Health and Safety
Executive / Commission
Entertainment and
leisure industry
The current regulatory system in the fairgrounds industry is based on the HSE Guidance, HSG175 'Fairgrounds and Amusement Parks - guidance on safe practice'. The Amusement Devices Inspection Procedures Scheme (ADIPS) is a core part of this system. It is administered by the travelling fairground and leisure parks industries through the Amusement Devices Safety Council (ADSC) and ADIPS Ltd.
ADIPS sets out requirements for pre-use and annual in-service inspection of fairground rides by Approved Inspection Bodies (AIBs). ADIPS registered ride inspectors will have been subject to the ADIPS competency assessment process before registration.
Under the scheme, ride controllers will engage the services of an AIB who will conduct an inspection of their ride in accordance with the principles set out in HSG 175. On satisfactory completion the ride controller will receive a Declaration of Compliance known as a DOC.
HSE firmly believes that ADIPS has contributed to the reduction in fairground accidents over recent years. The scheme is supported by all the main ride controller organisations including the Showmens Guild of Great Britain (SGGB), the Society of Independent Roundabout Proprietors (SIRP), the Association of Independent Showmen (AIS) and the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions(BALPPA).
These associations normally require their members to have their rides inspected by ADIPS approved inspectors. Failure to do so may result in expulsion and withdrawal of insurance cover.
Inspection of rides under ADIPS allows ride controllers to demonstrate that their ride has been inspected in accordance with industry approved and HSE supported standards. This will generally be sufficient to comply with the inspection requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
HSE is aware that some ride controllers are opting to engage the services of non-ADIPS registered inspectors, some of whom act independently and others who have registered with an alternative scheme called the Fairgrounds Equipment Safety Scheme (FESS).
If ride controllers do not follow the guidance contained within HSG 175, they will have to demonstrate that they are taking other equally effective measures to comply with their legal duties. This will require controllers to be able to demonstrate that those inspecting their rides are competent to do so. Engaging the services of an ADIPS registered inspector is normally sufficient to demonstrate this.
FESS is not supported by HSE or the main industry trade associations. HSE supports ADIPS and will continue to work in partnership with the main industry trade associations through the Amusement Devices Safety Council to improve safety at British fairgrounds.
Further guidance can be obtained free from the HSE website.
HSG 175 'Fairgrounds and amusement parks - guidance on safe practice'.
The Amusement Devices Inspection Procedures Scheme (ADIPS)
Cameron Adam
HM Principal Inspector of Health and Safety
Tel: 0141 275 3000
Fax: 0141 275 3100
cameron.adam@hse.gsi.gov.uk
Melvin Sandell
HM Inspector of Health and Safety
melvin.sandell@hse.gsi.gov.uk