Carnival rides

[ICE]

In my time as a LA County building inspector, I inspected approximately 45 carnivals. I would not let family and friends get on the rides if I were you.

There is mention that the ride was making alarming noises. I had a ride similar to this only ten time larger. With every revolution there was a loud bang that sounded like hitting an oil drum with a sledge hammer. I asked the operator what that noise was ... he was clueless. He said that it started doing that at the last city they were in.

The ride in the video fell over when it seized up and the momentum tipped it over. My guess anyway.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Temporary structures do not need permits in my area, so carnivals do not get any inspections.

Act 39 of 2007: An act excluding from UCC requirements temporary structures that are erected for fairs, flea markets, arts and craft festivals or other public celebrations; are less than 1,600 feet in size; are erected for less than 30 days; and, are not a swimming pool, spa or hot tub. Municipalities may, however, elect to regulate these via a section 503(a) administrative change, but compliance must be limited to flame propagation criteria, electrical and fire extinguisher requirements.

The act also exempts pole barns from all UCC requirements, except for electrical requirements, if constructed on agricultural fairgrounds and used for agricultural and public display purposes.

 

[ICE]

Temporary structures do not need permits in my area, so carnivals do not get any inspections.

It seems to be that there's a whole lot of stuff that does not require permit or inspection in your area.

In California, amusement rides are inspected by the state. When a carnival sets up there is a permit required. That triggers an inspection. 99.999% of California jurisdictions verify that the State has inspected/approved the ride and nothing more.
I got to know the State inspectors. There were just two inspectors for the entire state of California. My gosh! I found a ton of stuff wrong every time I walked on to a carnival. I put them through a wringer. The carnival operators threatened to boycott my area because of the depth to which I inspected the rides.

You must understand that there was no training on how to inspect a carnival. There is no reference material available on how to inspect a carnival. When I inspected the first carnival I didn't even have the internet. What I did have was a solid background as an aircraft mechanic. I found plenty wrong with airplanes during inspections. I rebuilt wrecked general aviation aircraft. I was comfortable with inspecting carnival rides but like every inspection, I came away from it hoping I didn't miss anything that was dangerous.

For anyone that might be tasked with inspecting a carnival, the most important step is operating the ride. There is a maximum revolutions for each ride and pay attention to the sounds. Beyond that, there is a great deal to know that I somehow just knew.

 

[tmurray]

Elevator inspectors get the pleasure of inspecting rides here.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Here I heard but never witness it, amusement rides are inspected by the state also.

It seems to be that there's a whole lot of stuff that does not require permit or inspection in your area.

Yes that is true. For instance, you can do anything to an existing house except for a spa or swimming pool, without a permit as long as you don't do anything structural, unless the local mutuality has stricter codes which usually just happen in and near the bigger cities. Most places you can replace the whole plumbing, HVAC, interior and exterior finishes, windows, and electrical system including the electrical service or change a room into a bedroom without a permit. And then there is the argument of what is structural. As far as I know if an electrician drills a hole in a stud, it's structural. But of course, they will not tell us if they are doing anything like that. Or will the roofers tell us if they replaced any sheeting.