NZOAD December News and Industry Updates
Below is a brief update from NZOAD along with some key developments within the industry.
Message from the Chair:
Over the last few months your board have had several meetings with the regulatory authorities regarding proposed changes to our industry.
These changes include WorkSafe reclassifying what is considered an amusement device. As a result, many operators have been notified their equipment may no longer require registration under the amusement device frame work. Instead falling under Adventure Activity operations.
Minister Brooke Van Velden has also been reviewing the local authority permitting process with the goal to reduce regulatory burden and cost. Two proposals are for open for consultation.
Proposal one : Only relocatable high-risk amusement devices will require a local authority permit (Rides class three and above).
Proposal two: An update to the permit fee. This could be an increase to $80 for one device for the first seven days (currently $10).
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Russell Jones
Update on New Rulings for Amusement Devices
Progression has been made by WorkSafe with a partial decision on what is now considered an amusement device. Certain gravity-based devices no longer meet the legal definition of an amusement device. Nine activities have been included, reclassifying them under Adventure Activity Operations. This may lead to many operators choosing not to register or re-register their equipment, raising concerns about the impact of safety within the industry.
These changes remain fluid as WorkSafe and MB continue discussions. If you feel one of your attractions may not need to be re-registered as an Amusement device speak to WorkSafe first.
Local Authority Permitting
The board recently met with Minister Brooke Van Velden regarding the local authority permitting process. The Ministers main proposal is to remove the requirement for local authority permit for lower class one and two rides and fixed equipment, while increasing the permitting fee from $10 to $80.
The change is estimated to remove around 40% of attractions in NZ from applying for permits. Your engineer will provide a classification of your rides if this has not already been done.
Councils appear to be in support of these changes and are seeking more efficient approaches to permitting.
Amusement ride classes.
Ministry of Business is currently consulting with Recreational Safety Engineering around the classification level system for amusement devices. Devices will be placed into classes based on their level of risk.
Class 1 & 2 rides would be considered low risk equipment (Early discussions have agreed there is no class one attractions in NZ).
Following the proposed changes outlined above, lower class 1 and 2 rides may no longer require onsite inspection and permitting each time they are erected.
Higher class rides will continue to proceed through the regular permitting process.
NZOAD continues to emphasise the classification needs to be carried out by a certified engineer upon registration and inspection, with an accurate assessment on the equipment's level of risk factors.
Currently, many operators are noticing a more efficient and prompt certification process by WorkSafe.
Notice to operators using vehicles with cardan shaft park brakes.
Many operators may have already heard reports around the safety of cardan shaft park brakes on heavy motor vehicles. The issue was promptly raised after 6 deaths were linked to the park brake system failure, with a Coroner determining the “brake could not be relied upon as a sole braking system, because even a well-maintained brake could fail without warning.”
NZTA has responded since, advised the minister that it does not accept the coroner's view of the brakes being inherently unsafe. Many vehicle suppliers have reduced or stopped their imports of vehicles using this system, while relatives of the deceased have pushed for a ban on imports with cardan shaft park bakes.
Merry Christmas and safe travels.
NZOAD Team