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Leisure Amusement Rides

Ride Inspections

International inspections in accordance with recognized standards for amusement rides

Whether it concerns a roller coaster in a theme park or a carousel at a fairground, rides must undergo periodic inspections to ensure visitor safety. TÜV NORD carries out independent inspections and assessments, evaluating structural integrity, technical condition, and the safe operation of the ride. These inspections are performed in line with international standards and legal requirements.

Who is this for?

This inspection is relevant to:

  • Manufacturers of amusement equipment
  • Amusement park and/or fairground operators
  • Importers of used or new equipment
  • Managers of mobile or fixed attractions
  • International clients using attractions at home or abroad
     

TÜV NORD inspects attractions in Europe, Asia, North and South America and Africa.

When must amusement rides be inspected?

Inspection of attractions happens at different points in an attraction's life cycle:

Inspections at different stages of the ride

Design review:

Even before construction, your design is checked against the legal safety requirements. This is done using structural calculations, technical drawings and safety documentation.

Commissioning inspection:

Construction is followed by a thorough final inspection before the attraction is used for the first time.This inspection is carried out on site, checking that the device is correctly assembled and can be used safely.

Periodic inspection:

For attractions already in use, we carry out a periodic inspection. This includes checking: mechanical wear and tear, stability and anchoring, safety instructions and markings, safety functions such as emergency stops.

What can you expect from an inspection?

TÜV NORD carries out independent inspections according to NEN-EN 13814 and other applicable (inter)national standards. Thus, the constructive safety, technical condition and safe operation of your attraction is carefully assessed.

With the introduction of the Attractions and Games Equipment Act Decree 2023 (WAS 2023), it is legally stipulated that attractions must comply with strict safety regulations for design, construction, commissioning and use. In this regard, NEN-EN 13814 is the main standard for safe and reliable attractions.

Whether it is a roller coaster, carousel or other type of attraction: having attractions inspected periodically is a legal requirement and essential to reduce safety risks for visitors and staff.

Importing amusement rides

What are the obligations?

Are you importing an attraction from abroad? Then, as an importer, you are responsible for proving that the device complies with Dutch laws and regulations. Before the attraction can be put into use, an initial commissioning inspection is mandatory if the equipment has not been approved in the Netherlands before.

At this inspection, you must be able to submit a Technical Construction Dossier (TCD). This file contains all technical documents that show that the attraction meets the relevant standards and safety requirements, as laid down in the Attractions and Play Equipment Act Decree 2023 (WAS2023).

What must be included in the TCD?

According to Article 10 of WAS2023, you must be able to provide the following information at the time of inspection:

  • The place where the appliance was manufactured;
  • The year of construction, type and serial number;
  • The complete Technical Construction Dossier (TCD), or - if applicable - the name and address of the manufacturer or importer where the TCD is available;
  • The location where the attraction can be inspected.

Who is responsible for the TCD?

When you import an attraction, you as the importer are responsible for making the TCD available to an approved inspection body. This applies to both new and used equipment. If the foreign supplier does not supply the TCD as standard, you are contractually obliged to arrange for it to be made available within the set time limits. This is stipulated in Article 8(2) and (5) of WAS2023.

Note: without a complete and correct TCD, your application for an inspection may be refused.

Why choose TÜV NORD?

  • Independent inspection according to internationally recognised standards
  • Accreditation according to ISO 17020 and ISO 17065
  • Designation as an inspection body for amusement equipment (NL, FR)
  • Flexible planning, also during maintenance periods
  • Single point of contact for design, commissioning and periodic inspections

With our TÜV NORD seal of approval, you demonstrate that your attraction has been tested for safety and reliability.

FAQ's

Answers to frequently asked questions

Depending on the destination: EN 13814 (EU), ISO 17842 (international), or ASTM F2291 (US).

This varies from country to country. TÜV NORD tests against standards, not national legislation.

The Technical Construction File contains all documents required for assessment of the device, such as risk assessments, manuals and CE declarations.

TÜV NORD can carry out inspections on appliances that have already been put into service, even if they have been previously inspected by another body.

No. TÜV NORD carries out an assessment based on supplied information and physical inspection. Only if the standards are met, approval follows.

TÜV NORD inspects attraction equipment according to international standards such as EN 13814 and ISO 17842. This is done for both new construction and periodic use.

Note:
The safety of amusement equipment must be demonstrably ensured. TÜV NORD tests the design, assembly and state of maintenance against international standards. The inspection consists of a document review and an on-site inspection. Upon approval, the owner receives a declaration of conformity.

Source:

  • EN 13814: Safety of amusement rides and amusement devices
  • ISO 17842: Safety of amusement rides (part series)
  • ASTM F2291: Standard Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices

Recommended sources

Do you have a question about this inspection?

Want to know which standard applies to your attraction? Ask your question via the form. We will respond quickly and clearly.

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