision of the Department, subject to the Administrative Review Law.

 

g)         Service of notice of a hearing shall be made by personal service or certified mail to the address shown on the application for permit, or to any other address on file with the Department and reasonably believed to be the current address of the permit holder.

 

h)         The written notice of a hearing shall specify the time, date and location of the hearing.

 

i)          At the hearing, the Department shall have the burden of establishing the violation for which the penalty has been assessed.

 

j)          The hearing under this Section shall comply with the Department's Rules of Procedure in Administrative Hearings (56 Ill. Adm. Code 120), except that formal discovery, such as production requests, interrogatories, requests to admit and depositions shall not be allowed.  Prior to hearing, the parties shall exchange documents and witness lists and have the right to issue subpoenas.

 

k)         The Administrative Law Judge's decision shall be deemed a final administrative decision of the Department, subject to the Administrative Review Law.

 

l)          In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by this Part, the day of the act, event or default after which the designated period of time begins to run is not to be included, and the designated period shall run until the end of the last day, or the next following working day.

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)

 

Section 6000.100  Employment of Carnival and Amusement Enterprise Workers

 

a)         All persons that own or operate a carnival, amusement enterprise, or fair must conduct a criminal history records check and perform a check of the National Sex Offender Public Website (www.nsopr.gov) for carnival or amusement enterprise workers 17 years of age or older at the time the worker is hired.  This check must be performed annually for workers. The only exception to the requirement for the annual check is for workers who remain in the continuous employment of the entity.  A worker who works only during the season but works each season is not exempt from the annual check.  The annual check for a seasonal employee must be performed before the employee commences active employment each season.

 

b)         No person that owns or operates a carnival, amusement enterprise, or fair shall employ a carnival or amusement enterprise worker who has been convicted of any offense set forth in Article 11 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012 [720 ILCS 5], is a registered sex offender as defined in the Sex Offender Registration Act [730 ILCS 150], or has ever been convicted of any offense set forth in Article 9 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or 2012.  The provisions of this Section shall apply to any employees who may have been continuously employed and may not have been subject to the requirements of subsection (a) by virtue of having been hired prior to the effective date of the criminal history and background check requirements.

 

c)         In order to comply with Section 20(c) of the Act requiring a substance abuse policy that must include random drug testing, the person that operates the carnival, amusement enterprise, or fair must demonstrate the policy is enforced in practice.  The policy must be in writing and must have been distributed to all affected employees, and there must be records documenting that employees have undergone random drug testing.  The requirements of the Act are not satisfied if the random drug testing procedure has not been implemented in practice. 

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)

 

Section 6000.110  Assembly and Disassembly

 

a)         The attendant of an amusement ride or amusement attraction shall comply with the manufacturer's construction manual for the assembly and disassembly of the amusement ride or amusement attraction.  The manufacturer's construction manual shall be available for inspection by the Department. In the absence of a manufacturer's operating manual, the attendant or manager shall have the written step by step procedure or other documents used by the attendant for the assembly and disassembly of the amusement ride or amusement attraction.

 

b)         Amusement rides and amusement attractions shall be kept away from overhead electrical lines, except for the electric power supply to each amusement ride or amusement attraction, by a minimum of 15 feet.

 

c)         Quality of Assembly.  Assembly work shall be in accordance with the manufacturers requirement or, in the absence of manufacturers requirements, in accordance with industry accepted standards.

 

d)         Quality and Inspection of Parts.  Parts worn beyond manufacturers specifications shall not be used.  Close visual inspection of parts shall be made during assembly to discover such wear or damage and immediate inspection of fastening devices shall be made after assembly to assure that they have been properly installed.

 

e)         Before being used by the public, amusement rides and amusement attractions shall be placed on or secured with blocking, cribbing, outriggers, guys, or other means as to be stable under all operating conditions.

 

1)         Long guy wires or braces utilized for amusement ride or amusement attraction support shall be clearly marked with streamers or other devices to attract attention when located in pedestrian or traffic patterns.

 

2)         Cement, brick, or stone type blocks shall not be used for blocking, cribbing or outriggers.  Brick or similar type blocks may be permitted on buildings such as bumper cars and on platforms, cat walks, ramps, stairs and stations of amusement rides or amusement attractions that bear no weight of the amusement ride or amusement attraction.

 

3)         Cribbing or crossing of blocks shall be required when more than 2 tiers high.  The height of the blocking shall not exceed the width of the base.

 

f)         All amusement rides and amusement attractions, such as but not limited to passenger tramways, where restoration of electric power could create a hazard shall be provided with a main disconnect switch capable of being locked only in the off position.

 

g)         The path of travel of an amusement ride or amusement attraction shall have a clearance to ensure that a passenger on the amusement ride or amusement attraction cannot be injured by contacting any structural member or other fixed object when the passenger is in the recommended riding position.

 

h)         All amusement rides or amusement attractions shall be adequately shielded to provide protection to spectators and riders.

 

1)         Fences shall be erected to resist moving or tipping and shall prevent inadvertent contact between the spectator and rider.  In determining whether an amusement ride or amusement attraction is adequately fenced, the inspector shall consider the maximum diameter and height of the amusement ride or amusement attraction operated at the manufacturers maximum recommendation.  All barriers purchased after the adoption of this part, shall be at least 36 inches high for major rides and 24 inches high for kiddie rides and shall be located at a safe distance from the amusement ride or amusement attraction.

 

2)         All power units shall be shielded by:

 

A)        Fencing around unit;

 

B)        Mesh guarding over unit; or

 

C)        Total enclosure.

 

i)          Leveling and alignment shall be to manufacturers specifications.

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)

 

Section 6000.120  Requirements for Operation

 

No amusement ride or amusement attraction shall be operated for public use at a carnival, amusement enterprise, or fair in this State without an attendant or assistant.  The attendant or assistant may be an employee or volunteer.

 

a)         All attendants or assistants shall be at least 16 years of age.

 

b)         The attendant shall operate no more than one amusement ride or amusement attraction at any given time, even if automatic timing devices are used to control the time cycle of the amusement ride or amusement attraction.

 

c)         Attendants and assistants shall be trained in the proper use and operation of the amusement ride or amusement attraction as provided for in ASTM F770-18, ASTM 2374-17, and ASTM F2970-20.

 

d)         The attendant or assistant shall ensure that all passenger safety devices are in place around patrons before starting.

 

e)         The attendant or assistant shall be within arm's length of the operator's station when the amusement ride or amusement attraction is in use.

 

f)         The attendant or assistant shall not operate any amusement ride or amusement attraction while under the influence of alcohol or any drug or combination of drugs to a degree that renders the operator incapable of safely operating the amusement ride or amusement attraction.  For the purposes of this Section, the term "drug" includes any substance defined as a drug by Section 102(t) of the Illinois Controlled Substance Act.

 

g)         The attendant and/or assistant shall ensure that no one is permitted on an amusement ride or amusement attraction while carrying any article, i.e., food, beverages, packages, lighted cigarettes, etc., which could endanger the rider or spectators.

 

h)         The record of attendant and assistant training required by subsection (c) shall be kept on file by the owner or operator and be made available to the inspector during inspection and upon request by the Department.

 

i)          The attendant or assistant shall not use a cellular phone or any other handheld mobile device except when the use is in conjunction with the operations of the amusement ride or amusement attraction or the performance of the attendant's/assistant's duties, nor shall an attendant or assistant engage in any other activities that distract the attendant/assistant from the attendant's or assistant's duties while operating an amusement ride or amusement attraction.

 

j)          Each amusement ride or amusement attraction shall clearly post at each entrance of the amusement ride or amusement attraction the height requirements, age requirements and any other restrictions set forth by the manufacturer or any more stringent requirements than those set forth by the manufacturer and imposed by the operator.

 

k)         This subsection (k) does not apply to volunteers.

 

1)         The owner or operator must comply with all the requirements of Section 2-20 of the Act regarding the employment of carnival or amusement enterprise workers, criminal history records checks, sex offender registry checks, and the maintenance of a substance abuse policy for carnival or amusement enterprise workers. 

 

2)         The owner or operator shall be required to acknowledge in writing that the owner or operator understands its obligations under the Act and confirm that the required criminal history records check and national search of sex offender registry checks have been performed.  Upon annual inspection or reinspection, the owner or operator shall provide written evidence that the criminal history records check and the sex offender registry check have been completed for each carnival or amusement enterprise worker in its employ.  If the documentation is not available upon inspection, the Department may grant the owner or operator five calendar days to obtain and provide documentation to the Department showing that the checks were requested and the results were received for each carnival or amusement enterprise worker.  An owner or operator shall provide copies of the results of the criminal records check and the sex offender registry checks to the Department upon inspection or request by the Department.  These records shall be maintained by the owner or operator for two years unless the records relate to an ongoing investigation or enforcement action under the Act, in which case the records must be maintained until after their destruction is authorized by the Department or court order.

 

3)         The owner or operator shall also be required to provide written documentation that the owner or operator maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing of carnival or amusement enterprise workers.

 

(Source:  Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 9899, effective May 26, 2022)

 

Section 6000.130  Authority Regarding Passenger Safety

 

a)         The owner or operator of an amusement ride or amusement attraction may remove a person from, or deny a person entry to, an amusement ride or amusement attraction if, in the owner's or operator's opinion, the entry or conduct may jeopardize the safety of that person or the safety of any other person.  (Section 2-19 of the Act)

 

b)         Any amusement ride or amusement attraction that is subject to guardian, height or weight requirement established by manufacturer, manager or attendant shall have that restriction in plain view at the entrance to the amusement ride or amusement attraction. The restriction may not be waived.

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)

 

Section 6000.140  Signal Systems

 

a)         When the attendant has an obstructed view of the area where the passengers are loaded and unloaded a signal system shall be provided and utilized for controlling, starting and stopping an amusement ride or amusement attraction.

 

b)         The signal system adopted for the amusement ride or amusement attraction shall be printed and kept posted at both the attendant and assistant stations.

 

c)         Signal systems shall be tested each day before the opening of the amusement ride or amusement attraction to the public.  An amusement ride or amusement attraction requiring a signal system may not be operated if the system is not operational.

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)

 

Section 6000.150  Daily Inspection and Test

 

a)         Amusement rides and amusement attractions shall be inspected and tested on each day they are intended to be used.  This inspection shall be made by a trained attendant as defined in Section 6000.120(c).  Results of these daily inspections shall be recorded on industry approved forms or other forms approved by the Department. Completed inspection forms shall be certified by the manager.  The record of daily inspection shall be kept on file by the manager for one calendar year and be made available to the inspector during inspection.

 

b)         The inspection and test shall include the operation of control devices, speed limiting devices, brakes, anti-roll back dogs, and other equipment provided for safety.

 

c)         The amusement ride or amusement attraction shall be operated through a minimum of one ride sequence.

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)

 

Section 6000.160  Reports

 

a)         Personal Injury Report.  The owner or manager of an amusement ride or amusement attraction shall report a serious injury to the Department within 24 hours after the incident by telephone or other means of immediate communication.  An owner or manager shall confirm in writing to the Director all such accidents within 48 hours after the incident.  The report of an accident shall be on a form supplied by the Department.

 

b)         Fatal Accident Reports:

 

1)         An owner or manager shall as soon as physically possible report to the Director all fatal accidents resulting from the operation of an amusement ride or amusement attraction.

 

2)         The initial report shall be made by telephone and followed within 24 hours in writing.

 

3)         If the fatality is related to a major breakdown the Department shall initiate an investigation within 24 hours of initial notification.

 

4)         The amusement ride or amusement attraction shall not be moved or repaired without the Department's written approval.  This rule shall not be construed to hinder any action by emergency response personnel or to prevent the elimination of any obvious safety hazard.

 

5)         The owner or manager shall afford the Department every facility for inspection.  The owner or manager shall provide all information or facts known as to the cause of fatal accidents.

 

c)         If a reportable injury occurs, as outlined in subsection (a), the equipment or conditions that caused the injury must be preserved for an investigation by the Department unless the Department determines an investigation to be unnecessary.

 

(Source:  Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 9899, effective May 26, 2022)

 

Section 6000.170  Maintenance

 

a)         Periodic maintenance as required or recommended by the amusement ride or amusement attraction manufacturer shall be performed.  The maintenance shall be recorded on a log documenting daily maintenance, which shall detail the maintenance performed, the date performed and by whom performed, and that shall be available for review by the Department.  

 

b)         Maintenance records shall be maintained for one calendar year.

 

(Source:  Amended at 38 Ill. Reg. 18668, effective August 26, 2014)

 

Section 6000.180  Stop Operation Order

 

a)         The Department of Labor may order, in writing, a temporary and immediate cessation of operation of any amusement ride or amusement attraction if it:

 

1)         Has been determined after inspection to be hazardous or unsafe;

 

2)         Is in operation before the Director has issued a permit to operate that equipment; or

 

3)         The owner or operator is not in compliance with the insurance requirements contained in Section 2-14 of the Act. (Section 2-12 of the Act)

 

b)         Reinspection shall be performed within three working days after the Department has been notified where and when a reinspection can be performed.

 

c)         Only the Director may remove, deface in any manner, or cover a Stop Operation Order sticker after it has been applied to an amusement ride or amusement attraction.

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)

 

Section 6000.190  Fire Prevention and Protection

 

a)         The inspector shall waive the requirement that an owner or agent be inspected under this Section prior to operation if an owner or agent gives satisfactory proof that all amusement rides, amusement attractions, and the carnival or fair site have passed an inspection conducted by the State Fire Marshal or the local fire protection agency.  The inspection by the State Fire Marshal or local fire protection agency must have been conducted no more than 5 days prior to the department's inspection and must have been conducted in accordance with standards and requirements that are at least equal to those requirements and standards applicable to fire protection and prevention established in this Part.

 

b)         If the inspection requirements have not been waived under the requirements of Section 6000.190(a), then the following shall apply.

 

1)         The manager shall provide a portable fire extinguisher complying with NFPA 10 within 125 feet of any amusement ride, amusement attraction, or electrical distribution system. 

 

2)         Flammable waste, such as oily rags and other flammable or combustible materials, shall be placed in a covered metal container that shall be kept in easily accessible locations.  The containers shall not be kept at or near access, egress or aisles.

 

3)         Fire and smoke detecting systems shall be installed in each building or structure used in an amusement ride or amusement attraction that requires a darkened interior during operation.

 

4)         Gasoline, other flammable liquids and flammable gases shall be stored in reasonably cool and ventilated places in accordance with NFPA 30.

 

A)        Dispensing of these liquids shall be from approved safety cans painted red and marked with the word "Gasoline" in ½" high letters in a contrasting color.  Damaged or leaking fuel containers are prohibited.

 

B)        Smoking and/or the carrying of open flame, lighted cigars, cigarettes, or pipes is prohibited in any area where these liquids or gases are stored or transferred from one container to another.

 

C)        Bulk storage (quantities over 12 gallons) is not permitted in any area accessible to the public.

 

5)         Fabric constituting part of an amusement ride or amusement attraction shall meet the flame spread ratings of NFPA 701. A certificate or a test report from the fabric manufacturer or approved testing agency indicating a fire resistance rating equal to or better than the above standard shall be available upon request.

 

6)         "No Smoking" signs shall be posted at the entrances/exits to all amusement rides or amusement attractions that require a darkened interior during operation.

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)

 

Section 6000.200  Internal Combustion Engines

 

a)         Under no circumstances shall the fuel supply be replenished while the engine is running.

 

b)         Any enclosed area in which an internal combustion engine is operated shall be ventilated and exhaust fumes shall be discharged outside the area.

 

Section 6000.210  Means of Access and Egress

 

a)         Steps, ramps and floors that provide access to and egress from amusement rides and amusement attractions shall be uniform in rise with firm mountings and wide enough to permit free movement of people.

 

b)         Exit doors shall swing outward and if normally latched shall be equipped with panic bars, pressure plates or similar devices that open when simple pressure is applied.

 

c)         Illumination, either natural or artificial, shall be provided at all regular and emergency exits so that safe egress is assured.

 

Section 6000.220  Electrical Equipment − Amusement Rides and Amusement Attractions

 

a)         Effective January 1, 2010, all electrical equipment related to amusement rides and amusement attractions must comply with NFPA 70, Article 525.

 

b)         Lock Out.  A means shall be provided for locking out the power source to the amusement ride, amusement attraction, and equipment for maintenance, repair or inspection.  This may be a padlock latch on the main switch.

 

c)         High Voltage Lines.  The outlets for electric power lines carrying more than 120 volts shall be clearly marked by a contrasting color marking pen or paint, a name label or a steel stencil imprint to show the voltage.

 

d)         Outdoor Apparatus and Wiring.  Electrical apparatus and wiring located outdoors shall be of such quality and so constructed or protected that exposure to weather will not interfere with its normal operation.

 

e)         Grounding

 

1)         Five wire electrical systems shall be grounded at the main power generator or main distribution panel.  The neutral wire and equipment ground shall not be bonded together at any amusement ride or amusement attraction.

 

2)         All other electrical systems shall have individual ground rods connected to the amusement ride or amusement attraction frame.  The neutral wire and equipment ground shall not be bonded together at any amusement ride or amusement attraction.

 

3)         Sufficient electrodes to achieve 25 ohms or less resistance to ground shall be utilized.

 

4)         Any motor operating on 50 or more volts shall have its frame grounded.

 

f)         Overcurrent Protection.  Conductors shall be provided with overcurrent protection devices according to load. No such device shall be installed in neutral or grounding conductors.

 

g)         Receptacles and Caps.  All receptacles and attachment caps shall be of the grounding type.

 

h)         Each amusement ride or amusement attraction not designed to be controlled directly by the passenger shall be provided with a fused power disconnect switch placed within arm's length of the attendant's station.

 

i)          Safety Stop Circuits:

 

1)         The resumption of operation after a system shutdown caused by loss of power or activation of a safety circuit or stop shall require manual restarting by the attendant.

 

2)         Safety circuits shall not be bypassed during operation.

 

j)          Emergency Lighting.  If an amusement ride or amusement attraction requires a darkened interior during operation each building or structure shall be equipped with a battery powered emergency lighting system.  In addition to a manual switch at the attendant's station, the system shall activate automatically when either a power failure occurs or the smoke and fire detection alarm sounds.

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)

 

Section 6000.230  Hydraulic Systems

 

a)         Hydraulic systems and related equipment used in connection with amusement rides or amusement attractions shall be maintained per manufacturers specifications to ensure safe operation at all times.

 

b)         All systems shall have a manual lowering valve or bypass system.

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)

 

Section 6000.240  Air Compressors and Equipment

 

a)         Air compressors, air compressor tanks, and equipment used in connection with any amusement ride or amusement attraction shall be constructed, equipped, and maintained per manufacturers specifications to insure safe operation at all times.

 

b)         Air compressor tanks, and equipment shall be inspected and tested to manufacturers specifications and a record of the last inspection made shall be kept and made available to the inspector upon request.

 

c)         Air compressor tanks shall be drained daily to remove condensate.

 

d)         Air compressor tanks and other air receivers used in connection with air compressors shall have the maximum allowable working pressure as determined by the manufacturer marked thereon.

 

e)         Tanks shall have a pressure indicating gage.

 

f)         Safety valves shall be used in every air pressure system to prevent the pressure from rising more than 10% above the maximum working pressure of the tank.

 

Section 6000.250  Wire Rope

 

a)         Wire rope used on amusement rides and amusement attractions shall be thoroughly examined periodically per amusement ride or amusement attraction manufacturer's specifications.

 

b)         Wire rope found damaged shall be replaced with new wire rope conforming to specifications set forth by the amusement ride or amusement attraction manufacturer. Any of the following conditions shall be cause for wire rope replacement:

 

1)         In running ropes, 6 randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay, or three broken wires in one strand in one rope lay.  A rope lay being the length along the rope required for one strand to make one revolution around the rope;

 

2)         In pendants or standing ropes (ropes bearing the entire load or subjected to constant pressure or shock loading), evidence of more than one broken wire in one rope lay;

 

3)         Abrasion, scrubbing or peening causing loss of more than ⅓ of the original diameter of the outside wires;

 

4)         Corrosion which results in surface pitting on the wires;

 

5)         Kinking, crushing, birdcaging, or other damage resulting in distortion of the rope structure causing some members of the rope structure carrying more load than others;

 

6)         Heat damage;

 

7)         Reduction from the normal diameter of the wire rope of more than ³/₆₄ inch for diameters up to and including ¾ inch; ¹/₁₆ inch for diameters over ¾ inch up to and including 1¹/₁₈ inches; ³/₃₂ inch for diameters over 1¹/₁₈ inches up to 1½ inches;

 

8)         Any rust that cannot be removed by wiping the wire rope with an oily rag or development of broken wires in the vicinity of attachments.  If this condition is localized in an operating rope, the section in question may be eliminated by making a new attachment; and

 

9)         Wire ropes used to support, suspend, bear or control forces and weights involved in the movement and utilization of tubs, cars, chairs, seats, gondolas, other carriers, the sweeps, or other supporting members of an amusement ride or amusement attraction shall not be lengthened or repaired by splicing.

 

c)         When using U-bolt clips, the U section of each clip must contact the dead end or short end of the wire rope.

 

d)         Mechanical devices, such as rollers, drums or sheaves, shall not have any chipping, unequal wear, surface roughness or deterioration in any area that contacts the wire rope.

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)

 

Section 6000.260  Chain

 

a)         Twisted wire or stamped chain is not permitted.

 

b)         Chains with manufacturers certified load carrying capacities must be utilized for safety devices and stress bearing applications.

 

c)         Any of the following shall be cause for chain replacement:

 

1)         A 10% reduction in material diameter at the worn portion of the link;

 

2)         A twisted or disfigured link;

 

3)         Physical deterioration of a link by strain, usage, rust or corrosion;

 

4)         Used for a purpose other than that for which the manufacturer recommended; or

 

5)         Used to carry a load in excess of the manufacturer's working load limit.

 

d)         Cold Shuts, "S" hooks, repair and lap links, and other hardware grade attachments must be welded shut if used to support passengers.

 

(Source:  Amended at 18 Ill. Reg. 13384, effective September 1, 1994)

 

Section 6000.270  Inflatable Amusement Attractions

 

All inflatable amusement attractions shall meet the manufacturer's standards and specifications.

 

a)         Anchorage in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications shall be provided for inflatable amusement attractions and examined daily.

 

b)         The fabric on inflatable amusement attractions shall be examined daily for rips and tears and those found shall be repaired immediately.

 

c)         Ventilators and fans shall be shielded by one of the following methods:

 

1)         Fencing around unit;

 

2)         Mesh guarding over unit; or

 

3)         Total enclosure.

 

d)         Covered or enclosed inflatable amusement attractions shall be so designed that if a power failure occurs the structure will remain substantially erect for more than the time required to evacuate the normal rated occupancy or 5 minutes, whichever is the longer period.

 

e)         No inflatable amusement attraction shall be placed in service unless the owner:

 

1)         Complies with the applicable ASTM F2374 standard (ASTM F2374-17 for attractions manufactured on or after January 1, 2021; ASTM F2374-10 otherwise); and

 

2)         Complies with ASTM F2374-17, Appendices X2 (Anchoring System Design) and X7 (Staking Guidelines).

 

f)         No inflatable amusement attraction manufactured after January 1, 2020 shall be placed in service unless the owner:

 

1)         Receives certification that the attraction has been designed, constructed and tested to the standards established by ASTM F2374-17;

 

2)         Obtains and complies with the manual containing the operation procedures established by ASTM F2374-17; and

 

3)         Obtains and complies with the maintenance procedures manual established by ASTM F2374-17. 

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)

 

Section 6000.280  Non-Destructive Testing

 

a)         The owner or agent shall provide the Department with a certificate of non-destructive testing for each part for which the manufacturer recommends or the Board requires testing.

 

b)         Persons performing non-destructive testing on amusement ride or amusement attraction components, also known as "technicians" under this Section, must be qualified as NDT Level II or III in accordance with the ASNT Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A.  Only qualified individuals may perform non-destructive testing on amusement ride or amusement attraction components.  The Department may require submission of technicians' current certifications or accept previously submitted certifications.

 

c)         The Department shall maintain and disseminate a listing of all amusement ride or amusement attraction components requiring non-destructive testing. This list shall include the test specifications and frequency of testing.

 

d)         A separate non-destructive testing report must be submitted for each amusement ride or amusement attraction. Each non-destructive test report must contain all of the following information or the test will be rejected by the Department:

 

1)         The name of the amusement ride or amusement attraction.

 

2)         The name of the amusement company for which the non-destructive test technician is performing the non-destructive test. The company name indicated on the report must be the same company name indicated on the permit application.

 

3)         The name of the manufacturer of the amusement ride or amusement attraction.

 

4)         The amusement ride's or amusement attraction's serial number. The technician's signature indicates verification that the serial number indicated on the form is the true serial number of the amusement ride or amusement attraction being tested.

 

5)         The date the non-destructive test was performed.

 

6)         A statement identifying each part of the amusement ride or amusement attraction that the manufacturer or the Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Board requires to be tested, and verifying that the test was performed in compliance with such requirements.

 

7)         The manufacturer's bulletin numbers applicable to the amusement ride or amusement attraction.

 

8)         A statement indicating the results of the tests performed.

 

9)         The name, address, and telephone number of the testing firm.

 

10)         The name, business address, and business telephone number of the technician performing the test. 

 

11)         The signature and printed name of the person who performed the non-destructive test and the person's level of certification with the American Society for Nondestructive Testing.

 

e)         If a manufacturer has required an overhaul or mandatory replacement of any part of an amusement ride or amusement attraction, the owner or operator must submit proof that the overhaul or replacement was completed with the permit application. An invoice will suffice for proof of replacement parts.

 

(Source:  Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 9899, effective May 26, 2022)

 

Section 6000.290  Ski Lifts, Aerial Tramways, and Rope Tows

 

            a)         New Construction and Alteration

 

1)         All new construction must be registered with the Department before installation is commenced.  This registration shall provide the name and mailing address of the owner or agent, the location of the installation, the design and location information cited in the section of the ANSI B77.1 that is applicable to the type of installation being registered.

 

2)         The movement of an existing installation to a new location shall be considered new construction.

 

3)         A newly constructed aerial tramway shall be subjected to an acceptance test and inspection as defined in the ANSI B77.1 for the installation being inspected before the installation is used by the public.  These tests shall be witnessed by the Department.

 

4)         Engineering and architectural work shall be performed by or under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer.

 

b)         Inspection, Operation, Maintenance and Repair

 

1)         After accidental activation of a safety stop or gate, the attendant shall make an inspection to determine the cause.  No safety stop or gate may be installed which will allow automatic restart.  The attendant shall physically restart the tramway.

 

2)         Debris and foreign material shall not be allowed on, in, under, or around a passenger tramway.  Spillage or leakage of grease, gasoline, oil, or other petroleum products shall be immediately cleaned up and, if due to mechanical fault, the fault shall be corrected.

 

3)         Each snow-grooming and other authorized vehicles, except a snowmobile, shall conspicuously display a flashing or rotating yellow light when the vehicle is on, or in the vicinity of, a passenger tramway or tow.  A snowmobile shall be permitted in the vicinity of a passenger tramway or tow only in emergency situations and must have a least one operating white light or flashing beacon on the front of the snowmobile.

 

4)         No attendant or assistant may act as ticket seller or receive money while the aerial tramway is in operation.

 

c)         Any aerial tramway malfunction that results in evacuation of passengers shall be considered a major breakdown.  The Department shall be notified within 24 hours after the occurrence by telephone or other means of immediate communication.  The owner or manager shall confirm in writing to the Director all such incidents within 48 hours after the occurrence of the incident.

 

d)         Any serious injury or fatality resulting from the operation of an aerial tramway or tow shall be handled as required by Section 6000.160.

 

(Source:  Amended at 34 Ill. Reg. 763, effective December 29, 2009)

 

Section 6000.300  Go-Karts, Dune Buggies, and All-Terrain Vehicles (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 28 Ill. Reg. 10569, effective July 19, 2004)

 

Section 6000.302  Outdoor and Indoor Concession Go-Karts

 

a)         Vehicle Requirements

 

1)         All vehicles shall be equipped with driver padding and passenger padding, if applicable, including, but not limited to, steering wheel pad, headrest pad, steering wheel support post and seat cushions.

 

2)         All vehicles shall be guarded to prevent interlocking of wheels during operation.

 

3)         All vehicles equipped with seat belts shall be equipped with a roll over protection system.

 

4)         Vehicles' shall be equipped with a guarding system that covers or encloses all rotating parts of the drive mechanism except the tires.  The guarding system shall also cover the exhaust to protect the passenger when entering or exiting the vehicle.

 

5)         Vehicles' fuel tanks shall be mounted and/or guarded in such manner that provides protection to the passenger during operation and if an accident should occur.  Fuel tank caps shall conform to ANSI SAE J-1241.

 

6)         Wheels shall be retained by a castellated nut and cotter pin or other positive method recommended by the manufacturer.  Nuts with inserts of nylon or other material shall not be re-used.

 

b)         Track and Course Requirements

 

1)         The surface of the track or course used by go-karts shall be of a solid and binding material.

 

2)         A barrier system shall be installed around the inner and outer edges of the track or course used by go-karts.  It shall be securely anchored and extend the entire length of the track or course.  The system may be a guardrail, rubber tires, a runoff strip or embankment of friable earth or gravel or a combination thereof.

 

A)        When rubber tires are used for a barrier system, these tires shall be free of the rims and/or wheels.  They shall be fastened together to form a continuous train.  Tires shall never be stacked over two high.

 

B)        If a metal or fiberglass rail is used as the barrier, the rail surface shall be kept free of sharp or protruding edges or seams and shall be maintained so that there are no loose or unsecured areas.

 

C)        A barrier system shall be installed to designate and protect opposing traffic, the pit area or passenger loading area.

 

D)        No one shall have access to the track and courses other than properly admitted go-kart drivers, employees of the licensee, and other persons authorized by the license for the purpose of maintenance, etc.

 

3)         A fence or railing system shall be installed at maintenance buildings, driveways, pit areas, and fuel storage pumping areas to keep patrons awaiting amusement rides and spectators from entering these track areas without the permission of, or direction by, track personnel.

 

4)         No intersecting course configurations, including but not limited to a figure 8 course configuration, shall be permitted.

 

c)         Operation

 

1)         The attendants or assistants shall be able to clearly view the entire course.

 

2)         Fire extinguishers shall be charged and readily available to the track personnel at all times in accordance with ASTM F-2007-12 .

 

3)         The refueling of vehicles with internal combustion engines or the charging of batteries in electric powered karts shall take place in the pit areas.

 

4)         All storage containers of gasoline and other flammables shall be in accordance with Section 6000.190 (Fire Prevention and Protection).

 

5)         Beginning at twilight at an outdoor operation, track lighting is required.  During indoor operation, track lighting is required.  Track lighting shall be in accordance with ASTM F-2007-12.

 

6)         Monitoring

 

A)        A signal system shall be installed to safely alert the drivers of the vehicles to a caution situation or to stop the vehicles in case of an emergency.  This signal system may consist of, but is not limited to, a hand-held flag system or a set of lights visible to the drivers.  The system shall be explained to the drivers before operating any vehicle.

 

B)        Effective January 1, 2006, each vehicle shall be equipped with a throttle control device that can be activated from the ride attendant's station.

 

7)         A separate and distinct maintenance log shall be kept for each vehicle.  The maintenance logs shall be kept on a daily basis and kept available for inspector's review.  All replacement of parts should be documented in the maintenance log for that vehicle.  A comment section should be provided.  On a daily basis, the track mechanic shall sign each log sheet indicating that the vehicle is ready to operate.  This log shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:

 

A)        Brake inspection;

 

B)        Tire wear and pressure;

 

C)        Steering inspection;

 

D)        Body inspection;

 

E)        Padding inspection;

 

F)         Lubrication and engine oil check; and

 

G)        Drive mechanism.

 

8)         Only one patron per seat shall be permitted in each vehicle.  No in-line riding shall be permitted.

 

d)        Special Circumstances/Waiver of this Section

 

1)         The Director may approve an operating permit for an existing facility that does not meet the requirements of this Section if the following apply:

 

A)        A written request for waiver is submitted to the Director; and

 

B)        The facility requesting waiver was built and licensed prior to January 1, 2007.

 

2)         If, after January 1, 2007, any modifications are made to an existing track that would have otherwise been exempt under this Section, the existing track with the modifications shall not be eligible for a waiver and shall comply with this Section.

 

3)         Tracks constructed on or after January 1, 2007 shall comply with this Section and are not eligible for a waiver under subsection (d)(1).

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)

 

Section 6000.305  Racing Go-Karts

 

a)         Vehicle Requirements

 

1)         All vehicles shall be equipped with driver padding and passenger padding, if applicable, including, but not limited to, steering wheel pad, headrest pad, steering wheel support post and seat cushions.

 

2)         All vehicles shall be guarded to prevent interlocking of wheels during operation.

 

3)         All vehicles equipped with seat belts shall be equipped with a roll over protection system.

 

4)         Vehicles shall be equipped with a guarding system that covers or encloses all rotating parts of the drive mechanism except the tires.  The exhaust system shall be located or guarded to protect the passenger when entering or exiting the vehicle.

 

5)         Vehicles with fuel tanks shall have the tanks mounted and/or guarded in a manner that provides protection to the passenger during operation and if an accident should occur.  Fuel tank caps shall conform to ANSI SAE J-1241 and be designed and maintained so as not to leak.

 

6)         Wheels shall be retained by a castellated nut and cotter pin or other positive method recommended by the manufacturer.  Nuts with inserts of nylon or other material shall not be re-used.

 

b)         Track and Course Requirements

 

1)         The surface of the track or course used by go-karts shall be of a solid and binding material.

 

2)         A barrier system shall be installed around the inner and outer edges of the track or course used by go-karts and shall extend the entire length of the track or course.

 

A)        When rubber tires are used for a barrier system, these tires shall be free of the rims and/or wheels.  They shall be fastened together to form a continuous train.  Tires shall never be stacked over two high.

 

B)        If a metal or fiberglass rail is used as the barrier, the rail surface shall be kept free of sharp or protruding edges or seams and shall be maintained so that there are no loose or unsecured areas.

 

C)        A barrier system shall be installed to designate and protect the pit area or passenger loading area.

 

D)        Access to the entire track shall be restricted.

 

3)         A fence or railing system shall be installed at maintenance buildings or areas, driveways, pit areas, and fuel storage/pumping areas to keep patrons awaiting rides and spectators from entering these track areas without the permission of, or direction by, track personnel.

 

4)         No intersecting course configurations, including but not limited to a figure 8 course or opposing traffic configuration, shall be permitted.

 

c)         Operation

 

1)         The attendants or assistants shall be able to clearly view the entire course.

 

2)         Fire extinguishers shall be charged and readily available to the track personnel at all times.

 

3)         The refueling of the vehicles with internal combustion engines or the recharging and/or exchanging of batteries shall take place in the pit areas. 

 

4)         All storage containers of gasoline and other flammables shall be in accordance with Section 6000.190 (Fire Prevention and Protection).

 

5)         Beginning at twilight, track lighting is required and lighting is required for indoor tracks at all times during operations.

 

6)         Monitoring

 

A)        A signal system shall be installed to safely alert the drivers of the vehicles to a caution situation or to stop the vehicles in case of an emergency.  This signal system may consist of, but is not limited to, a hand-held flag system or a set of lights visible to the drivers.  The system shall be explained to the drivers before operating any vehicle.

 

B)        Effective January 1, 2006, each vehicle shall be equipped with a throttle control device that can be activated from the ride attendant's station.

 

7)         A separate and distinct maintenance log shall be kept for each vehicle.  The maintenance logs shall be kept on a daily basis and kept available for inspector review.  All replacing of parts should be noted.  A comment section should be provided.  The track mechanic shall sign each log sheet indicating that the vehicle is ready to operate.  This log shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:

 

A)        Brake inspection;

 

B)        Tire wear and pressure;

 

C)        Steering inspection;

 

D)        Body inspection;

 

E)        Padding inspection;

 

F)         Lubrication and engine oil check; and

 

G)        Drive mechanism.

 

8)         Only one patron per seat shall be permitted in each vehicle.  No in-line riding shall be permitted.

 

9)         Personal Safety Equipment.  Drivers of karts that are not equipped with seatbelts and roll bars shall wear the following personal safety equipment while on the track or course.

 

A)        Drivers of karts shall wear the following personal safety equipment while on the track or course:

 

i)          Head Gear – A full-face helmet with head sock complying with a Snell Foundation test specification as published in the Snell Helmet Safety Standards is mandatory.  A full-face shield is mandatory.  The helmet must be secured by a chinstrap.

 

ii)         Neck Brace – The use of unaltered collar-type neck brace designed for racing is mandatory.  Any driver losing his or her neck brace shall immediately precede to the pits and may, upon replacing the missing neck brace, return to the track.

 

B)        Drivers of indoor karts that are not equipped with seatbelts and roll bars, and that go less than 7 mph, are not required to wear personal safety equipment as stated in this Section and are called kiddie karts.

 

d)         Special Circumstances/Waiver of this Section

 

1)         The Director may approve an operating permit for an existing facility that does not meet the requirements of this Section if the following apply:

 

A)        A written request for waiver is submitted to the Director; and

 

B)        The facility requesting waiver was built and licensed prior to January 1, 2007.

 

2)         If, after January 1, 2007, any modifications are made to an existing track that would have otherwise been exempt under this Section, the existing track with the modifications shall not be eligible for a waiver and shall comply with this Section.

 

3)         Tracks constructed on or after January 1, 2007 shall comply with this Section and are not eligible for a waiver under subsection (d)(1).

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)

 

Section 6000.308  Dune Buggies and All-Terrain Vehicles

 

a)         Vehicle Requirements

 

1)         All vehicles shall be equipped with driver padding and passenger padding, if applicable, including, but not limited to, steering wheel pad, headrest pad, steering wheel support post and seat cushions.

 

2)         All vehicles shall be guarded to prevent interlocking of wheels during operation.

 

3)         All vehicles equipped with seat belts shall be equipped with a roll over protection system.

 

4)         Vehicles shall be equipped with a guarding system that covers or encloses all rotating parts of the drive mechanism except the tires.  The guarding system shall also cover the exhaust to protect the passenger when entering or exiting the vehicle.

 

5)         Vehicles' fuel tanks shall be mounted and/or guarded in such manner that provides protection to the passenger during operation and if an accident should occur.  Fuel tank caps shall conform to ANSI SAE J-1241.

 

6)         Wheels shall be retained by a castellated nut and cotter pin or other positive method recommended by the manufacturer.  Nuts with inserts of nylon or other material shall not be re-used.

 

b)         Track and Course Requirements

 

1)         A minimum width of 10 feet shall be maintained throughout the entire course or track.

 

2)         The track or course shall be marked with signs to indicate designated path and to prohibit pedestrian or other traffic.

 

3)         A fence or railing system shall be installed at maintenance buildings, driveways, pit areas, and fuel storage pumping areas to keep patrons awaiting rides and spectators from entering these track areas without the permission of, or direction by, track personnel.

 

4)         No intersecting configurations, including but not limited to a figure 8 course or opposing traffic configuration, shall be permitted.

 

c)         Operation

 

1)         Fire extinguishers shall be charged and readily available to the track personnel at all times.

 

2)         The refueling of the vehicles shall take place in the pit areas.  All storage containers of gasoline and other flammables shall be in accordance with Section 6000.190 (Fire Prevention and Protection).

 

3)         Beginning at twilight, track lighting is required and lighting is required for indoor tracks at all times during operations.

 

4)         A separate and distinct maintenance log shall be kept for each vehicle.  The maintenance logs shall be kept on a daily basis and kept available for inspector's review.  All replacement of parts should be documented in the maintenance log for each vehicle.  A comment section should be provided.  On a daily basis, the track mechanic shall sign each log sheet indicating that the vehicle is ready to operate.  This log shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:

 

A)        Brake inspection;

 

B)        Tire wear and pressure;

 

C)        Steering inspection;

 

D)        Body inspection;

 

E)        Padding inspection;

 

F)         Lubrication and engine oil check; and

 

G)        Drive mechanism.

 

5)         Only one patron per seat shall be permitted in each vehicle.  No in-line riding shall be permitted.

 

6)         Personal Safety Equipment

 

A)        Head Gear – A full-face helmet with head sock complying with a Snell Foundation test specification is mandatory.  A full-face shield is mandatory.  The helmet must be secured by a chinstrap.

 

B)        Neck Brace – The use of unaltered collar-type neck brace designed for racing is mandatory.  Any driver losing his or her neck brace shall immediately precede to the pits and may, upon replacing the missing neck brace, return to the track.

 

d)        Special Circumstances/Waiver of this Section

 

1)         The Director may approve an operating permit for an existing facility that does not meet the requirements of this Section if the following apply:

 

A)        A written request for waiver is submitted to the Director; and

 

B)        The facility requesting waiver was built and licensed prior to January 1, 2007.

 

2)         If, after January 1, 2007, any modifications are made to an existing track that would have otherwise been exempt under this Section, the existing track with the modifications shall not be eligible for a waiver and shall comply with this Section.

 

3)         Tracks constructed on or after January 1, 2007 shall comply with this Section and are not eligible for a waiver under subsection (d)(1).

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)

 

Section 6000.310  Water Slides (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 26 Ill. Reg. 871, effective January 9, 2002)

 

Section 6000.320  Dry Type Slides

 

a)         Slide Design and Construction

 

1)         Rigid supporting framework for slides shall be provided.

 

2)         The means of access to the starting platform of the slide shall be designed, constructed and maintained so as not to present a hazard, such as cutting, pinching, puncturing, tripping or falling, to anyone using the slide.

 

3)         The slide shall be banked or safety walls provided on curves to keep the slider's body on the slide.

 

4)         The construction, dimensions, and the mechanical attachment of the slide components shall be such that the surfaces of the slide (slope, curves, turns and tunnels) are smooth and continuous for its entire length. All parts that might come in contact with the slider's body shall be arranged or finished so that they will not constitute a cutting, pinching, puncturing, or abrasion hazard through either casual contact or intended use.

 

5)         A means of cushioning the rider's landing and/or stopping shall be provided.

 

b)        During the operating season the manager shall:  

 

1)         Make a daily inspection, checking for:  

 

A)        Loose hand rails or steps on ladder or stairway;

 

B)        Loose guard rails on slide;

 

C)        Unusual movement of slide;

 

D)        Sharp edges or rough surfaces on slide and safety rails;

 

E)        Check all electrical circuits and lights for cracks, abrasions, exposed wiring, burned out bulbs, etc.; and

 

F)         Condition of landing or stopping area.

 

2)         Not use any mat which is not pliable and in good condition.

 

c)          On slides requiring mats, the attendants shall:

 

1)         Regulate the spacing of sliders so that there are no collisions at the bottom of the slide;

 

2)         Make sure that all riders are sitting and positioned properly before sliding. All sliding should be done in an upright, sitting position. Absolutely no sliding should be done backwards or in a prone or standing position;

 

3)         Regulate the traffic up the steps;

 

4)         Instruct people to use handrails as they climb up the steps;

 

5)         Assist people to get up after completing their ride; and

 

6)         Collect the sliding mats.

 

d)        On slides in excess of 25 feet to the platform, a minimum of two attendants must be used.

 

1)         The attendants at the top of the slide shall:

 

A)        Regulate the spacing of sliders so that there are no collisions at the bottom of the slide; and

 

B)         Make sure that all riders are sitting and positioned properly before sliding. All sliding should be done in an upright, sitting position. Absolutely no sliding should be done backwards or in a prone or standing position.

 

2)         The attendants at the bottom of the slide shall:

 

A)        Regulate the traffic up the steps;

 

B)        Instruct people to use handrails as they climb up the steps;

 

C)        Assist people to get up after completing their amusement ride; and

 

D)        Collect the sliding mats if mats are used.

 

(Source:  Amended at 44 Ill. Reg. 19907, effective December 8, 2020)

 

Section 6000.330  Trams

 

a)         If the tram is used where other vehicular traffic is present, each car shall be equipped so as to prevent passengers from getting on or off except at designated stops.

 

b)         Each tram car shall be equipped with a signal system complying to Section 6000.140.

 

c)         The driver shall not start the tram until all passengers are seated.

 

d)         The maximum allowable side to side motion when the tram is in motion shall not exceed six inches.

 

e)         All hitches must be equipped with safety chains:

 

1)         To keep the tram together; and

 

2)         To keep the wagon tongue from hitting the ground.

 

f)         Any axle extending beyond the face of the wheel shall be covered and/or guarded with a non-rotating shield.

 

g)         Passengers shall not have to step up or down more than 12 inches to enter or exit the car.

 

h)         Each loading/unloading area shall be fenced or otherwise guarded.

 

i)          If tram is operated after dusk, it shall be equipped with head, side and tail lights and loading/unloading area shall be suitably illuminated with either natural or artificial light to assure safe access and egress.

 

(Source:  Amended at 18 Ill. Reg. 13384, effective September 1, 1994)

 

Section 6000.340  Bungee Jumping

 

This Section specifies the site, site approval, design, testing of equipment, management of the operation, operating procedures, emergency provisions and procedures for Bungee Jumping from any mechanically operated platforms that carry jumpers to the top of the structure.

 

a)         In addition to the definitions in Section 6000.10, the following shall apply:

 

"Air Bag" – means an inflated device that cradles the body, with an air release breather system that dissipates the energy due to fall and allows the person to land without an abrupt stop or bounce.

 

"Ankle-binding" – means a harness used to wrap and hold together the jumper's ankles and attach the jumper to the bungee cord.

 

"Binding of Cord" – means a material used to hold the cord threads in place.  May also protect the cord threads from damage.

 

"Bungee Cord" – means the elastic rope to which the jumper is attached.  It lengthens and shortens and thus produces the bouncing action.

 

"Bungee Jumping" – means that activity in which a person free falls from a height and the person's descent is limited by the person's attachment to the bungee cord.

 

"Carabiners" – means shaped metal or alloy device used to connect sections of the jump rigging, equipment or safety gear.

 

"Catapulting" – means that the jumper is held on the ground while the bungee cord is stretched.  On release, the jumper is propelled upwards.

 

"Cord" – See Bungee Cord.

 

"Double Jumping" – See Tandem Jumping.

 

"Dynamic Loading" – means the load placed on the rigging and attachments by the initial free fall of the jumper and the bouncing movements of the jumper.

 

"Equipment" – means the equipment, power or manually operated, used to raise, lower and hold loads.

 

"Incident" – means an event that could or does result in harm to a person or damage or loss of process (jumping interrupted or stopped).

 

"Jump Direction" – means the direction (forward or backward) in which a jumper is designed to jump from the jump point.

 

"Jump Height" – means the distance from the jump platform to the bottom of the jump zone.

 

"Jump Master" – means a person who has responsibility for the bungee jumping operation and who takes a jumper through the final stages to the actual jump.

 

"Jump Operator" – means a person who assists the jump master to prepare a jumper for jumping and operates the lowering system to lower the jumper to the landing pad.

 

"Jump Point" – means the position from which the jumper begins to fall or jump.

 

"Jump Space" – means the jump zone plus a safety factor in all directions.

 

"Jump Zone" – means the space bounded by the maximum designed movements of the jumper or any part of the jumper.

 

"Jumper" – means the person who falls or jumps from a height attached to a bungee cord.

 

"Jumper Safety Harness" – means an assembly to be worn by a jumper and to be attached to a bungee cord. It is designed to prevent the patron from becoming detached from the bungee cord.

 

"Jumper Weight" – means the weight of the jumper only.

 

"Landing Area" – means the surface area of the air bag or water directly under the jump space.

 

"Landing Pad" – means a padded area on which the jumper lands by means of the lowering appliance or equipment.

 

"Lateral Direction" – means movement of the jumper measured at 90 degrees to the designed jump direction.

 

"Launching" – See Catapulting.

 

"Licensed Professional Engineer" – means an individual who holds a valid license as a licensed professional engineer from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation or comparable authority in another state.

 

"Loaded Length" – means the length of the bungee cord when extended to its fullest designed length.

 

"Moused" – means a binding around the point and shank of a hook to prevent it from slipping off.

 

"Operating System" – means the system of processing a jumper through the jump methods used on a particular site.  This includes registration, preparation, getting to the jump point, methods of attachment, the rigging and lowering system, and the landing recovery method.

 

"Operating Manual" – means a document containing the procedures and forms for the operation of the bungee jumping activity and equipment on the site.

 

"Platform" – means the area attached to a lifting appliance from which the jumper falls or jumps.

 

"Preparation Area" – means the area where the jumper is prepared for jumping.  It is a separate area on the ground.

 

"Recovery Area" – means an area beside the landing area where the jumper may recover from the jump before returning to the public area.

 

"Reverse Jumping" – See Catapulting.

 

"Rigging System" – means a combination of components that connects the jumper to the lifting point or hook of the appliance.  The rigging system includes ropes, pulleys, carabiners, shackles and lowering equipment.

 

"Safe Working Load" or "SWL" – means the maximum rated load which can be safely handled under specified conditions, by a machine, equipment or component of the rigging.

 

"Safety Factor" – means the ratio obtained by dividing the breaking load of any piece of equipment by its working load.

 

"Safety Harness" – means an assembly to be worn by an operator.  It is designed to be attached to a safety line and to prevent the operator from falling.

 

"Safety Line" – means a line used to connect safety harness or belt to an anchorage point or rail.

 

"Safety Space" – means the space extending beyond the jump zone as a safety factor (i.e., a space beyond the maximum designed movements of the jumper).

 

"Sandbagging" – is the practice of a jumper holding onto any object (including another person) while jumping off of a platform and during the initial descent, for the purpose of exerting more force on the bungee cord in order to stretch it further and then releasing the object at the bottom of the jump, causing the jumper to rebound with more force than could be created by the jumper's weight alone.

 

"Stunt Jumping" – is the combining of any other activity with bungee jumping; or, bungee jumping with a disregard for clearances with the ground or other structures.

 

"Tandem Jumping" – means the practice of two people harnessed together while jumping simultaneously from the same jump platform.

 

"Thread" – means a single strand of material used in a bungee cord. A bungee cord is constructed of a varying number of threads.

 

"Unloaded Length" – means the length of the bungee cord laid on a horizontal flat surface without load or stress applied.

 

b)         Site and Operating Approval

 

1)         Site Plan and Equipment Design and Construction

 

A)        A licensed professional engineer's report that the design and construction of the structures, equipment, and operating areas meet the engineering requirements of ANSI B30.5, 29 CFR 1910.180 and 29 CFR 1926.550(g).  These standards are incorporated by reference, do not include any later editions, amendments or corrections, and are considered suitable for a bungee jumping operation.  The report shall contain site plans, safety zones, drawings and specifications of equipment, platform, rigging system and safety equipment and be submitted to the Department before construction.

 

B)        An engineering evaluation shall be conducted annually and each time a major component is modified.

 

C)        The Department shall maintain the confidentiality of the engineer's report as authorized by Section 7(1)(g) of the Freedom of Information Act.

 

2)         Jumps shall be completed only under the direct control of a jump master.

 

3)         Owners shall maintain a bottom safety space of at least 60 inches above the air bag, safety net, or water surface and a side safety space of at least 40 feet in all directions to any structure.

 

4)         Prohibited activities include bungee catapulting, tandem jumping, stunt jumping, reverse jumping, launching and sandbagging.

 

c)         Platform

 

1)         The platform and its lifting appliance shall meet the requirements for working platforms.  All components shall have a safety factor of not less than 3. The safe working load shall be marked on the platform.

 

2)         The jump rigging shall be attached directly to the lifting point or hook of the appliance.

 

3)         The jump rigging shall pass through or around the platform in such a way as to prevent damage to the jump rigging.

 

4)         The platform for jumping shall be a constant height above the ground or surface.  That is, adjustments for the weight of each jumper shall be made by the jump master's selection of bungee cord in accordance with the manual and the manufacturer's specification for the cord.

 

5)         The platform shall have a non-slip floor surface.

 

6)         The platform shall have sufficient working space for the required number of persons.

 

7)         There shall be a gate across the jump point until the platform reaches the jump height.

 

8)         The platform shall have anchor points for safety harnesses or safety belts for all persons carried on the platform.

 

9)         All persons on the platform shall wear a safety harness and safety line. The jumper shall use a safety line until ready to jump.

 

10)        There shall be an alternative method of jumper recovery should the main lowering system fail to lower the jumper.

 

11)        The design of the platform and support straps shall provide for maximum stability of the platform.

 

12)        The position of the jump point in relation to the equipment or platform shall be controlled to enable the jump to be in the designed direction.  This shall be at 90 degrees (±10) to the equipment or platform.

 

13)        All hooks, shackles and pins shall be moused.

 

14)        The maximum wind speed and direction for the operation of the bungee jump shall be stated in the operation manual.  The decision to operate is the responsibility of the equipment operator and jump master.

 

15)        The jump master shall check the following daily:

 

A)        The equipment has a current certificate to operate;

 

B)        The wire rope shall be given a visual inspection;

 

C)        All hooks, shackles and pins are moused;

 

D)        All outriggers are fully extended;

 

E)        There are established lines of communication between the jump platform and the equipment operator and between the equipment operator and the ground;

 

F)         The hand signals required for visual communication between the person directing the equipment or lifting appliance and the equipment or lifting appliance operator are known by all parties; and

 

G)        That the equipment operator knows who is directing the equipment.

 

d)         Bungee Cord Requirement

 

1)         The cord shall be designed and tested to perform within prescribed limits of stretch and load as stated in this Section.

 

2)         The cord shall be made from natural or synthetic rubber or blends of natural and synthetic rubber that may be of various dimensions.

 

3)         The materials used in the construction of the cord shall be such that the stretched length is consistent each time the same loading is applied.

 

4)         Cord Binding

 

A)        The binding shall hold the cord threads together in their designed positions.

 

B)        The binding material shall have characteristics/specifications as approved by the manufacturer of the bungee cord.

 

C)        The cord bindings shall be intact.

 

D)        When bindings break during a day's operation, the cord shall be withdrawn from use until the bindings are replaced.

 

5)         Shock Load on the Jumper.  The following requirements apply:

 

A)        The cord shall stretch in the jump to at least 2.5 times its unloaded length in its designed jumper weight range;

 

B)        The unloaded length of the rigging system shall be less than half the designed extended length;

 

C)        Maximum loaded length.  The operating length of a bungee cord at its maximum designed dynamic load shall not exceed 4 times its unloaded length.

 

6)         Testing of a New Design of Bungee Cord

 

A)        Each manufacturer shall supply specifications for the cords being used.

 

B)        Any change in specifications, including, but not limited to, changes that affect the performance of the bungee threads or cord, a change to the end attachments, a change in the material, source of supply or manufacturer, manufacturing methods, or equipment, shall constitute a new design and require review by a licensed professional engineer.

 

C)        Bungee Cord End Attachment

 

i)          Each end of the cord shall have an end attachment to connect the cord to the rigging and the jumper.

 

ii)         The end attachment shall be of sufficient size and shape to allow easy attachment to the jumper harness and the rigging.

 

iii)        The end attachment shall have a minimum breaking load of at least 4,400 pounds.

 

7)         The maximum allowable life of the cord shall not exceed the manufacturer's specification.

 

8)         A cord and its non-metallic connectors shall be withdrawn from use when the cord reaches its stated jump life.

 

9)         Early withdrawal of the cord and its non-metallic connectors shall be required when:

 

A)        The exposure to daylight exceeds 250 hours.  This criterion does not apply when the cord cover or sleeve fully protects all of the cord from visible and ultra-violet exposure;

 

B)        The time since the cord was manufactured is greater than 6 months;

 

C)        There is evidence of threads exhibiting wear, such as bunched threads or uneven tension between threads or thread bands;

 

D)        Broken threads exceed 5% of the total number over the length of the cord;

 

E)        As the bungee cord stretches over the course of its jump life, the dynamic load required to extend the bungee to four times its unloaded length will reduce.  When this dynamic load reduces to less than the maximum designed dynamic load, the cord shall be destroyed;

 

F)         It has been in contact with solvents, corrosive or abrasive substances;

 

G)        An incident occurs that could result, immediately or in due course, in a substantial substandard performance of the cord or its attachments;

 

H)        Any discolorations are found; or

 

I)         Any other flaws are found.

 

10)        A cord withdrawn from use shall be destroyed.  A bungee cord is considered destroyed when it is cut into lengths of 5 feet or less.

 

11)        Daily Testing.  Before starting and during the day's operations, the jump master shall:

 

A)        Visually inspect the entire length and circumference of the bungee cord for signs of wear.  The inspection shall be repeated at least 4 times during daily operation and recorded;

 

B)        Visually check the bungee cord if the extended dynamic or static length changes during jumping; and

 

C)        When unexpected changes in bungee cord performance occur, remove the bungee cord from service immediately and destroy it.

 

e)         Jumper Safety Harness and Ankle Bindings

 

1)         Jumper safety harness shall be either a full-body harness, a sit harness with shoulder straps, or ankle bindings.

 

2)         Jump safety harness shall be available to fit the range of patron sizes accepted for jumping.

 

3)         The ankle binding shall have been designed as an ankle harness and securely bind the jumper's ankles and secure the patron to the cord.  The ankle binding shall not cause bruising and must provide evidence of redundancy.

 

4)         The jumper safety harness shall be designed for the type of stress expected during operation.

 

5)         The jumper safety harness shall be approved by the licensed professional engineer who conducts the annual inspection.

 

f)         Ropes

All ropes for holding or lowering the jumper shall have a breaking load of at least 4,400 pounds.

 

g)         Hardware

 

1)         Carabiners shall be of the screw gate type with a minimum breaking load of 4,400 pounds.

 

2)         Pulleys and shackles shall have a minimum breaking load of 4,400 pounds.

 

3)         All pulleys shall be compatible with the rope size.

 

4)         Webbing shall be of flat tubular mountaineering webbing or equivalent with a minimum breaking load of 4,400 pounds.

 

h)         Life Lines and Harnesses

 

1)         A safety harness and life line shall be used by all persons on the platform.

 

2)         Life lines shall have a minimum breaking load of 4,400 pounds.

 

3)         A life line shall be worn by the jumper until ready to jump.

 

i)          Testing and Inspection

 

1)         All jump rigging shall be inspected and tested daily.  Harnesses, lowering/braking system and safety gear shall be inspected daily as set out in the manual.  Inspections, findings and action shall be recorded.

 

2)         All jump rigging, harnesses, lowering/braking systems and safety gear shall be of a load rating at least equal to the standard stated in the regulation.

 

3)         Hardware that has been subject to abnormal loadings, impact against hard surfaces, or surface damage shall be replaced.

 

4)         Ropes subject to abnormal shock load shall be replaced.

 

5)         All ropes, webbing and bindings shall be inspected visually and by feel for signs of wear, fraying, or damage by erosive substances.  Criteria for planned inspection shall be included in the manual.

 

6)         Criteria for the periodic replacement of ropes, webbing, harnesses and hardware shall be included in the manual.

 

j)          Replacement of Rigging and Equipment

 

1)         At the beginning of each day's operation, replacements of at least the following equipment shall be available on site:

 

A)        Bungee cord or cords;

 

B)        Rigging hardware;

 

C)        Ankle binding for jumpers;

 

D)        Body safety harness for jumpers and staff; and

 

E)        Safety lines and clips.

 

2)         Any items of equipment, rigging or personal protective equipment found to be sub-standard shall be replaced immediately.

 

3)         Jumping shall cease immediately when a sub-standard item cannot be replaced.

 

k)         Identification of Equipment, Rigging, Bungee Cord and Safety Equipment

 

1)         Each item shall have its own unique permanent identification number or tag.

 

2)         The identification shall not harm the material of the item.

 

3)         The identification shall be clearly visible to the operators during daily operations.

 

4)         The identification of each item shall be recorded in the items log sheet.

 

5)         The cords shall be color-coded as described in the on-site operations manual.

 

l)          Landing Recovery Area

 

1)         Over Land

 

A)        The area shall be free of spectators at all times;

 

B)        The area shall be free of staff and equipment except for an air bag or a safety net when a jumper is being prepared on the jump platform and until the bungee cord is at its static extended state;

 

C)        The air bag or safety net shall be in position before jumper preparation commences on the platform;

 

D)        The air bag or safety net shall be at least 18 feet by 25 feet and rated for the maximum free fall height possible from the platform during operation;

 

E)        The jumper shall be lowered onto a clean, smooth, padded surface;

 

F)         The jumper shall be allowed to recover before moving off the landing spot; and

 

G)        A place to sit and recover should be provided close to, but outside, the landing area.

 

2)         Over Water

 

A)        Where the jump space or landing area is over pond, lake, river or harbor waters, the following shall apply:

 

i)          The jump space and landing area shall be free from floating and submerged objects, members of the public, and all vessels except the landing/recovery vessel. In open waters, this space must be marked with buoys.  A sign of at least 1 foot by 3 feet in dimension that reads "BUNGEE JUMPING KEEP CLEAR" shall be fixed to the shore structure or land mass.  When above moving water, a mesh or screen must be placed in an upstream position to keep floating debris from entering the landing area;

 

ii)         The landing and recovery vessel shall be positioned accurately and remain in a constant position for the duration of the landing procedure;

 

iii)        The landing vessel shall have a landing pad size of at least 5 feet by 5 feet;

 

iv)        The landing pad shall be within and lower than the sides of the vessel;

 

v)         A vessel shall be present that can be maneuvered in the range of water conditions expected and will enable staff to pick up a jumper or other person who has fallen into the water;

 

vi)        One person may operate the landing vessel when the vessel is positioned without the use of power.  A separate person shall pilot the vessel when power is required to maneuver into or hold the landing position; and

 

vii)       The vessel shall be equipped as required by the U.S. Coast Guard.

 

B)        If the landing area is part of a constructed swimming pool complex, other pool, or is specially constructed for bungee jumping, the following shall apply:

 

i)          The pool size shall meet the requirements for jump space shown in the engineer's report;

 

ii)         Rescue equipment shall be available;

 

iii)        The jump space and side safety space shall be fenced to exclude the public; and

 

iv)        Only the operators of the bungee jump shall be within the jump space and landing areas.

 

C)        The minimum water depth shall be 8 feet.

 

m)        Fences

 

1)         Fences shall be designed and constructed to retain people, animals and objects outside the landing area.

 

2)         All areas in which the jumper may land shall be fenced.

 

n)         Storage

Adequate storage shall be provided both on-site and off-site to protect equipment from physical, chemical and ultra-violet ray damage.  The storage shall be provided for current, replacement and emergency equipment organized for easy and orderly access.  The storage shall be secure against unauthorized entry.

 

o)         Communication

 

1)         The following shall apply within the site:

 

A)        There shall be an electronic voice communication link between:

 

i)          The equipment operator and the platform;

 

ii)         The platform and the landing/recovery area or vessel;

 

B)        All staff shall be easily identifiable by other operators and the public; and

 

C)        Instructions to jumpers and the public shall be put in positive terms to avoid misinterpretation and mistakes.

 

2)         Emergency Service

There shall be a telephone communication link to the emergency service within 200 feet of the operation.

 

p)         Safety and Loss Control Management

 

1)         A jump master shall be designated Safety, Health and Loss Control Coordinator.  The jump master shall hold a current Red Cross first aid rating and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate or their equivalent.

 

2)         Training, as required by Section 6000.120(c), shall be provided to all staff relative to their present or future duties as part of the operating staff.  A record of training shall be kept available on site for review by the Department.

 

3)         Planned inspections shall be conducted of the site, equipment and procedures by the jump master.  The information gathered and the reporting and investigation of incidents shall be regularly analyzed and reviewed by management.  Procedures, equipment, rigging and structures shall be designed to reduce the likelihood of any incidents occurring, or being repeated.  All findings shall be forwarded to the Department.

 

4)         A comprehensive emergency plan shall be developed for inclusion in the operations manual.  The plan shall include the following elements:  the steps necessary to rescue a jumper in case of crane failure or accident, emergency first aid to be given, contacting of and directing emergency service personnel to the site, crowd control, and notification to the Department.

 

5)         The manual shall contain the site rules concerning the health and safety of employees and the public.

 

q)         Staff and Duties

 

1)         The minimum age for the crane operator and jump master shall be 21 years and for other staff members 18 years.

 

2)         The staff of a bungee jumping operation shall include the following persons:

 

A)        Site Controller

When more than one jump master is on the site, one of the jump masters shall also be designated controller.  The site controller shall coordinate and be responsible and accountable for all operations;

 

B)        Jump Master

 

i)          Has complete control when jumping is occurring;

 

ii)         Is the only person who takes the jumper through the final stages to the jump take-off;

 

iii)        Is responsible for the training of the other staff (see Section 6000.120(c));

 

iv)        Shall have a thorough knowledge of the site, its equipment, procedures and staff;

 

v)         Selects the bungee cord and adjusts the rigging;

 

vi)        Shall be located on the platform;

 

vii)       Keeps a record of the number of times each cord has been used; and

 

viii)      Shall ensure that the number of jumps undertaken in a period of time allows the tasks of each job to be carried out to meet the requirements of each job, as set out in the manual.

 

C)        Jump operator's duties include:

 

i)          Assisting the jump master to prepare the jumper;

 

ii)         Attaching the jumper to ankle bindings or harness;

 

iii)        Potentially attaching the jumper to rigging at the direction of the jump master;

 

iv)        Carrying out check procedures;

 

v)         Operating the lowering system; and

 

vi)        Assisting in controlling the public.

 

D)        Landing/recovery operator's duties include:

 

i)          Assisting the jumper to land on the landing pad;

 

ii)         Assisting the jumper to the recovery area;

 

iii)        Overseeing the recovery of jumpers; and

 

iv)        Assisting in controlling the public.

 

E)        Registration clerk's duties include:

 

i)          Registration of the jumper;

 

ii)         Obtaining/deciding on medical clearance;

 

iii)        Weighing and marking of the jumper's weight.  The scale shall be certified annually and checked monthly by the operator for accuracy.  The certification shall be done by a person recognized under the Weights and Measures Act [225 ILCS 470];

 

iv)        Controlling movement of jumpers to the preparation area;

 

v)         Controlling or assisting in controlling the public; and

 

vi)        The payment process.

 

F)         Vessel operators' duties shall include operating the landing and emergency vessels.

 

G)        Crane operators must:

           

i)          Be knowledgeable of the particular crane's controls and physically capable of performing the duties; and

 

ii)         Respond to move signals only from the jump master but obey a stop signal given by any employee at any time.

 

r)          Minimum Staff and Training

 

1)         An operating team shall consist of no fewer than 4 people.

 

2)         Training (see Section 6000.120(c)) shall be conducted by, or under the direct supervision of, a jump master.

 

3)         Staff who are operating in training mode shall be directly supervised at all times.

 

4)         A training component of the operating manual covering the critical tasks in the operation shall be available on the site.  The tasks shall include maintenance and testing as well as jump procedures.  The training shall require achieving mastery of the specified skills and knowledge.

 

s)         Injury, Damage and Incident Events

 

1)         Serious injury (as defined in Section 6000.10) shall be reported to the Department within one hour, and the operation shall be closed until the Department reopens it.  All incidents shall be reported within 24 hours in accordance with Section 6000.160.

 

2)         Owners/operators shall record all injuries, damage or near-miss events in the daily log.

 

t)          Work Periods

The staff shall take regular breaks to ensure that fatigue does not downgrade their ability to operate an incident-free operation.

 

u)         Medical and Age Restrictions for Jumpers

 

1)         Jumpers shall be questioned on their medical condition.

 

2)         Jumpers who declare medical conditions that may be affected by the jump shall not be allowed to jump.  Medical conditions that disqualify a jumper include, at a minimum:

 

A)        Pregnancy;

 

B)        High blood pressure;

 

C)        Heart conditions;

 

D)        Neurological disorders;

 

E)        Epilepsy; and

 

F)         Neck, back, or leg injuries or disabilities.

 

3)         A sign shall be erected listing the medical and age restrictions for jumpers.  The sign shall be clearly visible to intending jumpers.

 

4)         Any jumpers who, in the opinion of the operations staff, represent a danger to themselves or others shall not be allowed into the preparation area nor allowed to jump.

 

5)         Jumpers who appear to be in an intoxicated or drugged state shall not be allowed to jump.

 

6)         The minimum age for jumping shall be 18 years and proof of age shall be provided at the time of the jump.  Proof of age shall be a valid driver's license or another type of photo identification issued by an agency of government or employer.

 

v)         Site Operating Manual and Documentation

 

1)         Each site shall have an operating manual, referred to as the manual, for the safe operation of bungee jumping on that site.  The manual and all amendments shall be on-site and be freely available to staff and governing bodies.

 

2)         The manual shall include the procedures for complying with this Part.

 

3)         The manual shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

 

A)        A site plan;

 

B)        A description of operating systems and equipment;

 

C)        Job procedures, including training (see Section 6000.120(c)), for each task in the operating system;

 

D)        Job descriptions;

 

E)        Sample of staff qualifications;

 

F)         Staff selection procedures;

 

G)        Maintenance standards and procedures;

 

H)        Testing procedures and recording;

 

I)         Criteria for the periodic replacement of rigging;

 

J)         Criteria for the regular planned inspections of ropes, webbings and bindings;

 

K)        Emergency plan and procedures;

 

L)        Reporting of injuries, damage and incidents;

 

M)       Requirements for maintaining logs, including:

 

i)          Site;

 

ii)         Equipment and rigging;

 

iii)        Personnel;

 

iv)        Name of jumper; and

 

v)         Bungee cord used;

 

N)        Records to be kept;

 

O)        Requirements for analysis of records;

 

P)         Inspection procedures, standards and follow-up actions; and

 

Q)        Examples of forms to be used.

 

4)         Daily Pre-opening Operating Procedures shall include:

 

A)        Preparation.  Setting up the site equipment and public amenities.  There shall be a written checklist ;

 

B)        Inspection, testing and checking;

 

C)        Personal protective equipment including gloves, life jackets, buoyancy aids, harnesses and life lines;

 

D)        Items of equipment;

 

E)        The communication systems;

 

F)         The jump equipment and rigging;

 

G)        The jump procedures;

 

H)        Carry out test jumps;

 

I)         Checking the bungee cord performance; and

 

J)         Staff briefing for the day's operations.  Includes appointment of the site controller when applicable.

 

5)         Jump Procedures.  The procedures shall at a minimum include the following:

 

A)        Ensuring the exclusion of the public from the operating areas;

 

B)        Registration of jumpers, including:

 

i)          Name, address, city, county, state, zip code, and telephone number;

 

ii)         Medical factors and exclusions;

 

iii)        Age;

 

iv)        Weight and marking; and

 

v)         Payment;

 

C)        Removal of loose objects;

 

D)        Jumper preparation, including:

 

i)          Harness or binding attachment; and

 

ii)         Briefing/instructions to the jumper;

 

E)        Jump preparation, including:

 

i)          Prepare bungee cord and adjust connections;

 

ii)         Connect the jumper and check connections to the rigging; and

 

iii)        Final inspection by jump master (a checklist shall be used);

 

F)         Landing/recovery procedures, including:

 

i)          Lowering;

 

ii)         Landing; and

 

iii)        Disconnecting cord connections;

 

G)        Return of the jumper to the public area; and

 

H)        Preparing the bungee cord for the next jumper.

 

6)         Closedown Procedures.  The manual shall include the following close down procedures:

 

A)        Equipment – cleaning, inspection, testing and checking;

 

B)        Completion of records, both site and personal;

 

C)        The necessary daily maintenance of equipment, structures and facilities;

 

D)        The storage of equipment;

 

E)        The cleanup and disposal of rubbish;

 

F)         Security check and lock-up;

 

G)        De-briefing of staff on:

 

i)          Incidents/events occurring during the day;

 

ii)         Equipment, rigging and bungee cord changes required before the next day's operations start; and

 

iii)        Maintenance work not completed but required before the next day's start.

 

w)        Emergency Provisions and Procedures

 

1)         Each site shall have an emergency plan.

 

2)         A medium first aid kit and blankets shall be on site.

 

3)         All jump masters shall be qualified in lifesaving techniques, first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques through the American Red Cross or equivalent training, including "in water rescue of spinal injuries or unconscious patients".

 

4)         Where the site includes moving water or swift water, the site operating manual shall specify the rescue training and qualification required for all operators and staff on the site.

 

5)         Emergency lighting shall be provided at all jump sites that operate between ½ hour before sunset and ½ hour after sunrise.  The emergency lighting system shall illuminate the jump platform, the jump space, and the landing area. The emergency lighting system shall have its own power source.

 

x)         An owner or operator of a bungee jumping operation that is permitted under the Act and this Part may disclose or advertise such permit status. Misrepresentation of permit status shall be a violation of the Act. No owner or operator shall advertise any bungee jumping operation as being otherwise endorsed or approved by the Department, in any advertisement, brochure, commercial, TV or radio show, or newspaper, or in any other public manner.

 

(Source:  Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 9899, effective May 26, 2022)

 

Section 6000.350  Zip Lines

 

a)         In addition to the definitions in Section 6000.10, the following shall apply to and govern this Section 6000.350:

 

"Acceptance Inspection" means the final inspection of a zip line performed upon installation completion and before commissioning.

 

"Anchor System" means a system of anchorages and anchorage connectors that provide a secure termination for a life safety system, personal safety system, belay system, or rope rigging system.

 

"Anchorage" means the terminating component of a life safety system, personal safety system, belay system, or rope rigging system intended to support any force applied to the system.

 

"Anchorage Connector" means an interface component coupling any anchor system or system component to an anchorage.

 

"Automatic Anchorage Connector" means an anchorage connector that is properly engaged by automatic action without manually applied fasteners in the connector.

 

"Brake" means a device, method or system used to arrest the traverse of the participant.

 

"Brake System" means a complete system comprised of the primary and emergency brakes.

 

"Canopy Tour" means a guided aerial exploration or transit of the forest canopy, most commonly by means of a series of zip lines or aerial walkways with platforms.

 

"Commissioning" means an action by the installer or other competent person of putting a new element or course into service for the owner/operator.

 

"Competent Person" means a person possessing the skills, knowledge, experience, training and judgment to perform assigned tasks or activities satisfactorily, as determined by a reasonable person.

 

"Dismount" means the act of disembarking from the zip line and proceeding away from the landing area.

 

"Fixed Zip Line" means a zip line that is designed to be used at a fixed, single location and not readily moved to a different location.

 

"Landing Area" means the area provided for arrest and dismount after traversing a zip line.

 

"Mobile Zip Line" means a zip line that is designed or adapted to be moved from one location to another and is not fixed at a single location.

 

"Mobile Zip Line Manufacturer" means a company responsible for the design, quality, fabrication and delivery of a mobile zip line.

 

"Operating System" means the system or systems of processing a patron through the zip line route used on a particular site. This includes registration, preparation, getting to the landing point, methods of attachment, the rigging and lowering system, and the landing recovery method.

 

"Operation, Maintenance, Inspection and Training Manual" or "Manual" means a document containing the procedures and forms for the operation of the zip line activity and equipment on the site.

 

"Sag" means the vertical deflection in a horizontal line.

 

"Service Proven" means an element, ride, device, structure or major modification to an element, ride or device of which:

 

units have been in service to the public for a minimum of five years; and

 

units that have been in service without any significant design-related failures or significant design-related safety issues that have not been mitigated.

 

"Third Party Inspector" means a qualified person not directly employed by the operator of the zip line or parent company, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or vendor, and not offering other services to the operator of the zip line or parent company who is qualified via ACCT accreditation, NAARSO certification, PRCA accreditation, or another approval that equally qualifies that person to provide zip line inspections.

 

"Zip Line Brake System" means a system that arrests the participant's traverse along a zip line. Brake systems can be active or passive.

 

"Zip Line Landing Area" means an area provided for the participant to arrest and dismount after completing a zip line traverse.

 

"Zip Line Tour" means a guided, aerial exploration or transit of a landscape using a series of zip lines and platforms generally supported by man-made structures.

 

b)         This Section shall govern all zip lines in operation on and after March 27, 2013.  However, the Director may grant a permit to an operator of a zip line that was in operation on March 27, 2013 that does not meet all the standards in this Section if the operator can clearly demonstrate a service proven element or that the applicable safety requirements throughout this Part are substantially satisfied so as to ensure the safety of the public.

 

c)         This Section specifies the site, site approval, design, testing of equipment, management of the operation, operating procedures, emergency provisions, and procedures for zip lines from any mechanically operated platforms that carry participants to the top of the structure.  All zip lines shall meet the manufacturer's standards and specifications. 

 

d)         Site Plan, Equipment Design and Construction

 

1)         All zip line operating system designs shall be reviewed and sealed by a licensed professional engineer and a licensed structural engineer.  ANSI, ASTM or other applicable standards shall be used as general guidance. The designer of fixed zip lines and the manufacturer of mobile zip lines are responsible for preparing the report for the owner. The design report shall contain site plans, safety zones, drawings and specifications of equipment, platform, rigging system, and safety equipment. The report shall be submitted to the Department before the commissioning of fixed zip lines and the operation of mobile zip lines and shall be maintained on the site where the zip line is operating. The design evaluation included in the report shall consider the following:

 

A)        Static and dynamic loads on anchors and components.

 

B)        Fatigue limits or absolute component replacement intervals.

 

C)        Fatigue limits for structures.

 

D)        Protection against metallic corrosion and wood rot.

 

E)        Clearances and hazard analysis, including consideration of the effects of heavy crosswinds, rain, fog and other conditions resulting in impaired visibility, maneuverability, loss of traction or grip, and reduced braking capability. 

 

F)         Platform, walkway, ladder and associated foundation size and load ratings, including factors of safety. 

 

G)        Anchor and foundation analysis for mobile zip lines shall consider the load path through the anchor attachment point and identify loading through all components, including an identified fixed foundation. Vehicle frames or underframes can be used as fixed foundations, providing a verifiable load analysis is submitted.  Alternate qualification, consisting of a statement by the vehicle manufacturer confirming the anchor attachment point and loadings are suitable for the vehicle, is acceptable.

 

2)         An inspection by a third-party inspector shall be conducted each time a major component is modified. Scheduled component replacements in accordance with manufacturer or designer maintenance procedures do not constitute a design modification.

 

3)         Fixed zip lines shall be inspected by a third-party inspector annually.  Results and the report shall be made available to the Department.

 

4)         Differences between the design as detailed in the engineer's report and evaluation and the implemented installation by a competent person shall be reconciled. Appropriate explanations of the differences, which may include modified drawings, procedures, analyses and additional calculations shall be appended to the original design report or engineering evaluation as applicable. Owner's manuals shall be updated to reflect the engineer's or manufacturer's acceptance of the modifications.

 

5)         A fixed zip line site commissioning plan, including an acceptance test procedure and report, shall be incorporated in the engineer's report. Commissioning and testing shall be conducted by a competent person

 

6)         Mobile zip line site set-up, pre-start inspection, and test procedures shall be clearly documented and followed by a competent person.

 

7)         The Department shall maintain the confidentiality of the engineer's report as authorized by Section 7(1)(g) of the Freedom of Information Act.

 

e)         General Compliance Criteria

 

1)         Equipment

 

A)        Zip lines shall be comprised of flexible steel wire rope.  Zip lines shall have no exposed wires/strands within reach of the participants that may result in injury. Wire rope used as zip lines shall not be spliced.

 

B)        When a portion of the zip line or landing area is not visible from the zip departure point, a departure procedure shall be utilized to ensure a clear unobstructed run.

 

C)        There shall be adequate clear space above, below and around the zip line to ensure the participant will not strike or contact any permanent or transient obstruction, object or person.

 

D)        Rescue ropes, equipment appropriate to applicable rescue loads, rescue plans, and personnel trained to retrieve a participant from anywhere within zip line spans shall be present during use.

 

E)        Carabiners and snap-hooks shall comply with the gate strength and other applicable requirements of ANSI/ASSP Z359.1 (2007) for the manufacturer's estimated life cycle of the product.  Carabiners and snap-hooks shall be auto-closing and auto-locking and require at least two deliberate consecutive actions to open.

 

F)         Lanyards shall comply with the strength requirements of ANSI/ASSP Z359.1 (2007) for manufacturers estimated life cycle of the product. Lanyards should carry the marking of the manufacturer and the safe working load or breaking strength.

 

G)        Items carried by participants, including backpacks and carryalls, hair, and clothing that may become entangled in safety equipment or component parts shall be secured properly.

 

H)        Pulleys and trolleys shall be of the double wheel type construction per the design specification to eliminate derailing during operation.

 

I)         All parts and components shall be purchased from the manufacturer or shall only be manufacturer-approved replacement parts.

 

2)         Zip Line Arrival Point, Protection and Braking

 

A)        Zip line courses shall have appropriate safety devices, such as impact-absorbing materials, ground cover, load limiters and landing mats or landing nets, installed per the manufacturer's design specifications at the zip line arrival point.  Descriptions and operating characteristics of the safety devices shall be included in the design drawings.

 

B)        One or more of the following methods shall be included in the operating system of the zip line course:

 

i)          Impact absorbent ground cover, impact absorber/load limiter, landing mats, nets, water landings, or other protective methods installed in arrival areas to reduce injury potential.

 

ii)         Passive braking systems shall not require any action by the user and shall always be in effect through gravity, engineered, or mechanical means.  If gravity braking is designed to result in the participant being removed after arriving at a low point in the zip line, the removal device or equipment shall be rated for the design reach and loads as determined by the design plan.  If mobile equipment is used to remove participants at the arrival point, the approach path shall be free of potential hazards. The stability of the vehicle shall be insured through proper selection of the equipment and the approach.

 

iii)        Active braking systems that use a mechanical braking system must also have a secondary braking system or assistance of an operator as a secondary or emergency braking system.

 

C)        Parked vehicles shall only be used as secondary tie-off points for portable zip lines and may be used as primary anchor points when the vehicle meets the weight class and type specified by the manufacturer and engineering requirements of the ride. Additionally, any vehicle used as a primary or secondary anchoring point must be physically prevented from being operated by disabling the electrical system (disconnecting battery) so that the vehicle cannot be started or by other means outlined in the manufacturer's design specifications.

 

D)        The use of a tree as an anchor point for the termination of a zip line or to secure the takeoff platform of a zip line is acceptable. The tree or trees shall be inspected and approved by a certified arborist to ensure good health and stability of the trees.  All trees on fixed installations shall receive this assessment no less than annually.

 

3)         Zip Line Takeoff Platform

 

A)        Takeoff platforms shall be designed to prevent the participant from striking any portion of the platform or lower obstacle during the takeoff.

 

B)        Angles of inclination of the landing ramps shall not constitute a tripping hazard for the participant.

 

C)        Where necessary, impact-absorbing material shall be utilized to prevent injury.

 

D)        Unauthorized access to zip line platforms during periods when the ride is shut down or not attended by a qualified operator shall be prevented by suitable means, including barriers.  Hazard warning signs shall be conspicuously placed where applicable.

 

f)         Site Operating Manual and Documentation

 

1)         Each site shall have an operating manual for the safe operation of zip line activities on that site.  The manual and all amendments shall be on-site and freely available to operator staff and governing bodies.

 

2)         The manual shall include the procedures for complying with this Part.

 

3)         The manual shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

 

A)        A site plan;

 

B)        A description of operating systems and equipment;

 

C)        Job procedures, including training (see Section 6000.120(c)), for each task in the operating system;

 

D)        Job descriptions;

 

E)        Sample of staff qualifications;

 

F)         Staff selection procedures;

 

G)        Maintenance standards and procedures;

 

H)        Testing procedures and recording;

 

I)         Criteria for the periodic replacement of rigging;

 

J)         Criteria for the regular planned inspections of ropes, webbings and bindings;

 

K)        Emergency plan and procedures;

 

L)        Reporting of injuries, damage and incidents;

 

M)       Requirements for maintaining logs, including:

 

i)          Site;

 

ii)         Equipment and rigging; and

 

iii)        Personnel;

 

N)        Records to be kept;

 

O)        Requirements for analysis of records;

 

P)         Inspection procedures, standards and follow-up actions; and

 

Q)        Examples of forms to be used.

 

g)         Emergency Provisions and Procedures

 

1)         Each site shall have an emergency plan.

 

2)         A medium first aid kit and blankets shall be on site.

 

3)         Emergency lighting shall be provided at sites that operate between ½ hour before sunset and ½ hour after sunrise.  The emergency lighting system shall illuminate the takeoff platform, the zip line, the zip line course, and the arrival point for participants. The emergency lighting system shall have its own power source.

 

4)         In inclement weather, including but not limited to lightning, rain, hail, snow or high winds, operations shall cease and participants shall not be allowed to ride the zip line or be on or near the platforms or termination points of the ride.

 

h)         If a zip line operating system meets all the equipment and inspection requirements of this Section, the Department will issue an operating permit, subject to the applicant submitting the fees required by Section 6000.50(b) and (c).

 

i)          An owner or operator of a zip line that is permitted under the Act and this Part may disclose or advertise such permit status. Misrepresentation of permit status shall be a violation of the Act. No owner or operator shall advertise any zip line as being otherwise endorsed or approved by the Department, in any advertisement, brochure, commercial, TV or radio show, or newspaper, or in any other public manner.

 

(Source:  Amended at 46 Ill. Reg. 9899, effective May 26, 2022)