Really someone wants me to permit a ZIP LINE !!!!

[Architect1281]

Received yet another e-mail today by a group that wants me to permit, inspect and approve an overhead zip line at one of the State owned Parks (historic fort).

So my opinion is this . NFW......

I responded that such a permit was unlikely as our charge is LIFE SAFETY; not stupidity, and that attaching ones body to a hook on a wire to hurtle (any) great distance did not have a code section or article that I would reference..

Am I being a bit overprotective of my charge?

 

[Architect1281]

We do have an Amusement Ride Safety Inspector but we do not issue permits to build them............

 

[mark handler]

Tell them Inspection and approval by the RHODE ISLAND State Building Commission required.

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS

Department of Administration

DIVISION OF CAPITAL PROJECTS AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

BUILDING CODE COMMISSION

One Capitol Hill

Providence, RI 02908-5859

(401)-222-6330 FAX 222-2599

 

[Mark K]

What provisions are in the building code that apply to them?

Are these facilities even covered by the building code?

 

[fatboy]

Yeah, run and hide..........this is not unlike the temp carnivals, amusement rides that come through town, inspect electrical connections, ingress, egress, leave the attraction to others.

 

[ICE]

Yeah, run and hide..........this is not unlike the temp carnivals, amusement rides that come through town, inspect electrical connections, ingress, egress, leave the attraction to others.

That's what happens with carnivals...everybody does little to nothing in the way of inspection and then they arrive in your town.

Check with AHJs that have a zip line. Shirley it will be engineered.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Inspect to the architects plans. I did one already at a ski slope. I think it's safer then skiing.

 

[Architect1281]

to Mark H. I am the staff architect at that office and the commish agrees.

@ Ice "Don't call me Shirley!"

 

[jar546]

So other than the knee jerk reaction that we would all have to this, lets ask ourselves some questions:

1) Is this type of construction addressed in the administrative sections of the applicable codes for the State in which construction is planned? Read the definition of structure.

2) People will arrive, have to park and congregate. Are there restrooms available?

3) Does the DOJ address this under ADA?

4) How do people access the platform? Are there stairs, handrails?

5) Is there guarding around the platforms?

How is it possible that a State agency can possibly (notice I said possibly) turn a blind eye to something like that will be a permanent structure knowing the public will be utilizing this structure?

 

[Architect1281]

To Jar546 at this facility ALL the things you mention are in place, parking, restrooms, facilities, Last summer we permitted and iinspected the facilities installed (temporary 10 days) for the Americas Cup VOLVO series races; and it was a mix of assembly, retail, food service... the works, 7,000 plus attendees daily; a great experience; and a safe experience.. Personally I would post it, "ZIP LINE", as Unsafe to occupy . As stated above the department does have jurisdiction over "Amusement Rides" and that will happen but NO PERMITS to build are forthcoming as we declassify even playground equipment as Not Applicable to the code adoption.... Recently permitted a university building that is to house a Rock Climbing feature. Building is permitted and inspected - the EQUPMENT is an amusement element... As a citizen of the state I am suprised that it is being allowed on state property even though it is "Leased and Insured seperatly" remember this is the state that provided the location for the Station Night Club Disaster and Budwieser was brought in and paid out for being a sponsor on the advertisement banner?? Kinda makes ya go HMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmm!

 

[Architect1281]

On another note: I stabbed myself in the palm of my hand with a knife trying to divide a Bagel in two last sunday, The knife had no warning that it was sharp and said nothing about keeping the tip away from my body....... Where is Jackie Chiles when you need him the most???