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<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 09.12.62.04" title_num="09" subtitle_num="12" chapter_num="62" heading="Access, Egress, and Walking Surfaces.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>General Requirements.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>All amusement attractions shall have a safe and adequate means of access and egress.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>All walking surfaces, including, but not limited to, loading and unloading areas, platforms, landings, stairs, and ramps shall be stable, firm, and slip-resistant.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>If there is the potential for exposure to a fall distance exceeding 30 inches, the owner shall take action to inhibit such falls.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Stairways, Ramps, Landings, and Platforms.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Adequate stairways, ramps, landings, and platforms shall be provided at the entrance to and exit from an amusement attraction that is above or below grade or floor level.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Stairways, landings, and ramps shall be designed and constructed using a safety factor of 5 to safely sustain the load that may be imposed on it.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Stairways and ramps shall be at least 22 inches wide.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>A stairway shall be provided at entrances and exits where there is a break in elevation of 19 inches or more, and no ramp, runway, or sloped embankment is provided.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Stair treads shall be at least 10-1/2 inches deep, exclusive of nosing, and comply with the following:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The height of rise may not exceed 9 inches; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Between any two levels, stair treads shall be of uniform depth and the risers of uniform height.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>The maximum slope of any ramp may not exceed 1:12.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Passageways.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Passageways shall be:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>At least 22 inches wide; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Kept free of debris, obstructions, projections, and other hazards.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Surfaces shall be constructed and maintained to prevent slipping and tripping.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Floors shall be kept free of protruding nails, splinters, holes, or loose boards.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>When mechanical equipment is used, appropriate guarding and sufficient safe clearances shall be maintained.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Handrails and Guardrails.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Regardless of width, ramps and all stairs with more than one step riser shall have, on both sides, a handrail of sufficient strength and structure to provide safe support.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Handrails shall be continuous without interruption and shall be free of any sharp or abrasive elements.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Stairways and ramps 88 inches or greater in width shall have a handrail placed approximately in the center, located not more than 4 feet from any point on the stair or ramp.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Handrails may not encroach on the clearance envelope of the amusement attraction.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>When guardrails are used, they shall be capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied in any direction at any point on the rail.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Guardrails, except for barriers, guardrails, or similar means that were originally designed and manufactured as a component of the amusement attraction, shall be of a height at least 42 inches above the surface on which persons stand.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Fences and Gates.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>An owner shall ensure that each amusement attraction is protected in a manner sufficient to prevent the general public from coming in contact with an amusement attraction or gaining access to the path or course of the amusement attraction while the amusement attraction is in operation if such access or contact would present a hazard.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Fences and gates shall be constructed to meet the following minimum requirements:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Fences shall be designed and constructed of durable materials and erected to inhibit overturning by spectators or riders; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Fences and gates shall be constructed as to inhibit:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Spectator contact with the amusement attraction;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Rider contact with fences or gates; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>Contact between a spectator and rider while the amusement attraction is in operation.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>When fences and gates are provided, they shall be of a height at least 36 inches above the surface on which the spectators or riders stand.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Gates shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Be provided at each entrance and exit; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Unless equipped with a positive latching or holding device, open away from the amusement attraction.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>A gate shall be designed so that if opened during the operating cycle, the gate will not come in contact with the amusement attraction or cause a hazard to riders.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Replacement fences, gates, and guardrails shall comply with ASTM F 2291—04, Section 14.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>