Friday, March 29, 2024
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Jim Seay Elected to Third Term as Chair of ASTM Committee F24


Baltimore, MD, USA — Jim Seay, president of Premier Rides, Inc., has been re-elected as Chairman of ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices. The 500-member committee is responsible for global safety standards that cover design, manufacturing, maintenance, inspection, and operations for traditional amusement rides, water-related rides and devices, and special rides and attractions.

A third-time chairman of F24, Seay has been an ASTM International member since 1989. He is an active contributing member of Committee F24 and serves on several subcommittees. “I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to lead the F24 committee as we advance the development of a globally-accepted set of safety standards,” said Seay.

“I have been incredibly fortunate to be part of a passionate committee that volunteers literally thousands of hours year-round to develop and refine F24 standards to ensure the amusement industry has the most comprehensive standards available that can easily be adopted anywhere in the world and, in many cases, at virtually no cost,” Seay continued. “F24 standards are now accessible in French, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese as a result of translation initiatives. This past year has seen ASTM standards expanding from one end of the globe to the other in places like Australia and Colombia.”

Seay’s term will run for two years. “One of the key focuses over the next two years will be to raise communication amongst those that are passionate about safety to the highest level. ASTM already provides advanced online tools such as online collaboration and balloting to make the committee environment a 365-days-a-year experience. The plan is to enhance member communication with social media updates, allowing real-time input on member activities. Doing so allows ASTM to focus on areas of the globe where the adoption of safety standards can have the biggest impact.

Len Morrissey, director of ASTM committee operations, expounded, “A highlight of the past year’s global efforts has certainly been the development of a highly portable standards model. Canada, working with many volunteers in the harmonization subcommittee, was the first to implement a country-specific standards model. Going forward, this model can be applied to any country in the world since it allows for both the adoption of F24 and the recognition of country-specific requirements.”

Seay, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University, began his career as a project engineer at Hughes Aircraft. He joined the staff at Six Flags Theme Parks in 1988 as corporate engineering manager, focusing specifically on guest safety. He joined Baltimore-based Premier Rides, Inc. in 1995 as Executive Vice President of Engineering. The following year he became the sole owner and president of Premier. A designer and manufacturer of roller coasters and other amusement rides and attractions, Premier Rides, Inc. has worked with some of the largest theme park companies around the world, including Universal Studios and Disney.

In addition to ASTM International, Seay serves as board member of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA); Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers International (AIMS); the Living Classrooms Foundation, the Mario Do-Right Foundation, and the National Aquarium.

ABOUT ASTM INTERNATIONAL

ASTM International Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices is one of 138 technical standards writing committees. Established in 1898, ASTM International is one of the largest international standards development and delivery systems in the world. ASTM standards are accepted and used in research and development, product testing, quality systems, and commercial transactions around the globe.

ABOUT PREMIER RIDES, INC. 

Premier Rides is best known for its high-tech magnetic launch roller coasters. The company is also a global supplier of traditional roller coasters, observation wheels, towers, water rides and custom designed attractions. Premier’s service division offers engineering support, complete ride and train rehab, and it maintains and offers spare parts supply on a 24-hour emergency basis. The company is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland and has additional U.S., European, and Asian offices. www.premier-rides.com

Joe Kleiman
Joe Kleimanhttp://wwww.themedreality.com
Raised in San Diego on theme parks, zoos, and IMAX films, InPark's Senior Correspondent Joe Kleiman would expand his childhood loves into two decades as a projectionist and theater director within the giant screen industry. In addition to his work in commercial and museum operations, Joe has volunteered his time to animal husbandry at leading facilities in California and Texas and has played a leading management role for a number of performing arts companies. Joe previously served as News Editor and has remained a contributing author to InPark Magazine since 2011. HIs writing has also appeared in Sound & Communications, LF Examiner, Jim Hill Media, The Planetarian, Behind the Thrills, and MiceChat His blog, ThemedReality.com takes an unconventional look at the attractions industry. Follow on twitter @ThemesRenewed Joe lives in Sacramento, California with his wife, dog, and a ghost.

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