<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".07" citation="COMAR 09.12.60.07" title_num="09" subtitle_num="12" chapter_num="60" heading="Operation.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Each owner shall read and become familiar with the contents of the manufacturer's recommended operating instructions and specifications.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Operation Manual.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The owner shall keep and maintain a manual documenting the operating requirements.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The operation manual shall address the following issues:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Ride cycle time;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Proper loading and unloading procedures and proper rider distribution;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Procedures for responding to emergencies and extreme environmental conditions;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Rider limitations, such as height, age, and rider placement;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Minimum electrical power required to safely operate the amusement attraction;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>Minimum and maximum water flow rates, if applicable;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(g)">
        <text>Specific amusement attraction operational procedures consistent with the manufacturer's instructions;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(h)">
        <text>Specific duties and responsibilities of the operator and attendant;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(i)">
        <text>Maintenance requirements and procedures;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(j)">
        <text>Testing requirements and procedures;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(k)">
        <text>General safety procedures; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(l)">
        <text>Preopening inspection list and preopening inspection procedures.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The manual shall be kept on location with the amusement attraction or otherwise readily available.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>A copy of the manual, in English, shall be provided to the Commissioner on request.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>The owner shall ensure that all operators adhere to the provisions of the applicable operator’s manual.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Designated Operator.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The owner shall ensure each amusement attraction is under the direct control of an operator with training specific to that amusement attraction.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>An operator shall operate only one amusement attraction at a time.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>When the amusement attraction is not in operation, the owner shall prevent operation by any unauthorized person.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>An operator:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>May not operate any amusement attraction while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Shall know the use and function of all operating controls, signal systems, and safety devices applicable to the amusement attraction;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Shall know the proper rider loading sequence, capacity, and speed of the particular amusement attraction being operated;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Shall remain at the operating controls during operation;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Shall have control of the amusement attraction at all times;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>Shall enforce applicable restrictions; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(g)">
        <text>Whenever possible, shall be positioned at a location with a clear view of the rider loading and unloading areas.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>If a clear view under §C(4)(g) of this regulation cannot be maintained, operators or attendants shall ensure that the area is safe before operation.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Operator and Attendant Identification.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>An owner shall issue to each operator and attendant identification, such as a uniform or badge that clearly identifies the person as an operator or attendant.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Before issuing any identification, the owner shall train the employee in accordance with §F of this regulation.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The identification shall clearly indicate the following:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The employee title, that is, operator or attendant;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Either the name of the employee or an employee identification number; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>The name of the amusement attraction company.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>While operating an amusement attraction, the operator or attendant shall wear the operator or attendant identification in a readily visible location.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>Operator and Attendant Training.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The owner shall provide training for each operator and attendant of an amusement attraction.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Operator and attendant training shall include, but not be limited to, the items specified in §§C(4) and D of this regulation.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Operators and attendants shall be trained in the following:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Specific amusement attraction operational policies and procedures consistent with the manufacturer's instructions;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Specific duties and responsibilities of the operator and the attendant;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Emergency procedures in the event of an abnormal condition, interruption of power, or severe environmental conditions;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Instructions on general safety procedures; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Additional instructions considered necessary by the owner.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>As part of the training, the owner shall observe each operator's and attendant's ability to operate an amusement attraction safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of the requirements of this section.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>The owner shall document that each operator and attendant has been trained and evaluated as required by this regulation with the following:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Name of the operator or attendant;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Date of training, date of evaluation; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>The identity of the person or persons performing the training or evaluation.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>The owner shall provide periodic refresher training, including an evaluation of the effectiveness of that training.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>The owner shall document the refresher training for each operator and attendant with the information set forth in §F(5) of this regulation.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>Ride Safety Supervisor. An owner shall designate a ride safety supervisor to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Monitor amusement attraction operations at all times when in operation; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Ensure that the amusement attractions are operated safely and in accordance with this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="H.">
    <text>Daily Inspection Program.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The owner shall ensure that each amusement attraction is inspected and tested each day before operation, with a daily preopening inspection program under §H(2) of this regulation.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The daily preopening inspection program shall include, but not be limited to, the following:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Inspection and testing of all rider-carrying devices, including restraint, containing devices and latches;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Inspection and testing of all automatic and manual safety devices;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Inspection and testing of the brakes, including service brakes, emergency brakes, parking brakes, and antirollback devices;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Inspection and testing of control devices, speed-limiting devices, and other equipment provided for safety;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Visual inspection of all fencing, gates, and guardrails;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>Visual inspection of the amusement attraction structure, blocking and supports, electrical components, and wiring;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(g)">
        <text>Inspection of entrances, exits, stairways, and ramps;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(h)">
        <text>Functional testing of all communication equipment necessary for the operation of the amusement attraction; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(i)">
        <text>Before carrying riders, operation of the amusement attraction for a minimum of one complete operating cycle.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A copy of the daily preopening inspection shall be provided to the Commissioner on request.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Worn and damaged components shall be repaired or replaced immediately and before operation.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="I.">
    <text>Voice Communication and Signal System.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Voice communication or a signal system, or both, shall be provided if the operator does not have a clear view of the area where riders are loaded or unloaded.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>For amusement attractions that require a spoken message of instruction or warning prior to operation, the message shall be:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Given in a manner that is clearly audible to all riders before the start of each ride cycle; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>In writing in the operating manual.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Coded Signals.</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>When coded signals are necessary for operation of an amusement attraction, the code shall be printed and kept posted at both the operator and signal-person stations.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>All persons using coded signals shall be instructed in their use and be trained to understand thoroughly their operation and meaning.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Signals for the movement or operation of an amusement attraction may not be given until all riders, operators, and other persons who may be endangered are in a position of safety.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Voice communication and signal systems shall be tested daily before operation as part of the daily inspection program.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>An amusement attraction requiring voice communication or a signal system, or both, may be operated only if the system is functioning properly.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>