Keeping the Carnival Safe

During the Orange County Fair’s 17-day-run, the 70-plus midway carnival rides go through a number of inspections to ensure they operate properly and safely. What inspectors look for on the newest thrill ride at the fair, The Inverter:

Prior to fair:

Cal-OSHA inspects about one-third of the rides and visually surveys the rest.

During fair:

A safety consultant reinspects two or three rides each day while the ride operator reviews a daily pre-opening checklist.

Pre-opening Safety Checks:

Ensure motor is mounted securely

Ensure drive shafts are connected securely

Test shoulder restraints, lap bars

Check for cracks on trailer frame

Look for bolts, nuts, cotter pins on ground

Adjust jack stands to keep ride level

Maintain minimum 42-inch-high fence

Check for cracks in bolt holes, welds, tighten bolts

Inspect hydraulic tank for leaks, proper pressure

Inspect sensors, wiring in electrical panel

Ride operator puts ride through run cycle, listens and looks for problems

Sources: Barry Schaible, ride safety consultant; Bill Huntington, ride foreman

Graphics reporting by BRADY MacDONALD / Los Angeles Times