Have fun at the fair - with a bit of care

E111:05 23 August 2005

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is encouraging parents to take care of their children when visiting funfairs and theme parks during the summer holidays.

320 children have been injured at fairs and amusement parks since 2001, frequently because safety instructions have been ignored or overlooked. A large number of accidents at fairgrounds and theme parks could be avoided if parents took a few simple precautions.

HSE advises parents to check that their children are above the required height to ride on attractions, and that restraints fit them securely when they are on the ride. Rides should be properly supervised and children should pay attention to all safety instructions given to them by ride operators. Parents should make clear to their children that they must sit still while on a ride.

HSE research shows that young children have a far lower perception of risks than adults, and that while on fairground rides they may try to maintain eye contact with their parents. This can lead to children turning, kneeling and even standing up on rides in order to see their parents if they have not had the importance of staying in their seats properly explained to them.

A final tip is to check that the ride clearly displays an Amusement Devices Inspection Procedure Scheme (ADIPS) sticker, which confirms that it has been inspected for safety.

HSE Principal Inspector Barry Baker said: "Many families enjoy a day at the fair, and everyone plays their part in making them safe. Simple precautions prevent most accidents. Don't let your children go on rides that haven't got a safety sticker, look in poor condition or where the attendants aren't paying proper attention to the children. Make sure your children know it is important to stay in the seat and keep an eye on very young children when the ride is moving."

Notes to editors

The HSE, in conjunction with the Fairgrounds and Amusement Parks Joint Advisory Committee (JAC), created the Amusement Devices Inspection Procedure Scheme (ADIPS) to provide a framework for inspections to monitor essential steps and checks required to ensure the safety of amusement devices. Further information on the scheme is available at www.adips.co.uk/

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