Subject: OSHA Fall Regulations

http://legaltimes.typepad.com/blt/2012/11/amusement-park-owner-hires-squire-sanders-to-lobby-on-osha-regulations.html

Huh? I have no idea what any of that means?

OSHA is rewriting fall protection standards. FUN has hired a lobbying firm to try to influence the result.

From my extremely limited political science background: a lobbyist attempts to persuade politicians, namely senators, to show favor to certain causes when drafting legislation, etc. Lobbyists get their name from having a history of approaching politicians in the lobby of government buildings. (For instance, a stem cell research company might hire a lobbyist to persuade politicians to stand against restricting stem cell research. The research company wants to maximize its profits without having to dodge legalities, so it's in their best interest to have direct, face-to-face contact with the people in charge of writing the laws.)

Kind of confused as to why an amusement park owner cares enough about politics to hire its own personal lobbyist, though. Maybe someone can fill us in?

EDIT: That would make sense, Terp. Isn't OSHA responsible for the one or two strips of wood in the middle of several Cedar Fair wooden coasters' tracks? Something about the space between the rails being an occupational hazard if left open?

It has been so stated. More likely a company decision, else you would see this on other coasters in other chains.

The men who walk the coasters at KI are attached to the rail with caribiners, aren't they? I wonder if it also includes building within the park.

During Haunt, there are bungee-ers in some of the houses.

Since FUN includes all of Cedar Faire parks, I think that would also include the acrobats seen at Cedar Point.

I've never see an evacuation of a tall ride at KI, but in films I've seen, riders are helped down by workers. Are the evacuation workers also carabined?

It might have to do with new insurance regulations. My better half's company works with a lobbyist. No doubt any of you that have watched the Venture Bros. know about the dangers of Radon!

The men who walk the coasters at KI are attached to the rail with caribiners, aren't they? I wonder if it also includes building within the park.

During Haunt, there are bungee-ers in some of the houses.

Since FUN includes all of Cedar Faire parks, I think that would also include the acrobats seen at Cedar Point.

I've never see an evacuation of a tall ride at KI, but in films I've seen, riders are helped down by workers. Are the evacuation workers also carabined?

Correct, although carabiners are considered "connectors" under OSHA standard 1910.66 App C. All personnel who work at height are required to undergo proper training and utilize the required systems in place in the form of personal fall arrest and/or positioning systems. The bungee actors utilize an effect called The Slingshot from StudioTek FX. I don't believe their harness is considered fall protection, though I'm sure there are still preventative measures in place both from the manufacturer and corporate.

And as for new insurance regulations, at last report Cedar Fair was self-insured.

The men who walk the coasters at KI are attached to the rail with caribiners, aren't they? I wonder if it also includes building within the park.

During Haunt, there are bungee-ers in some of the houses.

Since FUN includes all of Cedar Faire parks, I think that would also include the acrobats seen at Cedar Point.

I've never see an evacuation of a tall ride at KI, but in films I've seen, riders are helped down by workers. Are the evacuation workers also carabined?

Correct, although carabiners are considered "connectors" under OSHA standard 1910.66 App C. All personnel who work at height are required to undergo proper training and utilize the required systems in place in the form of personal fall arrest and/or positioning systems. The bungee actors utilize an effect called The Slingshot from StudioTek FX. I don't believe their harness is considered fall protection, though I'm sure there are still preventative measures in place both from the manufacturer and corporate.

Thank you. I would like to purchase a Slingshot from said company to frighten small children off my lawn, please.

I didn't know what else to call them but carabiners. How do they move them forward when they are walking the track? Are they using the railing that goes along the ride? (Totally lost about how they do it on DB.)

There is typically a horizontal lifeline system in place where positioning belts and lanyards are attached to shuttles/rope grabs that allow them to pass through at intermediate points. The exact specification may differ on case-by-case basis.

Thank you. At least I won't be so nervous next time the news broadcasts it's yearly "Checking on the roller coasters" piece.

edit:

Now I see the lifeline system in use.

http://queencitydiscovery.blogspot.ca/2012/11/son-of-beast-trackwalkers.html