ASTM F2376 Safety Standard Involvement

I have been very lucky to attend the ASTM F24 convention on Amusement Rides and Devices three times, allowing me to learn much about the importance of these standards from those who work to write and perfect them. Being adopted in over 20 countries around the world, ASTM F24 standards shape the amusement industry and ensure guests can have an enjoyable and safe experience at theme and amusement parks across the globe. 

​

In October of 2019, I became involved in an ASTM F24.70 subgroup working to restructure the F2376 standard on the Standard Practice for Classification, Design, Manufacture, Construction, and Operation of Water Slide Systems. The group's goal is to simplify the standard for ease of use by those who will commonly utilize the standard in their line of work (slide designers, regulating bodies, manufacturers, inspectors, installation and testing teams and operators). This subgroup is working to more clearly address the responsibilities of all parties involved with water attractions through consolidation of sections to reduce the overall number of sections in the document. In the updated F2376 format, each body section of the standard will address the responsibility of one involved party, helping to more clearly explain the responsibility of each party involved with a water slide system.

​

The first draft of this standard was presented at the February 2020 meeting of ASTM F24. Everyone in attendance agreed with the idea of simplifying this standard, and had no major objections to the suggested outline of content in the updated draft of the standard. The next steps are to update references to other ASTM standards and put year dates on all references to other standards. After that, a final draft will be generated with updated formatting of the standard's sections, and a ballot will be generated and put out for voting. 

​

This has been an amazing opportunity and a great look into the careful creation, editing and updating of important safety standards. I look forward to continuing my involvement with the further development of this important standard for the amusement industry in the future!