Kansas Department of Labor
TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) Industrial Safety and Health Division wants to remind Kansans how they can continue safely enjoying their favorite amusement rides at county fairs and festivals across the state this year.
The Kansas Amusement Ride Act requires that each amusement ride have a visible and valid permit for each ride issued by KDOL and proof that the owner is legally registered with the department as an amusement ride owner.
Marlea James, Amusement Ride Supervisor, says the most common violations include operating rides without a permit and failing to register an amusement ride entity.
“It is imperative to report any entity operating with unpermitted rides because they must show proof of liability insurance and be inspected annually by a qualified inspector. This is the best way to ensure safe operation of amusement rides in Kansas,” she said. “Kansas law requires permits to be posted in plain view on or near the amusement ride where it can be easily seen,” she added. “If you don’t see permits posted on amusement rides, ask to see them. Requesting to view the permits is the best way to ensure entities are in compliance with Kansas law.”
Amusement ride means any mechanical or electrical device that carries or conveys passengers along, around or over a fixed or restricted route or course or within a defined area. Its purpose is to provide passengers amusement, pleasure, thrills or excitement. Examples include, but are not limited to:
• Ferris wheels
• Carousels
• Inflatable devices, such as bouncy houses
• Go-karts
• Commercial zip-lines
The term amusement ride does not include:
• Games, concessions and associated structures
• Any single passenger coin-operated ride that is manually, mechanically or electrically operated; is usually placed in a public location; and does not normally require the supervision or services of an operator
• Non-mechanized playground equipment, including, but not limited to, swings, seesaws, stationary spring-mounted animal features, rider-propelled merry-go-rounds, climbers, slides and physical fitness devices
View a detailed list and a Kansas Amusement Ride overview by going to https://www.dol.ks.gov/industrial-safety-health/amusement-ride-services
To electronically report an alleged violation of the Kansas Amusement Ride Act directly to the Amusement Ride Unit, go online to https://www.dol.ks.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/457/638366609846100000.
For more information contact [email protected] or by phone at (785) 296-4386.
CLICK HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app.
CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.