ASTM F2959-12
(Practice)Standard Practice for Special Requirements for Aerial Adventure Courses
Standard Practice for Special Requirements 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, owners/operators and auditors with criteria and references for use in the design, manufacture, installation, 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 manufactured after the effective date of publication of this document except as noted in 1.3.
1.2 This practice applies to the following devices when operated for concession or commercial recreation.
1.2.1 Zip Lines.
1.2.2 Ropes Courses.
1.2.3 Challenge Courses.
1.2.4 Aerial Trekking Courses.
1.2.5 Canopy Tours.
1.3 This practice shall not apply to the following:
1.3.1 Aerial Adventure Courses when operated exclusively under the following applications:
1.3.1.1 Educational curriculum.
1.3.1.2 Physical fitness purposes.
1.3.1.3 Organized competitive events.
1.3.1.4 Therapeutic programs.
1.3.1.5 Training purposes.
1.3.1.6 Team and confidence building.
1.3.1.7 Playground equipment covered by Consumer Safety Performance Specification F1487.
1.3.2 Amusement rides and devices whose design criteria are specifically addressed in another ASTM standard.
1.3.3 Portions of an Aerial Adventure Course unaffected by a major modification.
1.3.4 Upgrades to electrical wiring, electrical motors and electrical components of Aerial Adventure Courses provided the original design and safety criteria are maintained or enhanced.
1.3.5 Pre-existing designs for Aerial Adventure Courses that are installed after the publication date of this practice if the design is service proven or previously compliant as specified by 1.3.5.1.
1.3.5.1 Aerial Adventure Course designs may qualify as “previously compliant” for five years following the date of publication of this practice. Thereafter, an Aerial Adventure Course design must qualify as “service proven” as defined in Practice F2291 or meet the requirements of this practice.
1.4 This practice includes an annex (mandatory), which provides additional information (for example, rationale, background, interpretations, drawings, commentary, and so forth) to improve the user’s understanding and application of the criteria presented in this practice. The annex information shall be interpreted as mandatory design criteria.
1.5 This practice includes an appendix (non-mandatory), which provides additional information (for example, rationale, background, interpretations, drawings, commentary, and so forth.) to improve the user’s understanding and application of the criteria presented in this practice. The appendix information shall not be interpreted as mandatory design criteria.
1.6 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Some specific hazards statements are given in Section 7 on Hazards.
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Standards Content (Sample)
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Designation: F2959 − 12
StandardPractice for
Special Requirements 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 publication of this practice. Thereafter, an Aerial Adventure
Course design must qualify as “service proven” as defined in
1.1 This practice establishes criteria for the Design,
Practice F2291 or meet the requirements of this practice.
Manufacture, Installation, Operation, Maintenance, Auditing
and Major Modification of Aerial Adventure Courses manu- 1.4 This practice includes an annex (mandatory), which
factured after the effective date of publication of this document provides additional information (for example, rationale,
except as noted in 1.3. background, interpretations, drawings, commentary, and so
forth) to improve the user’s understanding and application of
1.2 This practice applies to the following devices when
the criteria presented in this practice. The annex information
operated for concession or commercial recreation.
shall be interpreted as mandatory design criteria.
1.2.1 Zip Lines.
1.2.2 Ropes Courses. 1.5 This practice includes an appendix (non-mandatory),
1.2.3 Challenge Courses. which provides additional information (for example, rationale,
1.2.4 Aerial Trekking Courses. background, interpretations, drawings, commentary, and so
1.2.5 Canopy Tours. forth.) to improve the user’s understanding and application of
the criteria presented in this practice. The appendix informa-
1.3 This practice shall not apply to the following:
tion shall not be interpreted as mandatory design criteria.
1.3.1 Aerial Adventure Courses when operated exclusively
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
under the following applications:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.3.1.1 Educational curriculum.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
1.3.1.2 Physical fitness purposes.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
1.3.1.3 Organized competitive events.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Some specific
1.3.1.4 Therapeutic programs.
hazards statements are given in Section 7 on Hazards.
1.3.1.5 Training purposes.
1.3.1.6 Team and confidence building.
2. Referenced Documents
1.3.1.7 Playground equipment covered by Consumer Safety
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Performance Specification F1487.
F747 Terminology Relating to Amusement Rides and De-
1.3.2 Amusement rides and devices whose design criteria
vices
are specifically addressed in another ASTM standard.
F770 Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and
1.3.3 Portions of an Aerial Adventure Course unaffected by
Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
a major modification.
F846 Guide for Testing Performance of Amusement Rides
1.3.4 Upgrades to electrical wiring, electrical motors and
and Devices
electrical components of Aerial Adventure Courses provided
F893 Guide for Auditing Amusement Rides and Devices
the original design and safety criteria are maintained or
F1193 Practice for Quality, Manufacture, and Construction
enhanced.
of Amusement Rides and Devices
1.3.5 Pre-existing designs forAerialAdventure Courses that
F1487 Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Play-
are installed after the publication date of this practice if the
ground Equipment for Public Use
design is service proven or previously compliant as specified
F1772 Specification for Harnesses for Rescue, Safety, and
by 1.3.5.1.
Sport Activities
1.3.5.1 Aerial Adventure Course designs may qualify as
F1957 Test Method for Composite Foam Hardness-
“previously compliant” for five years following the date of
Durometer Hardness
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F24 on
Amusement Rides and Devices and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
F24.60 on Special Rides/Attractions. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2012. Published January 2013. DOI: 10.1520/ Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
F2959-12. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2959 − 12
F2137 Practice for Measuring the Dynamic Characteristics 5.1.3 Practice F770 Section 4, Subsection 4.1—Replace
of Amusement Rides and Devices “Manufacturer” with “Designer/Engineer, Manufacturer and
F2291 Practice for Design ofAmusement Rides and Devices
Training Entity.”
F2375 Practice for Design, Manufacture, Installation and
5.1.4 Practice F770 Section 4, Subsection 4.1.1, shall also
Testing of Climbing Nets and Netting/Mesh used in
include the operation policies and procedures with pertinent
Amusement Rides, Devices, Play Areas and Attractions
information from the Designer/Engineer, Manufacturer and
2.2 ANSI Standards:
Training Entity.
ANSI B77 Passenger Ropeways - Aerial Tramways, Aerial
5.1.5 Practice F770 Section 4, Section 4.1.2—Specific
Lifts, Surface Lifts, Tows and Conveyors - Safety Re-
emergency procedures in the event of an abnormal condition or
quirements
an interruption of service shall include an access plan for
ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code
performing evacuation, first aid and ground care of evacuated
2.3 European Standard:
patrons.
EN 12277 Mountaineering equipment - Harnesses - Safety
5.1.6 Practice F770 Section 4, Subsection 4.1.4.4 shall be
requirements and test methods
replaced with the following:
2.4 NFPA Standard:
5.1.6.1 Prior to carrying patrons, the Course shall be in-
NFPA 1983 Standard on Life Safety Rope and Equipment
spected and tested per the Designer/Engineer, Manufacturer
for Emergency Services
and Training Entity’s requirements.
2.5 UIAA Standard:
UIAA 105 Mountaineering and Climbing Equipment: Har-
5.1.7 Practice F770 Section 4—Add the following:
nesses
5.1.7.1 Documentation Retention Requirements—Material
and quality conformance certifications and documentation as
3. Terminology
required by the Designer/Engineer as outlined in Practice
3.1 Terminology shall be in accordance with Terminology
F2291 or provided by Manufacturer’s requirements as outlined
F747.
in Practice F1193, or both, must be retained during the life
cycle of the of the Aerial Adventure Course.
4. Significance and Use
5.1.7.2 The owner/operator shall develop a document reten-
4.1 The rational for developing a separate standard practice
tion policy for pertinent records including, but not limited to
forAerialAdventureCoursesisbasedontheuniquefunctional,
training and inspection records.
operational and patron participation requirements when com-
5.1.8 Practice F770 Section 5, Subsection 5.1 shall be
pared to amusement rides and devices.
replaced with the following:
4.2 The purpose of this practice is to provide designers,
5.1.8.1 There are inherent risks in the participation in or on
manufacturers, owners/operators and auditors with criteria and
anyAerialAdventure Course which require appropriate patron
references for use in the design, manufacture, installation,
awareness, participation, physical ability and dexterity. Patrons
operation, maintenance, auditing and major modification of
of Aerial Adventure Courses by participating, accept the risks
aerial adventure courses.
inherent in such participation of which the ordinary prudent
4.3 Unless this practice expressly provides otherwise in a
person is or should be aware. Patrons have a duty to exercise
particular provision, the term “Aerial Adventure Course” is to
good judgment and act in a responsible manner while in or on
be used in place of “Amusement Rides and Devices” herein.
any Aerial Adventure Course, and to obey all oral or written
warnings, or both, prior to or during participation.
5. Owner/Operator Requirements
5.1.9 Practice F770 Subsection 6.1 shall include the follow-
5.1 Ownership, operation, maintenance and inspection re-
ing:
quirements for Aerial Adventure Courses shall be in accor-
5.1.9.1 Replace “Manufacturer” with “Designer/Engineer,
dance with Practice F770 with the following exceptions and
Manufacturer and Training Entity.”
inclusions:
5.1.9.2 When one or more live tree(s) are utilized in an
5.1.1 Substitute the word “patron” for “passenger” when
Aerial Adventure Course, qualified person(s) shall perform an
used.
arboricultural inspection to determine that the tree(s) are
5.1.2 IncludeinPracticeF770Section4,Subsection4.1.1—
healthy and suitable for the intended use and that the original
The Owner/Operator shall also consider environmental condi-
design intent is maintained. The inspections shall be per-
tion(s) including but not limited to wind, rain, ice, and
formed:
lightning when developing operating procedures.
(1) At a frequency of not less than once per year,
(2) After the occurrence of any significant environmental
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
event, such as hurricane, tornado, lightning, ice storms,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
earthquake, flooding or drought,
Available from European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Avenue
Marnix 17, B-1000, Brussels, Belgium, http://www.cen.eu.
(3) After any change in surrounding environment that
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
could alter the health and integrity of the trees utilized, such as
Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
removal of adjacent trees or development of adjoining
AvailablefromInternationalMountaineeringandClimbingFederation(UIAA),
61 Postfach CH-3000 Bern 23 Switzerland, http://www.theuiaa.org/index.php. properties,
F2959 − 12
(4) Physical damage such as a major limb failure, when 11.1.4.1 Daily pre-operational inspection. Prior to operating
there is a change in the visible health of the tree or canopy, or the course with patrons, a daily inspection shall be conducted
both, due to disease or insect. which shall include, but not be limited to the following:
5.1.9.3 Practice F770 Section 6, Subsection 6.3.8—The (1) Perform a visual inspection for the following compo-
course shall be tested per the Designer/Engineer, Manufacturer nents of the course, as applicable:
and Training Entity’s requirements. (a) Platforms, stairways, pathways, ramps, support struc-
5.1.9.4 Practice F770 Subsection 8.3—Replace “Manufac- tures and trees included in and directly adjacent to the course.
turer” with “Designer/Engineer, Manufacturer and Training (b) Course restraint and zipline hardware including rope,
Entity.” attachment hardware and anchor system.
(c) Counterweight or other tension control system compo-
6. Testing Performance
nents such as cylinders or carriages shall have sufficient travel
to operate as intended.
6.1 Testing performance shall be in accordance with Guide
(d) Personal safety equipment such as harnesses, lanyard,
F846.
carabineers, pulleys/trolleys and etc.
7. Auditing
(e) Patron clearance envelope.
(2) Verify proper operation of the following, as applicable:
7.1 Auditing requirements shall be in accordance with
(a) Specified manual and automatic Patron control equip-
Guide F893.
ment.
(b) Specified safety related control system components.
8. Quality, Manufacture, and Construction Requirements
(c) Braking systems.
8.1 Quality, manufacture, and construction shall be in ac-
(d) Communication systems.
cordance with Practice F1193.
(3) Ensure access routes and platforms are clear of ice and
snow to the extent necessary to permit inspection and opera-
9. Testing Composite Foam
tion.
9.1 Testing Composite Foam shall be in accordance with
11.1.4.2 Maintenance Inspection Requirements—The in-
Test Method F1957.
spection criteria requirements, frequency and retirement crite-
ria shall be developed for the following components:
10. Measuring Dynamic Characteristics
(1) Wire Rope—Wire rope shall be subject to detailed
10.1 Measuring Dynamic Characteristics shall be in accor-
visual inspection at regularly established intervals based on
dance with Practice F2137.
usage, but not to exceed one year by a qualified wire rope
inspector, or immediately after any event possibly affecting the
11. Design Requirements
integrity of the wire rope. The following items shall be
11.1 Design of Aerial Adventure Courses shall be in accor-
considered in determining the continued use of the wire rope:
dance with Practice F2291 with the following exceptions and
(a) Broken wires.
inclusions:
(b) Displaced or loose wire.
11.1.1 Practice F2291 Section 5.1.1.2 Patron Clearance
(c) Physical damage at impact areas on cables.
Envelope Analysis—Shall include the Patrons effects’ on the
(d) Visual inspection of impact areas on the zip line.
dynamics within the Aerial Adventure Course in accordance
(e) Diameter: Reduction— Original diameter of cable shall
with 11.1.2.
be recorded at time of commissioning and recorded for use in
11.1.2 Practice F2291 Section 5.1.1: Ride Analysis—The
determining subsequent diameter reduction calculations.
rideanalysisshallconsiderthePatrons’effectsonthedynamics
(f) Tensioning procedures to ensure wire rope tensions are
within the Aerial Adventure Course including but not limited
within specified operating parameters.
to:
(2) Wire rope associated hardware.
11.1.2.1 Patron orientation.
(3) Anchorage systems.
11.1.2.2 Patron consciousness.
(4) Personal Safety Equipment (PSE).
11.1.2.3 Patron behaviors.
(5) Support structures and connection hardware.
11.1.3 Practice F2291 Section 5.1.3—Shall include but not
(6) All components in the primary load path not listed
be limited to the following:
above.
11.1.3.1 The deceleration and arrest of patrons arriving at
11.1.5 Practice F2291 Section 6.6.2—This requirement
landing zones shall be performed in a controlled manner.
shall include the landing zone(s) of the course.
11.1.3.2 Environmental factors including humidity,
11.1.6 Practice F2291 Section 6.6.3.2(3) shall be replaced
precipitation, temperature and the wind effects on patron
by the following:
velocity.
11.1.6.1 Theability,aslimitedbythepatroncontainment,of
11.1.4 Practice F2291 Section 5.5.3—Documentation sup-
the patron to extend any body part, for example, arms and legs
plied to the buyer, owner, or operator shall be complete and
and shall include the patron’s ability to move their position or
adequate for proper installation, maintenance, inspection, and
posture on the c
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