State's Under Funded Amusement Ride Safety Program Leaves Some Rides Operating Without Permits, Others Only Inspected Annually

This audit report addresses how well the state ensures the safety of amusement rides operating statewide in theme parks, traveling carnivals and other events. Missouri's Division of Fire Safety is charged with enforcing state amusement ride safety laws, which include investigating amusement ride accidents with injuries and ensuring annual safety inspections of rides. Auditors analyzed how well the division found rides operating without permits and conducted spot ride inspections. In addition, auditors compared Missouri's ride safety laws to other states. Highlights of the findings follow:

Amusement rides operating without permits

Auditors found 15 amusement ride companies operating rides (including go-carts, bumper boats, and a ferris wheel) without permits. Company representatives told auditors they did not know about the state permit law or failed to renew ride permits. Division staff said they have not received adequate funding to more fully monitor for rides operating without a permit. (See page 6)

Other states have stricter ride inspections

Auditors found 13 of 28 states reviewed require traveling rides to be inspected each time they are set up, while Missouri law only requires rides to be inspected once a year. About 830 portable rides, which traveled from carnival to carnival, operated in Missouri during fiscal year 2004. (See page 10)

Other states require more ride accidents reported

Several states (17 of 32) require accidents to be reported if medical attention beyond first aid is required, and some states require all accidents to be reported. Missouri law only requires accidents to be reported and documented if death or hospitalization occurs. (See page 11)

Inspectors not required to be independent of rides

State regulations do not require the inspectors hired by ride owners to be independent of the owner. Division staff said one amusement ride company owner inspects his own rides. (See page 11)

Spot inspections not focused on operational safety concerns

The division's inspection check list does not include evaluating ride operator and passenger requirements, such as the location of an operator when a ride is in use, or enforcement of passenger weight and height requirements. Division staff said they had not considered including ride operation issues in their inspection until fall 2004. At the October 2004 board meeting, a board member reported operation violations at the 2004 State Fair. (See page 6)