The amusement ride industry is completely reliant on safety. For theme parks, shopping malls, and Family Entertainment Centers (FECs), it is not only a legal requirement to make sure rides are up to the highest safety standards—it is also necessary for the well-being of visitors, employees, and the company’s image. Regardless of whether you are buying new rides or running the old ones, it is very important to know the ins and outs of these certifications. The following guide will walk you through the essential safety certifications for amusement rides and the reasons for their importance.

Why Safety Certifications Are Crucial

Safety certifications ensure that:

• Rides are designed, manufactured, and installed correctly
• Mechanical, electrical, and structural risks are minimized
• Operators follow standardized safety protocols
• Insurance and legal compliance requirements are met

Certified rides reduce accidents, downtime, and liability risks while increasing visitor trust.

1. ASTM F24 Certification (International Standard)

ASTM F24 is one of the most recognized global standards for amusement rides.

What it Covers:

• Ride design and engineering
• Manufacturing quality
• Installation procedures
• Operation and maintenance guidelines
• Inspection and testing protocols

Why it’s important:
ASTM standards are widely accepted by regulators, inspectors, and insurance companies worldwide.

2. EN 13814 Certification (European Standard)

EN 13814 is the primary safety standard for amusement rides in Europe.

What it Covers:

• Structural safety
• Electrical and control systems
• Emergency procedures
• Ride documentation and labeling

Why it’s important:
Essential for rides manufactured in or exported to Europe and globally trusted for its rigorous testing.

🇮🇳 3. IS (Indian Standards) Certification

In India, amusement rides must comply with safety norms defined by:

• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
• State-level amusement ride safety authorities

What it Covers:

• Material quality
• Electrical safety
• Mechanical reliability
• Operator training guidelines

Why it’s important:
Mandatory for legal operation in India and required for local government approvals.

4. ISO Certifications (Manufacturer-Level Safety)

ISO certifications ensure manufacturers follow international quality and safety management systems.

Common ISO Certifications:

• ISO 9001 – Quality Management System
• ISO 14001 – Environmental Management
• ISO 45001 – Occupational Health & Safety

Why it’s important:
Rides from ISO-certified manufacturers are more reliable, consistent, and safer long-term.

5. Load Testing & Structural Certification

Every amusement ride must undergo load and stress testing before operation.

Includes:

• Static and dynamic load testing
• Fatigue and endurance testing
• Non-destructive testing (NDT)

Why it’s important:
Ensures the ride can safely handle maximum passenger loads and repeated cycles.

6. Electrical Safety Certification

Electrical systems must comply with recognized safety standards such as:

• IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)
• Local electrical safety boards

Covers:

• Control panels
• Emergency stop systems
• Sensors and automation
• Grounding and insulation

Why it’s important:
Prevents electrical hazards, system failures, and unexpected shutdowns.

7. Emergency & Fail-Safe System Certification

Certified rides must have:

• Emergency stop buttons
• Redundant braking systems
• Power-failure safety mechanisms
• Manual evacuation systems

Why it’s important:
Ensures passenger safety during unexpected situations such as power cuts or mechanical faults.

8. Operator Training & Documentation Certification

Safety certification also includes:

• Operator manuals
• Maintenance schedules
• Emergency response procedures
• Staff training records

Why it’s important:
Even the safest ride becomes dangerous if operated incorrectly.

9. Third-Party Inspection & Annual Safety Certificates

Most authorities require:

• Independent third-party inspections
• Annual or periodic safety renewals
• Operational clearance certificates

Why it’s important:
Confirms continued safety after installation and long-term use.

10. Insurance & Liability Compliance Certification

Insurance providers often demand:

• Proof of ride safety certifications
• Inspection records
• Maintenance logs

Why it’s important:
Without these certifications, insurance claims may be rejected after an incident.

Key Takeaway

Before installing or operating any amusement ride, always verify the presence of:

✔ ASTM or EN safety certification
✔ Local regulatory approval
✔ ISO-certified manufacturer credentials
✔ Load testing and inspection reports
✔ Electrical and emergency safety certifications

Safety-certified rides protect people, profits, and your park’s reputation.

Final Thoughts

If you select amusement rides without having them certified for safety, there may be extremely negative outcomes in the form of legal, financial, and safety costs. The rides that are certified may require a small extra cost at the beginning, but in the future, they will save money and lives. Regarding amusement rides, safety is not a choice; it’s a duty.