Insight into ASTM F2291 - Standard Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices

Safety and reliability are the cornerstones of amusement ride design. ASTM F2291, the Standard Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices, is issued by ASTM International. It provides comprehensive guidance on ride design, construction, and operation. ASTM F2291 is mainly applied in the United States and regions adopting ASTM standards, and is also referenced internationally for ride design and safety management. This practice applies to large, mechanically driven amusement rides such as roller coasters and ferris wheels. It does not apply to non-powered equipment, water park attractions, inflatable structures, or visitor-controlled rides such as bumper cars and climbing walls. The passage briefly introduce the content of ASTM F2291 from 4 parts.

Design & Performance Requirements

2.1 General Design Criteria

This section mainly elaborates on the analysis, calculation, documentation, and regulatory requirements that should be followed during the design phase of amusement equipment.

2.1.1 Ride Analysis

Manufacturers must conduct a comprehensive design analysis of the equipment, taking into account the suitability for passengers of different ages and body types, and assess and mitigate major safety risks, documenting these findings in writing.

• Patron Restraint and Containment Analysis: Ensure passengers are adequately restrained and protected during movement.
• Patron Clearance Envelope Analysis: Ensure passengers do not collide with rides structures or other people along their path of movement.
• Failure Analysis: Perform Failure Mode Analysis (FMEA) or Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) on safety-related systems to identify potential risks.

2.1.2 Design and Calculations

Designers/engineers must prove through engineering calculations that their designs meet safety standards.Calculations shall be performed using coordinate axis and load paths as defined by Practice F 2137 or the EN equivalent, including:

• Adequacy of structural, mechanical, and electrical components.
• Significant and predictable acceleration that is generated by the ride or device.
• Performance and functional characteristics of control systems.

2.1.3 Drawings and Records

Manufacturers/designers must retain complete design documents, including structural drawings, calculation sheets, and control software, for at least 20 years. Documents should include:

• Overall layout and passenger clearance diagrams;
• Assembly drawings and sub-component drawings, indicating fasteners, lubricants, adjustment methods, etc.;
• Detailed drawings of custom-made components.

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2.2 Restraint & Space Standards

2.2.1 Patron Containment

• Amusement rides must support and protect passengers during operation, and the protection methods shall match the equipment's motion characteristics.
• Components that passengers may come into contact with shall be smooth, free from sharp edges, protruding bolts and burrs, and protective pads shall be installed if necessary.
• If the facility is equipped with doors, it shall be ensured that the doors will not open accidentally during operation or emergencies.
• Powered doors shall avoid pinch - hazard risks, and the maximum edge thrust during opening and closing shall not exceed 133N (30 pounds).

2.2.2 Patron Restraints

• Whether to install a restraint system is determined by the design engineer.
• The design should consider differences in passenger body size.
• Determine whether locking or other functions are needed, and consider how to safely evacuate passengers in case of abnormal stops or emergencies.
• It must be clearly specified whether the restraint system is locked or unlocked in the event of a power outage or emergency shutdown.

2.2.3 Safety and Ergonomic Criteria

• Restraint systems must minimize opportunities for pinching, entrapment, or unintentional body contact with moving parts.
• Any powered restraint mechanism shall exert no more than 0.08 kN (18 lb) of force on active surfaces contacting patrons.
• Patron-induced loads must also be considered in the structural strength assessment.

2.2.4 Manual Release Mechanisms

• A manual restraint release must be available for use by authorized personnel in emergencies.
• The manual release must be easily accessible without requiring staff to climb over or contact patrons.
• The use of stored energy sources for manual release is prohibited unless justified by the ride analysis.

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2.3 Acceleration Limits

2.3.1 Acceleration Design Principles

Different types and structures of amusement rides exhibit significantly different acceleration characteristics. The following must be considered during design:

• Rider posture and orientation;
• Whether the restraint system allows riders to maintain a safe posture under stress;
• Restraint analysis should be based on the possible positions and states of riders within the restraints.

2.3.2 Measurement Requirements

• Newly developed equipment or major renovation projects must be validated through acceleration measurements before being put into operation.
• Design validation can be completed through manual calculations, graphical analysis, or computer simulation.

Power & Control Systems Requirements

3.1 Hydraulics Systems and Components

3.1.1 Temperature and Pressure Safety

• Components exposed to high temperatures must be specifically designed and shielded to prevent passenger.
• System pressure test points and oil sampling ports must be safely accessible for diagnostics and contamination checks.

3.1.2 Control and Operation Safety

• Control adjustments must be positioned away from moving parts to prevent operator injury.
• Systems must incorporate reliable emergency and safety functions to avoid unintended motion during stops or power loss.

3.1.3 System Integrity and Maintenance

• Filters should be designed for at least 800 hours of operation under normal conditions.
• Linear actuators must have effective position limiters to prevent mechanical over-travel.
• System components should allow safe maintenance access without compromising operational safety.

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3.2 Pneumatic Systems and Components

3.2.1 Design and Identification

• Pneumatic circuits are generally limited to a maximum pressure of 8 bar (116 psig) unless specially designed for higher pressures.
• Each pneumatic component must clearly display manufacturer identification (part or model number) as required by the standard.

3.2.2 Access and Adjustment Controls

• Components with adjustable features must include locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access or tampering.
• Systems must provide adequate internal space (at least 6-inch wire leads) for safe electrical connections and grounding.

3.2.3 Emergency and Safety Operations

• Components identified as critical through failure analysis must have emergency stop or return controls, in line with safety control system requirements.
• Emergency operations must not introduce secondary hazards, such as unexpected release of pins, latches, or clamping devices.

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3.3 Electrical Requirements

This section provides guidelines for the electrical components and their installation and procedures used in amusement rides or devices.

3.3.1 General Requirements for Electrical Installations

• Wiring and Protection: Each ride must have at least one 20-amp line-neutral branch circuit for service or utility use.
• Disconnects: All disconnecting means must be properly labeled, and rides with additional voltage sources require a lockout/tag-out capable disconnect near or clearly indicated at the main disconnect.

3.3.2 Equipment for General Use

• Lighting: Lights near riders or on moving parts need covers and secure tube holders.
• Cables and Motors: Portable cables must match rated capacity; motors should be sized for frequent starts and unique ride environments.
• Collector Rings and Brushes: Must handle 125% of rated load and include grounding rings with adequate capacity.

3.3.3 Audio/Communication Systems

• Audio/communication wiring must be protected for the unique operating conditions of amusement rides.
• Exposed wiring for outdoor speakers must use extra-heavy-duty, UV-resistant portable cable with a grounding conductor bonded at both ends.

Structural & Mechanical Components Requirements

Safety Barriers & Access Controls Requirements

5.1 Guardrails

The guardrail must be safe and stable, capable of bearing uniform and single point loads, and ensure the safety of pedestrians and tourists.

• Top of guardrails shall resist a uniform load of 50 plf (0.73 kN/m) in any direction.
• Top rail shall withstand a single concentrated load of at least 200 lbs (890 N) applied in any direction at any point.

5.2 Handrails

• Load Capacity: Top rail of handrails shall withstand at least 200 lbs (890 N) in any direction at any point.
• Installation Height: Top of handrails and extensions shall be 34–38 in. (865–965 mm) above landings and tread nosings.
• Extension Requirements： Extend horizontally at least 12 in. (305 mm) and return to wall, guard, or landing, or continue to adjacent handrail.
• Clearance：Minimum clear space between handrails and wall or guardrail is 1½ in. (38 mm).

5.3 Gates

• Gates shall open away from the ride or be equipped with a positive latch capable of withstanding at least 200 lbs (890 N) applied in the opening direction.
• Top of gate shall resist a uniform load of 50 plf (0.73 kN/m) in any direction.
• Gates must be designed so that if opened during ride operation, they do not contact the ride or create a hazard to patrons.

5.4 Fences

• Fences shall minimize the opportunity for injury from contact between: spectator and patron，spectator and ride or device，patron and the fence itself.
• Top of fence shall resist a uniform load of 50 plf (0.73 kN/m) in any direction.
• Top of fence shall withstand a single concentrated load of at least 200 lbs (890 N) in any direction at any point.

ASTM F2291: Reference Value for Amusement Industry Investors

Conclusion

ASTM F2291 plays a vital role in defining the safety and design expectations for amusement rides worldwide. Although it originated in the United States, its principles are increasingly adopted across global markets as a reference for best practices. By aligning design and operational processes with ASTM F2291, industry professionals can enhance safety performance, build public trust, and support the sustainable growth of the amusement sector.