ASTM F24, the committee on amusement rides and attractions which produces global safety standards for the amusement industry, will be holding three days of meetings from February 14th through February 16th, 2013 at the Hyatt French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana. Approximately fifty separate meetings will be held, each one focusing on a specific safety element of the amusement industry. Approximately 250 people who are passionate about amusement ride safety are expected to attend. Meetings are open to both members and non-members of ASTM and registration is available at astm.org.

In addition to traditional sessions on issues like ride design, operations, and maintenance, some special areas of focus include nontraditional areas of growth, such as participatory attractions like zip lines, rock wall climbing, inflatables, Zorbs, and trampolines. A brand new zip line safety standard which has been approved will be reviewed in detail. A number of meetings will also focus on water-related attractions which continue to see ample growth in the resort and hotel industry. A significant amount of work has been performed on the subject of trains, which will also be reviewed in detail.

A number of sessions will again be held to assist global representatives with the adoption of ASTM F24 standards. Representatives of Central and South America as well as Asia have already confirmed participation. The F24 Canada-specific standard is being used as a model for other countries that have a desire to adopt F24 standards, but have specific internal requirements that must be added to the existing standards. The newly established task group focused on Latin American adoption of F24 will meet to review the model. Len Morrissey, Director/TCO Division of ASTM International, stated, “With the success of multinational efforts, we now have a clear path that allows any country to adopt F24 standards and still recognize specific national requirements.”

Preregistration for the ASTM F24 Spring 2013 Meeting is strongly encouraged. Additionally, ASTM F24 urges all participants to make room reservations at the Hyatt French Quarter as soon as possible to take advantage of a special group rate. A complete list of meeting details can be found at the ASTM website.

Jim Seay, chairman of ASTM F24 Committee and president of Premier Rides, commented, “Membership in the F24 committee has nearly doubled in the past two years with growth coming from around the globe. I am very appreciative so many people are planning on taking time out from their busy schedules to come to New Orleans and make significant contributions to the safety process.”

Furthermore, the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) will collocate its biannual Safety Committee Meeting in New Orleans on February 13th.

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