ASTM F2959-23a

Standard Practice for Aerial Adventure Courses

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The rational for developing a separate standard practice for Aerial Adventure Courses is based on the unique functional, operational and patron participation requirements when compared to amusement rides and devices.  
4.2 The purpose of this practice is to provide designers, manufacturers, constructors, system integrators, owners/operators, and auditors with criteria and references for use in the design, manufacture, construction, installation, integration, operation, maintenance, auditing, and major modification of Aerial Adventure Courses.  
4.3 Unless this practice expressly provides otherwise in a particular provision, the term “Aerial Adventure Course” is to be used in place of “Amusement Rides and Devices” herein.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice establishes criteria for the Design, Manufacture, Installation, Operation, Maintenance, Auditing and Major Modification of Aerial Adventure Courses.  
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2023
• ICS: 91.040.99 - Other buildings
• ICS: 97.220.10 - Sports facilities
• Technical Committee: F24 - Amusement Rides and Devices
• Drafting Committee: F24.61 - Adventure Attractions

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F1772-24 - Standard Specification for Harnesses for Rescue and Sport Activities
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM F2137-19 - Standard Practice for Measuring the Dynamic Characteristics of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM F2291-19 - Standard Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 15-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM F2974-19 - Standard Practice for Auditing Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM F770-18 - Standard Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2018
• Refers: ASTM F1193-18 - Standard Practice for Quality, Manufacture, and Construction of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 15-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM F1772-17 - Standard Specification for Harnesses for Rescue and Sport Activities
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM F2291-17 - Standard Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM F770-17 - Standard Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM F2974-17a - Standard Guide for Auditing Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM F770-17e1 - Standard Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM F2974-17 - Standard Guide for Auditing Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM F2291-16 - Standard Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM F2137-16 - Standard Practice for Measuring the Dynamic Characteristics of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM F1193-16 - Standard Practice for Quality, Manufacture, and Construction of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2016

Overview

ASTM F2959-23a: Standard Practice for Aerial Adventure Courses is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International to address the unique requirements, safety criteria, and operational best practices for aerial adventure courses. Unlike traditional amusement rides and devices, aerial adventure courses encompass a range of self-guided or guided recreational activities such as zip lines, canopy tours, challenge courses, and ropes courses, which require specialized design and management considerations for participant safety and reliability.

This standard provides essential guidance for designers, manufacturers, constructors, system integrators, owners, operators, and auditors, supporting the design, manufacture, installation, operation, maintenance, auditing, and significant modification of aerial adventure courses. The document incorporates a holistic approach to ensure compliance with safety, health, and regulatory expectations.

Key Topics

ASTM F2959-23a covers comprehensive topics essential for the safe and effective implementation of aerial adventure courses:

• Design and Manufacturing Criteria: Outlines foundational requirements for structural design, material selection, and manufacturing processes, referencing quality assurance protocols and conformity with existing standards.
• Installation and Integration: Provides guidance for proper installation practices to ensure structural integrity for both natural (trees, rocks) and artificial elements.
• Operation and Maintenance: Details the responsibility of owners/operators to implement ongoing programs, including daily inspections, periodic maintenance, and emergency procedures. Specific maintenance tasks cover hardware, ropes, harnesses, support structures, and arboricultural or geologic reviews when natural anchors are used.
• Inspection and Auditing: Requires daily pre-opening inspections and comprehensive annual auditing protocols for continued operational safety and regulatory compliance.
• Training Requirements: Specifies that operators, attendants, and maintenance staff must be trained on procedures, safety equipment (such as personal safety equipment), rescue protocols, and emergency response.
• Patron Participation & Responsibility: Encourages informed participation, mandating signage, operational rules, and instructions for patrons on safety, behavior, and the use of provided equipment.
• Incident Recording and Reporting: Provides a framework for classifying, recording, and reporting injuries and illnesses, including clear procedures for manufacturer notification after serious incidents.
• Information Transfer and Documentation: Specifies requirements for record-keeping, documentation, and the transfer of operational and maintenance history during change of ownership.

Applications

ASTM F2959-23a applies to a wide variety of facilities and operators involved in the aerial adventure industry. Practical applications include:

• Recreational Parks: Design and management of aerial adventure installations in amusement and outdoor parks, ensuring patron safety and regulatory compliance.
• Eco-tourism & Adventure Centers: Guidelines for canopy tours, zip lines, and challenge courses in natural or forested settings, stressing the importance of environmental and structural inspections.
• School and Camp Programs: Bases for implementing ropes courses and team-building installations with robust operational and safety protocols.
• Construction & Integration: Manufacturers and system integrators use the standard to guarantee consistent production quality and integration of course elements.
• Inspection and Auditing Agencies: Third-party inspectors utilize this standard for consistent annual audits and compliance checks.
• Legal and Regulatory Bodies: References for governmental or jurisdictional oversight regarding the safety of aerial adventure operations.

Related Standards

ASTM F2959-23a aligns and references several other critical national and international standards, including:

• ASTM F770 - Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
• ASTM F1193 - Quality, Manufacture, and Construction of Amusement Rides and Devices
• ASTM F2974 - Auditing Amusement Rides and Devices
• ASTM F2137 - Measuring Dynamic Characteristics of Amusement Rides and Devices
• ANSI B77 - Safety Requirements for Aerial Tramways and Lifts
• NFPA 1983 - Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services
• EN 280 & EN 12277 - European standards for mobile elevating platforms and safety harnesses

By providing a structured, safety-focused approach, ASTM F2959-23a serves as the principal reference for anyone involved in the aerial adventure industry looking to ensure quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. Incorporation of this standard supports risk management, enhances participant experience, and demonstrates commitment to high safety standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2959 − 23a
Standard Practice for
Aerial Adventure Courses
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2959; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope F1950 Specification for Physical Information to be Trans-
ferred With Used Amusement Rides and Devices (With-
1.1 This practice establishes criteria for the Design,
drawn 2008)
Manufacture, Installation, Operation, Maintenance, Auditing
F1957 Test Method for Composite Foam Hardness-
and Major Modification of Aerial Adventure Courses.
Durometer Hardness
F2137 Practice for Measuring the Dynamic Characteristics
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
of Amusement Rides and Devices
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
F2291 Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
F2375 Practice for Design, Manufacture, Installation and
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Testing of Climbing Nets and Netting/Mesh used in
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Amusement Rides, Devices, Play Areas and Attractions
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
F2974 Practice for Auditing Amusement Rides and Devices
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
2.2 ANSI Standards:
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
ANSI B77 Passenger Ropeways - Aerial Tramways, Aerial
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Lifts, Surface Lifts, Tows and Conveyors - Safety Re-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
quirements
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code
2.3 CDC (Center for Disease Control) Growth Charts:
2. Referenced Documents
CDC Basic Body Measurements
2.1 ASTM Standards:
2.4 European Standard:
E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive
EN 280 Mobile elevating work platforms - Design calcula-
Testing
tions - Stability criteria - Construction - Safety - Exami-
F747 Terminology Relating to Amusement Rides and De-
nations and tests
vices
EN 12277 Mountaineering equipment - Harnesses - Safety
F770 Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and
requirements and test methods
Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
2.5 NFPA Standard:
F1159 Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices
NFPA 1983 Standard on Life Safety Rope and Equipment
that are Outside the Purview of Other F24 Design Stan-
for Emergency Services
dards
2.6 SAE Standard:
F1193 Practice for Quality, Manufacture, and Construction
SAE J833 Human Physical Dimensions
of Amusement Rides and Devices
F1772 Specification for Harnesses for Rescue and Sport
Activities
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Rides and Devices and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F24.61 on Available from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600
Adventure Attractions. Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30329-4027, http://www.cdc.gov [Search: anthropomet-
Current edition approved July 1, 2023. Published July 2023. Originally approved rics].
in 2012. Last previous edition approved in 2023 as F2959 – 23. DOI: 10.1520/ Available from European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Avenue
F2959-23A. Marnix 17, B-1000, Brussels, Belgium, http://www.cen.eu.
2 7
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale,
the ASTM website. PA 15096, http://www.sae.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2959 − 23a
2.7 UIAA Standard: 5.2.3 Replace the term “ride analysis” with “device
UIAA 105 Mountaineering and Climbing Equipment: Har- analysis,”
nesses
5.2.4 Replace the term “passenger” with “patron,”
5.2.5 Replace the term “riders” with “patrons,” and
3. Terminology
5.2.6 Replace the term “rider” with “patron.”
3.1 Terminology shall be in accordance with Terminology
5.3 Significance and Use—The purpose of this practice is to
F747.
delineate information and to establish procedures for the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
operation, maintenance, inspection, and training of aerial
3.2.1 aerial trekking course, n—self-guided aerial adventure
adventure courses.
course containing elements intended to be obstacles.
5.4 Owner/Operator’s Responsibility:
3.2.2 canopy tour, n—aerial adventure course which pro-
5.4.1 The owner/operator shall develop a program with
vides patron access to the canopy of a forest.
necessary tasks and training to operate, maintain, and inspect
3.2.3 challenge course, n—guided aerial adventure course
the aerial adventure course, as designed. The program shall
containing elements intended to be obstacles.
include, but not be limited to:
3.2.4 ropes course, n—synonym for a challenge course.
5.4.1.1 An operations program as outlined in 5.5,
5.4.1.2 A maintenance program as outlined in 5.6,
3.2.5 zip line, n—an aerial adventure course element over an
open span consisting of an inclined wire or fiber rope on which
5.4.1.3 An inspection program as outlined in 5.7, and
harnessed patron(s) suspended from a pulley or trolley are able
5.4.1.4 A training program as outlined in 5.8.
to traverse with the primary force for propulsion being gravity.
5.5 Operations Program:
3.3 Abbreviations:
5.5.1 Operating Document—Each owner/operator shall pre-
3.3.1 AAC, n—aerial adventure course
pare an operating document for each aerial adventure course or
3.3.2 PSE, n—personal safety equipment
element based on the recommended instructions and specifi-
cations provided by the manufacturer. This operating document
4. Significance and Use
shall be made available to each aerial adventure course
operator and attendant. The operating document shall include,
4.1 The rational for developing a separate standard practice
but not be limited to:
for Aerial Adventure Courses is based on the unique functional,
5.5.1.1 Specific operation policies and procedures with
operational and patron participation requirements when com-
pertinent information from the manufacturer’s instructions,
pared to amusement rides and devices.
including, but not limited to:
4.2 The purpose of this practice is to provide designers,
(1) Description of the aerial adventure course operation;
manufacturers, constructors, system integrators, owners/
(2) Specific duties of the assigned operator(s) and atten-
operators, and auditors with criteria and references for use in
dant(s) position(s) of the aerial adventure course;
the design, manufacture, construction, installation, integration,
(3) General safety procedures;
operation, maintenance, auditing, and major modification of
(4) Instructions on specific procedures to follow in the
Aerial Adventure Courses.
event of unusual conditions or an interruption of operation,
4.3 Unless this practice expressly provides otherwise in a
including an evacuation plan outlined in 5.5.2;
particular provision, the term “Aerial Adventure Course” is to
(5) Additional instructions from the owner/operator; and
be used in place of “Amusement Rides and Devices” herein.
(6) The owner/operator shall also consider environmental
condition(s) including, but not limited to, wind, rain, ice, and
5. Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, Inspection, and
lightning when developing operating procedures.
Training Requirements
5.5.1.2 Specific emergency procedures in the event of an
5.1 Ownership, operation, maintenance, inspection, and
abnormal condition or interruption in service.
training requirements for aerial adventure courses shall be in
5.5.2 Evacuation Plan—The owner/operator shall have and
accordance with Practice F770, and the exceptions and inclu-
maintain an evacuation plan for each aerial adventure course.
sions unique to aerial adventure courses. For convenience, all
5.5.2.1 The owner/operator shall consider:
of these inclusions and exceptions have been incorporated into
(1) Standard load/unload area evacuations are the preferred
Practice F770 and are shown below.
method;
(2) Aerial adventure course manufacturer’s recommenda-
5.2 Changes to common terms in Practice F770-15 are:
tions;
5.2.1 Replace the term “amusement rides and devices” with
(3) Conditions of the environment that could impact an
“aerial adventure courses,”
evacuation;
5.2.2 Replace the terms “amusement ride or device” or “ride
(4) Personnel responsible for performing an evacuation;
or device” with “aerial adventure course,”
(5) Notification and cooperation with the outside agencies
and entities intended to participate in an evacuation;
(6) Identification and location of equipment to support an
Available from International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA),
61 Postfach CH-3000 Bern 23 Switzerland, http://www.theuiaa.org/index.php. evacuation;
F2959 − 23a
(7) Equipment that may be required to communicate with person performing the regularly scheduled maintenance on
patrons during an evacuation process; each aerial adventure course. The owner/operator’s checklist
(8) Access and egress requirements for personnel and
(on an aerial adventure course basis) shall include, but not be
equipment to evacuate the aerial adventure course; limited to:
(9) Actions required prior to evacuation to prevent inad-
5.6.1.1 Description of preventive maintenance assignments
vertent motion of the aerial adventure course, patron(s),
to be performed;
vehicle(s), carrier(s), and surrounding equipment in the evacu-
5.6.1.2 Description of inspections to be performed;
ation pathway;
5.6.1.3 Special safety instructions, where applicable;
(10) Order or sequence of evacuation to evacuate patrons
5.6.1.4 The inspection criteria requirements, frequency, and
efficiently and safely;
retirement criteria shall be developed for the aerial adventure
(11) An appropriate means of egress for evacuees;
course components, including, but not limited to:
(12) Removal of patrons unable to assist in their own
(1) Wire rope;
evacuation because of disability, medical conditions, or other
(a) Wire rope shall be subject to detailed visual inspection
reasons.; and
at regularly established intervals based on usage, but not to
(13) Procedures for arranging medical assistance as re-
quired during an evacuation. exceed one year by a qualified wire rope inspector, or imme-
diately after any event possibly affecting the integrity of the
5.5.2.2 The owner/operator shall provide and document
wire rope. The following items shall be considered in deter-
training on the evacuation plan.
mining the continued use of the wire rope:
5.5.2.3 The owner/operator shall periodically review the
• Broken wires,
evacuation plan and make adjustments as needed.
• Displaced or loose wire,
5.5.2.4 The evacuation plan shall include an access plan for
• Physical damage at impact areas on wire rope,
performing evacuation, first aid and ground care of evacuated
patrons. • Visual inspection of impact areas on zip lines,
• Diameter Reduction—Original diameter of wire rope
5.5.3 Denying Entry—The owner/operator of an aerial ad-
shall be recorded at time of commissioning and recorded for
venture course may deny entry to the aerial adventure course to
any person, if in the opinion of the owner/operator the entry use in determining subsequent diameter reduction calculations,
and
may cause above normal exposure to risk of discomfort or
injury to the person who desires to enter, or if in the opinion of • Tensioning procedures to ensure wire rope tensions are
the owner/operator the entry may jeopardize the safety of other within specified operating parameters;
patrons or employees. (2) Wire-rope-associated hardware;
5.5.3.1 Aerial adventure course operators should be given (3) Anchorage systems;
guidelines on the special considerations concerning patron (4) Personal safety equipment (PSE);
size, and the special considerations applicable to physically (5) Support structures and connection hardware; and
disabled and mentally impaired patrons, related to their par- (6) All components in the primary load path not listed
ticular aerial adventure course.
above.
5.5.4 Signage—Signs presented by the owner/operator for
5.6.1.5 When one or more live tree(s) are utilized in an
instruction to the public shall be prominently placed and, bold
aerial adventure course, qualified person(s) shall perform an
in design, with wording short, simple, and to the point.
arboricultural inspection to determine that the tree(s) are
5.5.4.1 Signs to display operational instructions or
healthy and suitable for the intended use and that the original
requirements, or both, for use of the aerial adventure course
design intent is maintained. The inspections shall be per-
may be posted at the waiting/loading area or other appropriate
formed:
location and may include height, weight and other essential
(1) At a frequency of not less than once per year;
requirements and other duties and obligations of the patrons
(2) After the occurrence of any significant environmental
such as but not limited to those listed in 5.9.
event, such as hurricane, tornado, lightning, ice storms,
5.5.4.2 Entrances to machinery rooms or restricted areas, or
earthquake, flooding or drought;
both should be posted when necessary to warn unauthorized
(3) After any change in surrounding environment that
persons not to enter.
could alter the health and integrity of the trees utilized, such as
removal of adjacent trees or development of adjoining proper-
5.6 Maintenance Program:
ties;
5.6.1 Maintenance Documents—Each owner/operator of an
(4) Physical damage such as a major limb failure, when
aerial adventure course shall read and become familiar with the
there is a change in the visible health of the tree or canopy, or
contents of the designer/engineer, manufacturer, and training
both, as a result of disease or insect infestation; and
entity’s maintenance instructions and specifications when re-
(5) Arborist Inspection Criteria Requirements:
ceived. Based on the designer/engineer, manufacturer, and
(a) The arborist shall provide a written report evaluating
training entity’s requirements, each owner/operator shall
the health and suitability of the tree(s) for the intended use, and
implement a program of maintenance, testing, and inspection
providing for the duties and responsibilities necessary in the (b) The owner operator shall retain all arborist’s inspec-
tion reports and maintenance records performed on the trees
care of each aerial adventure course. This program of mainte-
nance shall include a checklist to be made available to each based on the arborist’s report;
F2959 − 23a
5.6.1.6 When natural rock is utilized in an aerial adventure 5.7.1 Pre-Opening Inspection—Owner/operators of aerial
course, qualified person(s) shall perform an inspection to adventure course shall have an inspection program consistent
with the inspections outlined in this practice and Practice
determine that the natural rock is suitable for the intended use
F1193.
and that the original design intent is maintained. The inspec-
5.7.2 The operator(s) of each aerial adventure course shall
tions shall be performed:
conduct and document a daily pre-opening inspection of each
(1) At a frequency of not less than once per year.
aerial adventure course or element prior to carrying patrons.
(2) After the occurrence of any significant environmental
This inspection shall include but not be limited to the follow-
event, such as lightning exposure, weather impacts (wind,
ing:
snow, and ice), fire, etc.
5.7.2.1 Perform a visual inspection of the following com-
(3) When there is physical damage resulting in a change in
ponents of the course, as applicable:
the visible structural integrity of the rock structure; such as
(1) Platforms, stairways, pathways, ramps, support
major fissures, cracking or loose rocks.
structures, and trees included in and directly adjacent to the
(4) Natural Rock Inspection Criteria Requirements:
course;
(a) The qualified person inspecting the natural rock shall
(2) All fencing, guarding, and barricades;
provide a written report evaluating the suitability of the natural
(3) Course restraint and zip line hardware including wire
rock for the intended use and whether the original design intent
rope, attachment hardware, and anchor system;
is maintained, and
(4) Counterweight or other tension control system compo-
(b) The owner operator shall retain all natural rock
nents;
inspection reports and maintenance records performed based
(5) Personal safety equipment such as harnesses, lanyard,
on the inspection report.
carabineers, pulleys/trolleys, and so forth; and
5.6.1.7 Any additional recommendations of the owner/ (6) Patron clearance envelope.
operator; and 5.7.2.2 Verify proper operation of the following, as appli-
cable:
5.6.1.8 When developing the check lists as described in
(1) Specified manual and automatic patron control
5.6.1, the following terms are to be defined as follows:
equipment,
(1) Inspection—Visual procedure;
(2) Specified safety related control system components,
(2) Test—Functional check;
(3) Braking systems, and
(3) Quantitative Measurement or Analysis—Use of equip-
(4) Communication systems.
ment to measure or analyze; and
5.7.2.3 Ensure access routes and platforms are clear of
(4) Diagnosis—Decision or conclusion based on data com-
debris such as ice and snow to the extent necessary to permit
piled from an inspection, test, quantitative measurement or
inspection and operation.
analysis, or a combination thereof.
5.7.2.4 Additional instructions deemed necessary by the
5.6.1.9 All inspection and maintenance and repair tasks
owner/operator.
performed shall be documented and available for review. All
5.7.3 Inspection documents deemed appropriate by the
reports from outside agencies that may be required as specified
owner/operator to be maintained in the aerial adventure course
by the designer/engineer shall form part of the documentation.
file shall be filed in accordance with the procedures outlined in
5.6.2 Replacement Parts for Aerial Adventure Courses: this practice and Practice F1193.
5.7.4 The owner/operator of an aerial adventure course shall
5.6.2.1 Replacement parts for aerial adventure courses shall
promptly notify the manufacturer of an incident, failure, or
be:
malfunction which, in the owner/operator’s judgment, may
(1) Procured from the original manufacturer of the aerial
affect the continued proper operation of the aerial adventure
adventure course, using the appropriate manufacturer-supplied
course and is information of which the manufacturer should be
identifying nomenclature; or
aware.
(2) Procured or produced using appropriate original manu-
facturing drawings or specifications, or both, if available; or 5.8 Training Program:
(3) Procured or produced using specifications derived from 5.8.1 Operator Training—The owner/operator shall provide
sufficient analysis to ensure parts of equivalent functions and
and document training under the supervision of a trainer for
quality, to those provided by the original manufacturer and in each operator and attendant of an aerial adventure course. This
accordance with Practice F1193. training shall include, but not be limited to the following:
5.8.1.1 Instructions on aerial adventure course operating
5.6.2.2 The manufacture of replacement parts for aerial
procedures;
adventure courses shall conform to the applicable sections of
5.8.1.2 Instructions on specific duties of the assigned opera-
Practice F1193.
tor and attendant position(s) of the aerial adventure course;
5.6.3 The owner/operator shall be responsible for imple-
5.8.1.3 Instructions on general safety procedures;
menting a program of testing based on the recommendations of
5.8.1.4 Instructions on proper fit and use of any required
the section on Non-Destructive Testing Requirements of Prac-
PSE:
tice F1193.
(1) When harnesses are utilized, operators/attendants shall
5.7 Inspection Program: be trained to properly size, adjust, and fit the harness according
F2959 − 23a
to the manufacturer’s instructions, and in a manner that shall 5.10.1 Recording Recommendations:
prevent the patron from slipping out during intended use.
5.10.1.1 The administration of emergency health care ser-
(2) When connectors/connection systems are utilized,
vice and treatment should be recorded as deemed appropriate
operators/attendants shall be trained to connect the patrons to
by the owner/operator of the aerial adventure course to include
the course with the manufacturer’s specified connector(s) or
the documentation of all first-aid treatment, including minor
connection system.
injuries and illnesses, in a first-aid log. Injuries and illnesses
(3) When patrons are responsible for managing the con-
including minor injuries and illnesses, in a first aid log. Injuries
nection system, the operators/attendants shall be trained to
and illnesses other than minor should be reported on a first-aid
instruct patrons on the proper use of the connector(s) or
incident report in accordance with 5.10.1.2.
connection system.
5.10.1.2 First-Aid Incident Report—A first-aid incident re-
5.8.1.5 Instructions on specific procedures to follow in the
port should be completed for injuries or illnesses that result in
event of unusual conditions or an interruption of operation;
hospital admission or where medical treatment is given,
5.8.1.6 Demonstration by the trainer of the operation of the
recommended, or may be required at a future date. All injuries
aerial adventure course;
or illnesses reported and other than those classified as minor,
5.8.1.7 Demonstration by the trainee, under the supervision
can be presumed to be in this category.
of the trainer, of the operation of the aerial adventure course;
5.10.1.3 Recorded Information—Information recorded in
5.8.1.8 Additional instructions or training under the super-
the first-aid incident report should include, but not be limited
vision of a trainer deemed necessary by the owner/operator;
to, the following, where applicable:
and
(1) Date the incident occurred;
5.8.1.9 Instructions on rescue and retrieval procedures.
(2) Name, address, and telephone number of the person to
5.8.2 Maintenance Training—The owner/operator of the
receive emergency health care service or treatment;
aerial adventure course shall ensure training is provided for
(3) Age of the person to receive emergency health care
each person performing the regularly scheduled maintenance
service or treatment;
on the aerial adventure course, pertaining to their assigned
(4) Manufacturer’s name of the aerial adventure course
duties. This training shall include, but not be limited to, the
where or on which the incident occurred;
following:
(5) Description of the injury or illness, physical description
5.8.2.1 Instruction on inspection and preventive mainte-
of the injury or illness, and description of the events causing
nance procedures;
and related to the incident;
5.8.2.2 Instruction on the specific duties of the assigned
(6) Description of the first-aid service or treatment
position;
administered, including medications given;
5.8.2.3 Instruction on general safety procedures;
(7) Incident classification in accordance with 5.10.2; and
5.8.2.4 Demonstration of the physical performance of the
(8) Additional information deemed necessary by the
assigned regularly scheduled duties and inspections;
owner/operator.
5.8.2.5 Supervised observation of the maintenance person’s
5.10.2 Classification of First-Aid Incidents—When record-
physical performance of their assigned regularly scheduled
ing an applicable first-aid–related incident, the owner/operator
duties and inspections; and
of the Aerial Adventure Course should classify the injury or
5.8.2.6 Additional instructions deemed necessary by the
illness in accordance with each of the following categories
owner/operator.
based on the available reported or observed reliable
5.9 Patron Responsibility: information, or both:
5.9.1 There are inherent risks in the participation in or on
5.10.2.1 Aerial adventure course incidents classified in
any aerial adventure course or attraction of which requires
accordance with injury qualification and degree of injury—
appropriate patron awareness, participation, physical ability,
Injury, illness, serious injury/illness, and minor injury/illness
and dexterity. Patrons of aerial adventure courses by partici-
should be determined by the owner/operator to best describe
pation accept the risks inherent in such participation of which
the incident circumstances.
the ordinary prudent person is or should be aware. Patrons have
5.10.2.2 Aerial adventure course incidents classified in
a duty to exercise good judgment and act in a responsible
accordance with facility implication:
manner while in or on any aerial adventure course, and to obey
(1) Facility-related incidents—Injuries or illnesses that oc-
all oral or written warnings, or both, before or during
cur on facility premises shall be additionally classified as
participation, or both.
“facility related.”
5.9.2 Patrons have a duty to not participate in or on any
(2) Not-facility related incidents—Injuries or illnesses that
aerial adventure course when under the influence of drugs or
occur off facility premises shall be additionally classified as
alcohol.
“not facility related.”
5.9.3 Patrons have a duty to properly use all aerial adventure
5.10.2.3 Aerial adventure course incidents classified in
course safety equipment provided.
accordance with facility location:
5.9.4 Patrons have a duty to not participate in or on any
(1) Aerial adventure course on aerial adventure course
aerial adventure course when their physical condition will
incident—Injuries or illnesses that actually occur to a person
prevent safe participation.
while participating during the operation of the aerial adventure
5.10 Classification of Injuries and Illnesses: course including during the start-up or shut-down procedures,
F2959 − 23a
shall be additionally classified as an aerial adventure course 6. Testing Performance
“on aerial adventure course incident.”
6.1 Testing performance shall be in accordance with Prac-
(2) Loading and unloading incidents—Injuries or illnesses
tice F1193.
that actually occur to a person while they are within the area
designated for loading and unloading of an aerial adventure
7. Auditing
course that was under the direct control of an operator or
7.1 Auditing requirements for aerial adventure courses shall
attendant shall be additionally classified as a “loading and
be in accordance with Practice F2974.
unloading incident.”
(3) Queue line incident—Injuries or illnesses that actually
7.2 Compliance Audit—A compliance audit shall be per-
occur to a person while in a queue line for an aerial adventure
formed annually. When performing a compliance audit, the
course shall be additionally classified as a “queue line inci-
auditor(s) shall:
dent.”
7.2.1 Review conformance to Owner/Operator’s Operations
(4) Other incidents—Injuries or illnesses that occur to a
and Maintenance Training and Inspection Program per Section
person in a location other than as described in 5.10.2.3(1) – (3)
5 and 8 of Practice F2959.
shall be classified as other than the preceding classifications
7.2.2 Review conformance of documentation and that it
and should be categorized in accordance with other predeter-
reflects the current configuration of the aerial adventure course
mined descriptions that may be established by the owner/
in operation.
operator.
7.2.3 Review conformance as to the operational functional-
5.10.3 Manufacturer Notification—The owner/operator of
ity per the operational specifications as provided in Section 8 of
an aerial adventure course shall notify the appropriate manu-
Practice F2959.
facturer(s) of an incident that resulted in a serious injury within
7.3 Keywords:
seven days of the occurrence of the incident.
7.3.1 inspection; inspector
5.11 Information Transferred with Change of Ownership of
Aerial Adventure Courses:
8. Quality, Manufacture, and Construction Requirements
5.11.1 Seller’s Requirements:
8.1 Quality, manufacture, and construction shall be in ac-
5.11.1.1 The seller of a used aerial adventure course shall
cordance with Practice F1193, and the exceptions and inclu-
make available to the new owner a copy of all existing
sions unique to aerial adventure courses. For convenience, all
manufacturer’s documentation, including but not limited to, the
of these inclusions and exceptions have been incorporated into
current operational and maintenance manuals, service
Practice F1193 and are shown below.
bulletins, schematics, drawings, component identification
information, and purchased equipment manuals in the seller’s
8.2 Changes to common terms in Practice F1193-17 are:
possession.
8.2.1 Replace the term “amusement rides and devices” with
5.11.1.2 The seller of a used aerial adventure course shall
“aerial adventure courses,”
provide therewith written notice of major modifications the
8.2.2 Replace the terms “amusement ride or device” or “ride
seller has made or caused to be made along with the manufac-
or device” with “aerial adventure course,”
turer’s or other supporting documentation.
8.2.3 Replace the term “ride analysis” with “device
5.11.2 Purchaser’s Requirements—Before the operation of a
analysis,”
used aerial adventure course, a purchaser of that aerial adven-
8.2.4 Replace the term “passenger” with “patron,”
ture course shall:
8.2.5 Replace the term “riders” with “patrons,” and
5.11.2.1 Notify the original manufacturer or known
8.2.6 Replace the term “rider” with “patron.”
successor, if available, of the change in ownership of the aerial
8.3 Significance and Use—The purpose of this practice is to
adventure course;
provide the minimum manufacturing requirements for aerial
5.11.2.2 Request from the original manufacturer or known
adventure courses and to provide the minimum requirements
successor, if available, information related to the ownership,
for a written quality assurance program for an aerial adventure
operation, maintenance and inspection of the aerial adventure
course manufacturer, or component supplier. This is not
course, including but not limited to, current operational and
intended to include suppliers of off-the-shelf components (for
maintenance manuals, service bulletins, schematics, drawings,
example, fasteners, electrical wire, etc.).
component identification information, and purchased equip-
ment manuals or other information in accordance with Practice
8.4 Drawing Control Procedure—A procedure shall be in
F1193; and
effect so that appropriate manufacturing drawings, their engi-
5.11.2.3 Obtain, review, and become familiar with the above neering revisions, and related documents are utilized.
documents. Upon receipt of the information, incorporate the
8.5 Material and Component Control Procedure:
above materials in accordance with the requirements described
8.5.1 A procedure shall be in effect so that materials,
in 5.4 – 5.8.
processes, and components, including raw materials, are in
5.12 Keywords: accordance with the engineering specifications.
5.12.1 aerial adventure course; inspection; maintenance; 8.5.1.1 This procedure shall provide the purchasing agent
operating procedures; operations; operator; training with all the information required to order appropriate material.
F2959 − 23a
8.5.1.2 A receiving procedure shall be in effect so that 8.8.2 Documentation for certified or qualified welders shall
incoming material and components are checked against the be maintained.
purchasing specifications.
8.9 Certification—Before a manufacturer ships an aerial
8.5.1.3 A procedure shall be in effect so that material in
adventure course, the manufacturer shall generate a document
stock can be properly identified for future use.
certifying that the aerial adventure course is in compliance with
8.5.1.4 Documentation on any material, process, or compo-
Practice F1193. This certification shall be retained with other
nents certified shall be filed for reference.
quality assurance documents for the aerial adventure course.
8.6 Manufacturing: When requested by an aerial adventure course-certifying
authority, purchaser, or owner, the manufacturer shall provide
8.6.1 Aerial adventure course components and systems shall
a copy of this certification document.
be manufactured and assembled in accordance with the
designer/engineer specified criteria.
8.10 Information Requirements:
8.6.2 Changes to the designer/engineer specified criteria
8.10.1 The information given in 8.10.2 and 8.10.3 –
shall be documented and approved by the designer/engineer or
8.10.14.3 shall be included, where applicable, on the informa-
a qualified engineer before components, subassemblies, or
tion plate as specified in 8.10.2, and in the documented
systems are placed into use.
operating and maintenance instructions to be furnished by the
8.6.3 Quality Assurance Program:
manufacturer or seller at the time of sale of each aerial
8.6.3.1 The manufacturer of an aerial adventure course shall
adventure course.
have a written quality assurance program as specified in
8.10.2 Information Plate—A manufacturer-issued informa-
Practice F1193 for use in conjunction with the design,
tion plate, printed in English, shall be permanently affixed to
manufacture, construction, modification, or reconditioning of
the aerial adventure course in a visible location, and shall be
the aerial adventure course.
designed to remain legible for the expected life of the aerial
8.6.3.2 Quality assurance documents, that is, material
adventure course. The plate shall include, but not be restricted
certifications, test reports, and inspection reports, shall be
to, all applicable items listed in 8.10.2 – 8.10.2.8.
retained for a period of time as deemed appropriate by the
8.10.2.1 Aerial Adventure Course Serial Number—A
manufacturers.
manufacturer-issued unique identifying number or code affixed
8.7 Inspection:
to the aerial adventure course in a permanent fashion.
8.7.1 A procedure shall be in effect so that appropriate
8.10.2.2 Aerial Adventure Course Name and
inspections are made on manufactured parts and Manufacturer—A manufacturer issued unique identifying
subassemblies, for conformance with the designer/engineer
aerial adventure course name, including the name of the
specified criteria. manufacturer by city, state, and country.
8.7.2 A procedure shall be in effect so that appropriate
8.10.2.3 Aerial Adventure Course Model Number—A
inspections are made on purchased components.
manufacturer-issued unique identifying number or code as-
8.7.3 A procedure shall be in effect so that completed
signed to each manufactured type of aerial adventure course
subassemblies, or where practical, the assembled aerial adven- having the same structural design or components.
ture courses are inspected prior to delivery.
8.10.2.4 Date of Manufacture—The date (month and year)
8.7.4 Non-conforming components found in 8.7.1, 8.7.2, or
determined by the manufacturer that the given aerial adventure
8.7.3 shall be identified and evaluated. Disposition of the
course met the manufacturer’s required construction specifica-
nonconforming components shall be one of the following:
tions.
8.7.4.1 The non-conforming component shall be scrapped
8.10.2.5 Aerial Adventure Course—Maximum and mini-
or rejected, or
mum revolutions or distance per unit of time, as applicable.
8.7.4.2 The non-conforming component shall be altered
8.10.2.6 Direction of Travel—When the proper direction of
such that it cannot be used in the specific intended application
travel is essential to the design operation of the aerial adventure
for the component, or
course, the manufacturer shall designate the direction of travel,
8.7.4.3 The non-conforming component shall be reworked
including reference point for this designation.
to bring it into compliance and re-inspected in conformance
8.10.2.7 Patron Capacity by Weight—Maximum total pa-
with 8.7.1, 8.7.2, or 8.7.3 of this practice.
tron weight per patron position and per aerial adventure course.
8.7.4.4 The design of the non-conforming component shall
8.10.2.8 Patron Capacity by Number—Maximum total
be re-evaluated in accordance with 8.6.2 of this practice, and
number of adult or child patrons per patron position and per
the drawing or documentation shall be modified or created to
aerial adventure course.
allow the component to be used as is.
8.10.3 Aerial Adventure Course Duration—The actual time
the aerial adventure course is in operation or a patron is
8.8 Welding:
exposed to the elements of the aerial adventure course
8.8.1 Welding and welding procedures shall be in accor-
functions, including patron restrictions to maximum exposure
dance with the appropriate American Welding Society (ANSI-
time, shall be included.
.AWS D1 specification) or the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers, or other equivalent standard, and be performed by 8.10.4 Recommended Balance of Patron Loading or
appropriately certified or qualified welders as required by the Unloading—When patron distribution is essential to the proper
standard. operation of the aerial adventure course, the appropriate
F2959 − 23a
loading and unloading procedure with respect to weight (1) Description of the motion(s) of the aerial adventure
distribution shall be provided. course during operation.
(2) Description of the recommended patron loading proce-
8.10.5 Environmental Restrictions—Recommendations for
operational restrictions relating to environmental conditions dures during operation, including recommended seating, where
such as, but not limited to, wind, rain, salt corrosion, and applicable.
extreme heat or cold.
8.11.1.2 Recommended safety procedures and instructions,
8.10.6 Recommended Patron Restrictions—Where
and information about safety equipment pertaining to patrons
applicable, any recommended patron limitations such as, but
and aerial adventure course operators and attendants.
not limited to, height patron placement, or any other appropri-
(1) Maximum total patron weight and maximum number of
ate restrictions.
patrons by carrier unit or aerial adventure course total.
8.10.7 Electrical Power Requirements—Total electrical
(2) Description of the patron restraint system, its recom-
power required to properly operate the aerial adventure course
mended use and operation.
designated in watts and volts, including minimum and maxi-
(3) Aerial adventure course operator and attendant safety
mum voltage limits.
check: recommended visual or other inspections to be per-
8.10.8 Mechanical Power Requirements—Minimum horse-
formed by aerial adventure course operators and attendants
power necessary to operate aerial adventure course properly.
prior to and during each aerial adventure course cycle.
8.10.9 Static Information—The following information shall
(4) Instructions to the patron: recommended information
be provided for the aerial adventure course when it is in a
that should be made available to each patron of the aerial
nonoperational state with no patrons: height, width, diameter,
adventure course.
and weight.
(5) Recommendations for operational restriction relating to
8.10.10 Dynamic Information—The following information
environmental conditions such as wind, rain, or temperature
shall be provided for the aerial adventure course when it is in
fluctuation.
an operational state: height, width, diameter, and weight.
8.11.1.3 Manufacturer’s recommended aerial adventure
8.10.11 Trailering Information—Each trailer necessary for
course operating procedures, including the location of aerial
the transport of a portable aerial adventure course shall be
adventure course operators and attendants.
provided with the following information: height, width, length,
(1) Description of the recommended, daily preopening
and weight.
inspection to be performed by aerial adventure course opera-
8.10.12 Fastener Schedule—A manufacturer-issued sched-
tor(s) and attendants that is in addition to previously performed
ule for the correct grade, torque, and placement of all fasteners
maintenance or other inspections.
used in the assembly, or erection, or both, of the aerial
(2) Description of the recommended aerial adventure
adventure course.
course operator(s) and attendants positions and functions.
8.10.13 Design Loads per Connection Point—Loads for
(3) Description of the recommended series of steps, to be
each footing or equivalent structural connection point as
followed in a definite order, to complete the operation of the
calculated for all the various load combinations as required by
aerial adventure course.
Section 11.8, Loads and Strengths, of Practice F2291.
8.11.1.4 Manufacturer’s recommended emergency proce-
8.10.14 Elements and Structures—Provided the proposed
dures.
owner/operator furnishes the manufacturer with necessary data
(1) Recommended evacuation procedures for the aerial
concerning proposed installation and usage of the aerial
adventure course.
adventure course, the manufacturer shall provide to the pro-
(2) Use of emergency power equipment, if provided with
posed owner/ operator a description of all structural interface
the aerial adventure course.
between the aerial adventure course and the owner/operator
(3) Description of any emergency equipment that is pro-
supports. This structural requirement definition shall include
vided with the aerial adventure course, and its uses.
the following:
(4) Description of any emergency procedure made neces-
8.10.14.1 Maximum static design loads of each footing or
sary by an interruption of power, and restart procedures.
equivalent structural connection,
8.10.14.2 Maximum dynamic design loads of each footing
8.12 Testing Performance Requirements:
or equivalent structural connection, and
8.12.1 Developmental Testing Requirements—Where
8.10.14.3 Any other structural interface design specifica-
applicable, as determined by the manufacturer/designer, the
tion.
following test procedures shall be developed and performed on
a prototype aerial adventure course or device in order that the
8.11 Operational Instruction Requirements:
manufacturer/designer may determine the appropriateness for
8.11.1 The manufacturer of an aerial adventure course shall
use, of not only the parts, but the entire system of a newly
provide, with delivery of each aerial adventure course,
designed aerial adventure course.
documented, recommended operating instructions in the Eng-
lish language. These instructions shall include, but not be 8.12.1.1 Procedures to Verify Maximum Safe Design Loads:
limited to the following:
(1) Procedures to verify such design characteristics as
8.11.1.1 Description of the aerial adventure course relevant deflections, loads, and forces that are placed on both
operation, including the function and operation of its major the equipment and the patron during operation of the aerial
components. adventure course,
F2959 − 23a
(2) A procedure to determine operational limits and restart manufacturer. These tests shall be performed by a qualified
criteria due to environmental conditions, NDT inspector in accordance with Practice E543 or ASNT
(3) Procedures to allow the manufacturer to determine such
Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A, or both. It is not intended
factors as component variability and certification requirements
to preclude any other schedule of NDT, inspection, or testing.
of components, and
(1) Nondestructive testing (NDT) is the development and
(4) Any other procedures necessary to demons
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F2959 − 23 F2959 − 23a
Standard Practice for
Aerial Adventure Courses
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2959; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice establishes criteria for the Design, Manufacture, Installation, Operation, Maintenance, Auditing and Major
Modification of Aerial Adventure Courses.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
F747 Terminology Relating to Amusement Rides and Devices
F770 Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
F1159 Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices that are Outside the Purview of Other F24 Design Standards
F1193 Practice for Quality, Manufacture, and Construction of Amusement Rides and Devices
F1772 Specification for Harnesses for Rescue and Sport Activities
F1950 Specification for Physical Information to be Transferred With Used Amusement Rides and Devices (Withdrawn 2008)
F1957 Test Method for Composite Foam Hardness-Durometer Hardness
F2137 Practice for Measuring the Dynamic Characteristics of Amusement Rides and Devices
F2291 Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices
F2375 Practice for Design, Manufacture, Installation and Testing of Climbing Nets and Netting/Mesh used in Amusement Rides,
Devices, Play Areas and Attractions
F2974 Practice for Auditing Amusement Rides and Devices
2.2 ANSI Standards:
ANSI B77 Passenger Ropeways - Aerial Tramways, Aerial Lifts, Surface Lifts, Tows and Conveyors - Safety Requirements
ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code
2.3 CDC (Center for Disease Control) Growth Charts:
CDC Basic Body Measurements
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F24.61 on Adventure
Attractions.
Current edition approved June 1, 2023July 1, 2023. Published June 2023July 2023. Originally approved in 2012. Last previous edition approved in 20222023 as
F2959 – 22.F2959 – 23. DOI: 10.1520/F2959-23.10.1520/F2959-23A.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Available from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30329-4027, http://www.cdc.gov [Search: anthropometrics].
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2959 − 23a
2.4 European Standard:
EN 280 Mobile elevating work platforms - Design calculations - Stability criteria - Construction - Safety - Examinations and
tests
EN 12277 Mountaineering equipment - Harnesses - Safety requirements and test methods
2.5 NFPA Standard:
NFPA 1983 Standard on Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services
2.6 SAE Standard:
SAE J833 Human Physical Dimensions
2.7 UIAA Standard:
UIAA 105 Mountaineering and Climbing Equipment: Harnesses
3. Terminology
3.1 Terminology shall be in accordance with Terminology F747.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 aerial trekking course, n—self-guided aerial adventure course containing elements intended to be obstacles.
3.2.2 canopy tour, n—aerial adventure course which provides patron access to the canopy of a forest.
3.2.3 challenge course, n—guided aerial adventure course containing elements intended to be obstacles.
3.2.4 ropes course, n—synonym for a challenge course.
3.2.5 zip line, n—an aerial adventure course element over an open span consisting of an inclined wire or fiber rope on which
harnessed patron(s) suspended from a pulley or trolley are able to traverse with the primary force for propulsion being gravity.
3.3 Abbreviations:
3.3.1 AAC, n—aerial adventure course
3.3.2 PSE, n—personal safety equipment
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The rational for developing a separate standard practice for Aerial Adventure Courses is based on the unique functional,
operational and patron participation requirements when compared to amusement rides and devices.
4.2 The purpose of this practice is to provide designers, manufacturers, constructors, system integrators, owners/operators, and
auditors with criteria and references for use in the design, manufacture, construction, installation, integration, operation,
maintenance, auditing, and major modification of Aerial Adventure Courses.
4.3 Unless this practice expressly provides otherwise in a particular provision, the term “Aerial Adventure Course” is to be used
in place of “Amusement Rides and Devices” herein.
5. Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, Inspection, and Training Requirements
5.1 Ownership, operation, maintenance, inspection, and training requirements for aerial adventure courses shall be in accordance
with Practice F770, and the exceptions and inclusions unique to aerial adventure courses. For convenience, all of these inclusions
and exceptions have been incorporated into Practice F770 and are shown below.
Available from European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000, Brussels, Belgium, http://www.cen.eu.
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096, http://www.sae.org.
Available from International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA), 61 Postfach CH-3000 Bern 23 Switzerland, http://www.theuiaa.org/index.php.
F2959 − 23a
5.2 Changes to common terms in Practice F770-15 are:
5.2.1 Replace the term “amusement rides and devices” with “aerial adventure courses,”
5.2.2 Replace the terms “amusement ride or device” or “ride or device” with “aerial adventure course,”
5.2.3 Replace the term “ride analysis” with “device analysis,”
5.2.4 Replace the term “passenger” with “patron,”
5.2.5 Replace the term “riders” with “patrons,” and
5.2.6 Replace the term “rider” with “patron.”
5.3 Significance and Use—The purpose of this practice is to delineate information and to establish procedures for the operation,
maintenance, inspection, and training of aerial adventure courses.
5.4 Owner/Operator’s Responsibility:
5.4.1 The owner/operator shall develop a program with necessary tasks and training to operate, maintain, and inspect the aerial
adventure course, as designed. The program shall include, but not be limited to:
5.4.1.1 An operations program as outlined in 5.5,
5.4.1.2 A maintenance program as outlined in 5.6,
5.4.1.3 An inspection program as outlined in 5.7, and
5.4.1.4 A training program as outlined in 5.8.
5.5 Operations Program:
5.5.1 Operating Document—Each owner/operator shall prepare an operating document for each aerial adventure course or element
based on the recommended instructions and specifications provided by the manufacturer. This operating document shall be made
available to each aerial adventure course operator and attendant. The operating document shall include, but not be limited to:
5.5.1.1 Specific operation policies and procedures with pertinent information from the manufacturer’s instructions, including, but
not limited to:
(1) Description of the aerial adventure course operation;
(2) Specific duties of the assigned operator(s) and attendant(s) position(s) of the aerial adventure course;
(3) General safety procedures;
(4) Instructions on specific procedures to follow in the event of unusual conditions or an interruption of operation, including
an evacuation plan outlined in 5.5.2;
(5) Additional instructions from the owner/operator; and
(6) The owner/operator shall also consider environmental condition(s) including, but not limited to, wind, rain, ice, and
lightning when developing operating procedures.
5.5.1.2 Specific emergency procedures in the event of an abnormal condition or interruption in service.
5.5.2 Evacuation Plan—The owner/operator shall have and maintain an evacuation plan for each aerial adventure course.
5.5.2.1 The owner/operator shall consider:
(1) Standard load/unload area evacuations are the preferred method;
(2) Aerial adventure course manufacturer’s recommendations;
(3) Conditions of the environment that could impact an evacuation;
(4) Personnel responsible for performing an evacuation;
F2959 − 23a
(5) Notification and cooperation with the outside agencies and entities intended to participate in an evacuation;
(6) Identification and location of equipment to support an evacuation;
(7) Equipment that may be required to communicate with patrons during an evacuation process;
(8) Access and egress requirements for personnel and equipment to evacuate the aerial adventure course;
(9) Actions required prior to evacuation to prevent inadvertent motion of the aerial adventure course, patron(s), vehicle(s),
carrier(s), and surrounding equipment in the evacuation pathway;
(10) Order or sequence of evacuation to evacuate patrons efficiently and safely;
(11) An appropriate means of egress for evacuees;
(12) Removal of patrons unable to assist in their own evacuation because of disability, medical conditions, or other reasons.;
and
(13) Procedures for arranging medical assistance as required during an evacuation.
5.5.2.2 The owner/operator shall provide and document training on the evacuation plan.
5.5.2.3 The owner/operator shall periodically review the evacuation plan and make adjustments as needed.
5.5.2.4 The evacuation plan shall include an access plan for performing evacuation, first aid and ground care of evacuated patrons.
5.5.3 Denying Entry—The owner/operator of an aerial adventure course may deny entry to the aerial adventure course to any
person, if in the opinion of the owner/operator the entry may cause above normal exposure to risk of discomfort or injury to the
person who desires to enter, or if in the opinion of the owner/operator the entry may jeopardize the safety of other patrons or
employees.
5.5.3.1 Aerial adventure course operators should be given guidelines on the special considerations concerning patron size, and the
special considerations applicable to physically disabled and mentally impaired patrons, related to their particular aerial adventure
course.
5.5.4 Signage—Signs presented by the owner/operator for instruction to the public shall be prominently placed and, bold in design,
with wording short, simple, and to the point.
5.5.4.1 Signs to display operational instructions or requirements, or both, for use of the aerial adventure course may be posted at
the waiting/loading area or other appropriate location and may include height, weight and other essential requirements and other
duties and obligations of the patrons such as but not limited to those listed in 5.9.
5.5.4.2 Entrances to machinery rooms or restricted areas, or both should be posted when necessary to warn unauthorized persons
not to enter.
5.6 Maintenance Program:
5.6.1 Maintenance Documents—Each owner/operator of an aerial adventure course shall read and become familiar with the
contents of the designer/engineer, manufacturer, and training entity’s maintenance instructions and specifications when received.
Based on the designer/engineer, manufacturer, and training entity’s requirements, each owner/operator shall implement a program
of maintenance, testing, and inspection providing for the duties and responsibilities necessary in the care of each aerial adventure
course. This program of maintenance shall include a checklist to be made available to each person performing the regularly
scheduled maintenance on each aerial adventure course. The owner/operator’s checklist (on an aerial adventure course basis) shall
include, but not be limited to:
5.6.1.1 Description of preventive maintenance assignments to be performed;
5.6.1.2 Description of inspections to be performed;
5.6.1.3 Special safety instructions, where applicable;
5.6.1.4 The inspection criteria requirements, frequency, and retirement criteria shall be developed for the aerial adventure course
components, including, but not limited to:
(1) Wire rope;
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(a) Wire rope shall be subject to detailed visual inspection at regularly established intervals based on usage, but not to exceed
one year by a qualified wire rope inspector, or immediately after any event possibly affecting the integrity of the wire rope. The
following items shall be considered in determining the continued use of the wire rope:
• Broken wires,
• Displaced or loose wire,
• Physical damage at impact areas on wire rope,
• Visual inspection of impact areas on zip lines,
• Diameter Reduction—Original diameter of wire rope shall be recorded at time of commissioning and recorded for use in
determining subsequent diameter reduction calculations, and
• Tensioning procedures to ensure wire rope tensions are within specified operating parameters;
(2) Wire-rope-associated hardware;
(3) Anchorage systems;
(4) Personal safety equipment (PSE);
(5) Support structures and connection hardware; and
(6) All components in the primary load path not listed above.
5.6.1.5 When one or more live tree(s) are utilized in an aerial adventure course, qualified person(s) shall perform an arboricultural
inspection to determine that the tree(s) are healthy and suitable for the intended use and that the original design intent is maintained.
The inspections shall be performed:
(1) At a frequency of not less than once per year;
(2) After the occurrence of any significant environmental event, such as hurricane, tornado, lightning, ice storms, earthquake,
flooding or drought;
(3) After any change in surrounding environment that could alter the health and integrity of the trees utilized, such as removal
of adjacent trees or development of adjoining properties;
(4) Physical damage such as a major limb failure, when there is a change in the visible health of the tree or canopy, or both,
as a result of disease or insect infestation; and
(5) Arborist Inspection Criteria Requirements:
(a) The arborist shall provide a written report evaluating the health and suitability of the tree(s) for the intended use, and
(b) The owner operator shall retain all arborist’s inspection reports and maintenance records performed on the trees based on
the arborist’s report;
5.6.1.6 When natural rock is utilized in an aerial adventure course, qualified person(s) shall perform an inspection to determine
that the natural rock is suitable for the intended use and that the original design intent is maintained. The inspections shall be
performed:
(1) At a frequency of not less than once per year.
(2) After the occurrence of any significant environmental event, such as lightning exposure, weather impacts (wind, snow, and
ice), fire, etc.
(3) When there is physical damage resulting in a change in the visible structural integrity of the rock structure; such as major
fissures, cracking or loose rocks.
(4) Natural Rock Inspection Criteria Requirements:
(a) The qualified person inspecting the natural rock shall provide a written report evaluating the suitability of the natural rock
for the intended use and whether the original design intent is maintained, and
(b) The owner operator shall retain all natural rock inspection reports and maintenance records performed based on the
inspection report.
5.6.1.7 Any additional recommendations of the owner/operator; and
5.6.1.8 When developing the check lists as described in 5.6.1, the following terms are to be defined as follows:
(1) Inspection—Visual procedure;
(2) Test—Functional check;
(3) Quantitative Measurement or Analysis—Use of equipment to measure or analyze; and
(4) Diagnosis—Decision or conclusion based on data compiled from an inspection, test, quantitative measurement or analysis,
or a combination thereof.
5.6.1.9 All inspection and maintenance and repair tasks performed shall be documented and available for review. All reports from
outside agencies that may be required as specified by the designer/engineer shall form part of the documentation.
5.6.2 Replacement Parts for Aerial Adventure Courses:
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5.6.2.1 Replacement parts for aerial adventure courses shall be:
(1) Procured from the original manufacturer of the aerial adventure course, using the appropriate manufacturer-supplied
identifying nomenclature; or
(2) Procured or produced using appropriate original manufacturing drawings or specifications, or both, if available; or
(3) Procured or produced using specifications derived from sufficient analysis to ensure parts of equivalent functions and
quality, to those provided by the original manufacturer and in accordance with Practice F1193.
5.6.2.2 The manufacture of replacement parts for aerial adventure courses shall conform to the applicable sections of Practice
F1193.
5.6.3 The owner/operator shall be responsible for implementing a program of testing based on the recommendations of the section
on Non-Destructive Testing Requirements of Practice F1193.
5.7 Inspection Program:
5.7.1 Pre-Opening Inspection—Owner/operators of aerial adventure course shall have an inspection program consistent with the
inspections outlined in this practice and Practice F1193.
5.7.2 The operator(s) of each aerial adventure course shall conduct and document a daily pre-opening inspection of each aerial
adventure course or element prior to carrying patrons. This inspection shall include but not be limited to the following:
5.7.2.1 Perform a visual inspection of the following components of the course, as applicable:
(1) Platforms, stairways, pathways, ramps, support structures, and trees included in and directly adjacent to the course;
(2) All fencing, guarding, and barricades;
(3) Course restraint and zip line hardware including wire rope, attachment hardware, and anchor system;
(4) Counterweight or other tension control system components;
(5) Personal safety equipment such as harnesses, lanyard, carabineers, pulleys/trolleys, and so forth; and
(6) Patron clearance envelope.
5.7.2.2 Verify proper operation of the following, as applicable:
(1) Specified manual and automatic patron control equipment,
(2) Specified safety related control system components,
(3) Braking systems, and
(4) Communication systems.
5.7.2.3 Ensure access routes and platforms are clear of debris such as ice and snow to the extent necessary to permit inspection
and operation.
5.7.2.4 Additional instructions deemed necessary by the owner/operator.
5.7.3 Inspection documents deemed appropriate by the owner/operator to be maintained in the aerial adventure course file shall
be filed in accordance with the procedures outlined in this practice and Practice F1193.
5.7.4 The owner/operator of an aerial adventure course shall promptly notify the manufacturer of an incident, failure, or
malfunction which, in the owner/operator’s judgment, may affect the continued proper operation of the aerial adventure course and
is information of which the manufacturer should be aware.
5.8 Training Program:
5.8.1 Operator Training—The owner/operator shall provide and document training under the supervision of a trainer for each
operator and attendant of an aerial adventure course. This training shall include, but not be limited to the following:
5.8.1.1 Instructions on aerial adventure course operating procedures;
5.8.1.2 Instructions on specific duties of the assigned operator and attendant position(s) of the aerial adventure course;
5.8.1.3 Instructions on general safety procedures;
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5.8.1.4 Instructions on proper fit and use of any required PSE:
(1) When harnesses are utilized, operators/attendants shall be trained to properly size, adjust, and fit the harness according to
the manufacturer’s instructions, and in a manner that shall prevent the patron from slipping out during intended use.
(2) When connectors/connection systems are utilized, operators/attendants shall be trained to connect the patrons to the course
with the manufacturer’s specified connector(s) or connection system.
(3) When patrons are responsible for managing the connection system, the operators/attendants shall be trained to instruct
patrons on the proper use of the connector(s) or connection system.
5.8.1.5 Instructions on specific procedures to follow in the event of unusual conditions or an interruption of operation;
5.8.1.6 Demonstration by the trainer of the operation of the aerial adventure course;
5.8.1.7 Demonstration by the trainee, under the supervision of the trainer, of the operation of the aerial adventure course;
5.8.1.8 Additional instructions or training under the supervision of a trainer deemed necessary by the owner/operator; and
5.8.1.9 Instructions on rescue and retrieval procedures.
5.8.2 Maintenance Training—The owner/operator of the aerial adventure course shall ensure training is provided for each person
performing the regularly scheduled maintenance on the aerial adventure course, pertaining to their assigned duties. This training
shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
5.8.2.1 Instruction on inspection and preventive maintenance procedures;
5.8.2.2 Instruction on the specific duties of the assigned position;
5.8.2.3 Instruction on general safety procedures;
5.8.2.4 Demonstration of the physical performance of the assigned regularly scheduled duties and inspections;
5.8.2.5 Supervised observation of the maintenance person’s physical performance of their assigned regularly scheduled duties and
inspections; and
5.8.2.6 Additional instructions deemed necessary by the owner/operator.
5.9 Patron Responsibility:
5.9.1 There are inherent risks in the participation in or on any aerial adventure course or attraction of which requires appropriate
patron awareness, participation, physical ability, and dexterity. Patrons of aerial adventure courses by participation accept the risks
inherent in such participation of which the ordinary prudent person is or should be aware. Patrons have a duty to exercise good
judgment and act in a responsible manner while in or on any aerial adventure course, and to obey all oral or written warnings, or
both, before or during participation, or both.
5.9.2 Patrons have a duty to not participate in or on any aerial adventure course when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
5.9.3 Patrons have a duty to properly use all aerial adventure course safety equipment provided.
5.9.4 Patrons have a duty to not participate in or on any aerial adventure course when their physical condition will prevent safe
participation.
5.10 Classification of Injuries and Illnesses:
5.10.1 Recording Recommendations:
5.10.1.1 The administration of emergency health care service and treatment should be recorded as deemed appropriate by the
owner/operator of the aerial adventure course to include the documentation of all first-aid treatment, including minor injuries and
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illnesses, in a first-aid log. Injuries and illnesses including minor injuries and illnesses, in a first aid log. Injuries and illnesses other
than minor should be reported on a first-aid incident report in accordance with 5.10.1.2.
5.10.1.2 First-Aid Incident Report—A first-aid incident report should be completed for injuries or illnesses that result in hospital
admission or where medical treatment is given, recommended, or may be required at a future date. All injuries or illnesses reported
and other than those classified as minor, can be presumed to be in this category.
5.10.1.3 Recorded Information—Information recorded in the first-aid incident report should include, but not be limited to, the
following, where applicable:
(1) Date the incident occurred;
(2) Name, address, and telephone number of the person to receive emergency health care service or treatment;
(3) Age of the person to receive emergency health care service or treatment;
(4) Manufacturer’s name of the aerial adventure course where or on which the incident occurred;
(5) Description of the injury or illness, physical description of the injury or illness, and description of the events causing and
related to the incident;
(6) Description of the first-aid service or treatment administered, including medications given;
(7) Incident classification in accordance with 5.10.2; and
(8) Additional information deemed necessary by the owner/operator.
5.10.2 Classification of First-Aid Incidents—When recording an applicable first-aid–related incident, the owner/operator of the
Aerial Adventure Course should classify the injury or illness in accordance with each of the following categories based on the
available reported or observed reliable information, or both:
5.10.2.1 Aerial adventure course incidents classified in accordance with injury qualification and degree of injury—Injury, illness,
serious injury/illness, and minor injury/illness should be determined by the owner/operator to best describe the incident
circumstances.
5.10.2.2 Aerial adventure course incidents classified in accordance with facility implication:
(1) Facility-related incidents—Injuries or illnesses that occur on facility premises shall be additionally classified as “facility
related.”
(2) Not-facility related incidents—Injuries or illnesses that occur off facility premises shall be additionally classified as “not
facility related.”
5.10.2.3 Aerial adventure course incidents classified in accordance with facility location:
(1) Aerial adventure course on aerial adventure course incident—Injuries or illnesses that actually occur to a person while
participating during the operation of the aerial adventure course including during the start-up or shut-down procedures, shall be
additionally classified as an aerial adventure course “on aerial adventure course incident.”
(2) Loading and unloading incidents—Injuries or illnesses that actually occur to a person while they are within the area
designated for loading and unloading of an aerial adventure course that was under the direct control of an operator or attendant
shall be additionally classified as a “loading and unloading incident.”
(3) Queue line incident—Injuries or illnesses that actually occur to a person while in a queue line for an aerial adventure course
shall be additionally classified as a “queue line incident.”
(4) Other incidents—Injuries or illnesses that occur to a person in a location other than as described in 5.10.2.3(1) – (3) shall
be classified as other than the preceding classifications and should be categorized in accordance with other predetermined
descriptions that may be established by the owner/operator.
5.10.3 Manufacturer Notification—The owner/operator of an aerial adventure course shall notify the appropriate manufacturer(s)
of an incident that resulted in a serious injury within seven days of the occurrence of the incident.
5.11 Information Transferred with Change of Ownership of Aerial Adventure Courses:
5.11.1 Seller’s Requirements:
5.11.1.1 The seller of a used aerial adventure course shall make available to the new owner a copy of all existing manufacturer’s
documentation, including but not limited to, the current operational and maintenance manuals, service bulletins, schematics,
drawings, component identification information, and purchased equipment manuals in the seller’s possession.
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5.11.1.2 The seller of a used aerial adventure course shall provide therewith written notice of major modifications the seller has
made or caused to be made along with the manufacturer’s or other supporting documentation.
5.11.2 Purchaser’s Requirements—Before the operation of a used aerial adventure course, a purchaser of that aerial adventure
course shall:
5.11.2.1 Notify the original manufacturer or known successor, if available, of the change in ownership of the aerial adventure
course;
5.11.2.2 Request from the original manufacturer or known successor, if available, information related to the ownership, operation,
maintenance and inspection of the aerial adventure course, including but not limited to, current operational and maintenance
manuals, service bulletins, schematics, drawings, component identification information, and purchased equipment manuals or other
information in accordance with Practice F1193; and
5.11.2.3 Obtain, review, and become familiar with the above documents. Upon receipt of the information, incorporate the above
materials in accordance with the requirements described in 5.4 – 5.8.
5.12 Keywords:
5.12.1 aerial adventure course; inspection; maintenance; operating procedures; operations; operator; training
6. Testing Performance
6.1 Testing performance shall be in accordance with Practice F1193.
7. Auditing
7.1 Auditing requirements for aerial adventure courses shall be in accordance with Practice F2974.
7.2 Compliance Audit—A compliance audit shall be performed annually. When performing a compliance audit, the auditor(s)
shall:
7.2.1 Review conformance to Owner/Operator’s Operations and Maintenance Training and Inspection Program per Section 5 and
8 of Practice F2959.
7.2.2 Review conformance of documentation and that it reflects the current configuration of the aerial adventure course in
operation.
7.2.3 Review conformance as to the operational functionality per the operational specifications as provided in Section 8 of Practice
F2959.
7.3 Keywords:
7.3.1 inspection; inspector
8. Quality, Manufacture, and Construction Requirements
8.1 Quality, manufacture, and construction shall be in accordance with Practice F1193, and the exceptions and inclusions unique
to aerial adventure courses. For convenience, all of these inclusions and exceptions have been incorporated into Practice F1193
and are shown below.
8.2 Changes to common terms in Practice F1193-17 are:
8.2.1 Replace the term “amusement rides and devices” with “aerial adventure courses,”
8.2.2 Replace the terms “amusement ride or device” or “ride or device” with “aerial adventure course,”
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8.2.3 Replace the term “ride analysis” with “device analysis,”
8.2.4 Replace the term “passenger” with “patron,”
8.2.5 Replace the term “riders” with “patrons,” and
8.2.6 Replace the term “rider” with “patron.”
8.3 Significance and Use—The purpose of this practice is to provide the minimum manufacturing requirements for aerial
adventure courses and to provide the minimum requirements for a written quality assurance program for an aerial adventure course
manufacturer, or component supplier. This is not intended to include suppliers of off-the-shelf components (for example, fasteners,
electrical wire, etc.).
8.4 Drawing Control Procedure—A procedure shall be in effect so that appropriate manufacturing drawings, their engineering
revisions, and related documents are utilized.
8.5 Material and Component Control Procedure:
8.5.1 A procedure shall be in effect so that materials, processes, and components, including raw materials, are in accordance with
the engineering specifications.
8.5.1.1 This procedure shall provide the purchasing agent with all the information required to order appropriate material.
8.5.1.2 A receiving procedure shall be in effect so that incoming material and components are checked against the purchasing
specifications.
8.5.1.3 A procedure shall be in effect so that material in stock can be properly identified for future use.
8.5.1.4 Documentation on any material, process, or components certified shall be filed for reference.
8.6 Manufacturing:
8.6.1 Aerial adventure course components and systems shall be manufactured and assembled in accordance with the
designer/engineer specified criteria.
8.6.2 Changes to the designer/engineer specified criteria shall be documented and approved by the designer/engineer or a qualified
engineer before components, subassemblies, or systems are placed into use.
8.6.3 Quality Assurance Program:
8.6.3.1 The manufacturer of an aerial adventure course shall have a written quality assurance program as specified in Practice
F1193 for use in conjunction with the design, manufacture, construction, modification, or reconditioning of the aerial adventure
course.
8.6.3.2 Quality assurance documents, that is, material certifications, test reports, and inspection reports, shall be retained for a
period of time as deemed appropriate by the manufacturers.
8.7 Inspection:
8.7.1 A procedure shall be in effect so that appropriate inspections are made on manufactured parts and subassemblies, for
conformance with the designer/engineer specified criteria.
8.7.2 A procedure shall be in effect so that appropriate inspections are made on purchased components.
8.7.3 A procedure shall be in effect so that completed subassemblies, or where practical, the assembled aerial adventure courses
are inspected prior to delivery.
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8.7.4 Non-conforming components found in 8.7.1, 8.7.2, or 8.7.3 shall be identified and evaluated. Disposition of the
nonconforming components shall be one of the following:
8.7.4.1 The non-conforming component shall be scrapped or rejected, or
8.7.4.2 The non-conforming component shall be altered such that it cannot be used in the specific intended application for the
component, or
8.7.4.3 The non-conforming component shall be reworked to bring it into compliance and re-inspected in conformance with 8.7.1,
8.7.2, or 8.7.3 of this practice.
8.7.4.4 The design of the non-conforming component shall be re-evaluated in accordance with 8.6.2 of this practice, and the
drawing or documentation shall be modified or created to allow the component to be used as is.
8.8 Welding:
8.8.1 Welding and welding procedures shall be in accordance with the appropriate American Welding Society (ANSI.AWS D1
specification) or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, or other equivalent standard, and be performed by appropriately
certified or qualified welders as required by the standard.
8.8.2 Documentation for certified or qualified welders shall be maintained.
8.9 Certification—Before a manufacturer ships an aerial adventure course, the manufacturer shall generate a document certifying
that the aerial adventure course is in compliance with Practice F1193. This certification shall be retained with other quality
assurance documents for the aerial adventure course. When requested by an aerial adventure course-certifying authority, purchaser,
or owner, the manufacturer shall provide a copy of this certification document.
8.10 Information Requirements:
8.10.1 The information given in 8.10.2 and 8.10.3 – 8.10.14.3 shall be included, where applicable, on the information plate as
specified in 8.10.2, and in the documented operating and maintenance instructions to be furnished by the manufacturer or seller
at the time of sale of each aerial adventure course.
8.10.2 Information Plate—A manufacturer-issued information plate, printed in English, shall be permanently affixed to the aerial
adventure course in a visible location, and shall be designed to remain legible for the expected life of the aerial adventure course.
The plate shall include, but not be restricted to, all applicable items listed in 8.10.2 – 8.10.2.8.
8.10.2.1 Aerial Adventure Course Serial Number—A manufacturer-issued unique identifying number or code affixed to the aerial
adventure course in a permanent fashion.
8.10.2.2 Aerial Adventure Course Name and Manufacturer—A manufacturer issued unique identifying aerial adventure course
name, including the name of the manufacturer by city, state, and country.
8.10.2.3 Aerial Adventure Course Model Number—A manufacturer-issued unique identifying number or code assigned to each
manufactured type of aerial adventure course having the same structural design or components.
8.10.2.4 Date of Manufacture—The date (month and year) determined by the manufacturer that the given aerial adventure course
met the manufacturer’s required construction specifications.
8.10.2.5 Aerial Adventure Course—Maximum and minimum revolutions or distance per unit of time, as applicable.
8.10.2.6 Direction of Travel—When the proper direction of travel is essential to the design operation of the aerial adventure course,
the manufacturer shall designate the direction of travel, including reference point for this designation.
8.10.2.7 Patron Capacity by Weight—Maximum total patron weight per patron position and per aerial adventure course.
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8.10.2.8 Patron Capacity by Number—Maximum total number of adult or child patrons per patron position and per aerial
adventure course.
8.10.3 Aerial Adventure Course Duration—The actual time the aerial adventure course is in operation or a patron is exposed to
the elements of the aerial adventure course functions, including patron restrictions to maximum exposure time, shall be included.
8.10.4 Recommended Balance of Patron Loading or Unloading—When patron distribution is essential to the proper operation of
the aerial adventure course, the appropriate loading and unloading procedure with respect to weight distribution shall be provided.
8.10.5 Environmental Restrictions—Recommendations for operational restrictions relating to environmental conditions such as,
but not limited to, wind, rain, salt corrosion, and extreme heat or cold.
8.10.6 Recommended Patron Restrictions—Where applicable, any recommended patron limitations such as, but not limited to,
height patron placement, or any other appropriate restrictions.
8.10.7 Electrical Power Requirements—Total electrical power required to properly operate the aerial adventure course designated
in watts and volts, including minimum and maximum voltage limits.
8.10.8 Mechanical Power Requirements—Minimum horsepower necessary to operate aerial adventure course properly.
8.10.9 Static Information—The following information shall be provided for the aerial adventure course when it is in a
nonoperational state with no patrons: height, width, diameter, and weight.
8.10.10 Dynamic Information—The following information shall be provided for the aerial adventure course when it is in an
operational state: height, width, diameter, and weight.
8.10.11 Trailering Information—Each trailer necessary for the transport of a portable aerial adventure course shall be provided
with the following information: height, width, length, and weight.
8.10.12 Fastener Schedule—A manufacturer-issued schedule for the correct grade, torque, and placement of all fasteners used in
the assembly, or erection, or both, of the aerial adventure course.
8.10.13 Design Loads per Connection Point—Loads for each footing or equivalent structural connection point as calculated for
all the various load combinations as required by Section 11.8, Loads and Strengths, of Practice F2291.
8.10.14 Elements and Structures—Provided the proposed owner/operator furnishes the manufacturer with necessary data
concerning proposed installation and usage of the aerial adventure course, the manufacturer shall provide to the proposed owner/
operator a description of all structural interface between the aerial adventure course and the owner/operator supports. This
structural requirement definition shall include the following:
8.10.14.1 Maximum static design loads of each footing or equivalent structural connection,
8.10.14.2 Maximum dynamic design loads of each footing or equivalent structural connection, and
8.10.14.3 Any other structural interface design specification.
8.11 Operational Instruction Requirements:
8.11.1 The manufacturer of an aerial adventure course shall provide, with delivery of each aerial adventure course, documented,
recommended operating instructions in the English language. These instructions shall include, but not be limited to the following:
8.11.1.1 Description of the aerial adventure course operation, including the function and operation of its major components.
(1) Description of the motion(s) of the aerial adventure course during operation.
(2) Description of the recommended patron loading procedures during operation, including recommended seating, where
applicable.
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8.11.1.2 Recommended safety procedures and instructions, and information about safety equipment pertaining to patrons and
aerial adventure course operators and attendants.
(1) Maximum total patron weight and maximum number of patrons by carrier unit or aerial adventure course total.
(2) Description of the patron restraint system, its recommended use and operation.
(3) Aerial adventure course operator and attendant safety check: recommended visual or other inspections to be performed by
aerial adventure course operators and attendants prior to and during each aerial adventure course cycle.
(4) Instructions to the patron: recommended information that should be made available to each patron of the aerial adventure
course.
(5) Recommendations for operational restriction relating to environmental conditions such as wind, rain, or temperature
fluctuation.
8.11.1.3 Manufacturer’s recommended aerial adventure course operating procedures, including the location of aerial adventure
course operators and attendants.
(1) Description of the recommended, daily preopening inspection to be performed by aerial adventure course operator(s) and
attendants that is in addition to previously performed maintenance or other inspections.
(2) Description of the recommended aerial adventure course operator(s) and attendants positions and functions.
(3) Description of the recommended series of steps, to be followed in a definite order, to complete the operation of the aerial
adventure course.
8.11.1.4 Manufacturer’s recommended emergency procedures.
(1) Recommended evacuation procedures for the aerial adventure course.
(2) Use of emergency power equipment, if provided with the aerial adventure course.
(3) Description of any emergency equipment that is provided with the aerial adventure course, and its uses.
(4) Description of any emergency procedure made necessary by an interruption of power, and restart procedures.
8.12 Testing Performance Requirements:
8.12.1 Developmental Testing Requirements—Where applicable, as determined by the manufacturer/designer, the following test
procedures shall be developed and performed on a prototype aerial adventure course or device in order that the manufacturer/
designer may determine the appropriateness for use, of not only the parts, but the entire system of a newly designed aerial
adventure course.
8.12.1.1 Procedures to Verify Maximum Safe Design Loads:
(1) Procedures to verify such design characteristics as relevant deflections, loads, and forces that are placed on both the
equipment and the patron during operation of the aerial adventure course,
(2) A procedure to determine operational limits and restart criteria due to environmental conditions,
(3) Procedures to allow the manufacturer to determine such factors as component variability and certification requirements of
components, and
(4) Any other procedures necessary to
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