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PREMIER RIDES PRESIDENT, JIM SEAY, KICKS OFF ACOLAP CONFERENCE WITH KEYNOTE ON SAFETY: GLOBAL COOPERATION URGED

Premier Rides’ president and ASTM’s F24 Chairman, Jim Seay, delivered a keynote speech on ride safety standards and the importance of training at the 2011 Latin American Amusement Expo held April 6-8 by the Colombian Amusement Association ACOLAP. The keynote presentation focused on the accomplishments the industry has shared over the last decade with the overall reduction of incidents, but also highlighted concerns raised by recent international incidents. Seay discussed the need for countries to both adopt current global safety standards like ASTM F24 and to establish effective training and certification programs. Statistics from the United States were presented that showed a downward trend in incidences and Seay credited both the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) and safety education groups like AIMS, for their dedicated efforts on safety through education, outreach, and notification.

Seay then presented the significant current activity of the ASTM F24 Safety Standards Committee and focused on a new global F24 subcommittee that has been set up to allow countries to adopt F24 and have a country specific section to address unique priorities. While a significant number of countries around the world have already adopted F24, including the conference host country, Colombia, the novel approach of having a system to recognize country specific policies such as specialized electric codes has been well received. Seay announced Canada has been the first to get their own standard.

Seay went on to strongly encourage facilities establish a culture of safety that includes training and certification so that standards are not only understood and followed, but there is a clear understanding of how important safety standards are and that they can make a difference. Seay reviewed the AIMS certification program and suggested that ACOLAP, IAAPA, and AIMS work together to develop in Colombia a pilot program for Latin America that creates local safety ambassadors that can provide education and certification services. This can be done both in the native tongue and in a manner where a significant financial investment is not a barrier.

Seay commented, “In spite of an enviable safety record, our industry must be vigilant when it comes to the safety of our guests and employees. It is critical that each person understands why we must be passionate about safety and how their actions can impact the lives of others.”

Julio Vanegas, Carruseles’ General Manager and one of ACOLAP’s board members and founders noted, “I very much appreciate the spirit of cooperation that Jim Seay offered. The Latin American amusement industry is growing rapidly with many new high quality facilities. We look forward to working with our global partners so that we can continue to offer our guest safe clean fun.”

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., Canadian, European, and Asian offices. For more information, please visit www.premier-rides.com or call 1-410-923-0414.

ABOUT ACOLAP
ACOLAP is a nonprofit amusement industry association that promotes development, innovation and growth of entertainment and fun in Colombia. The organization focuses on establishing and promoting good management practices, security, maintenance and operation of the fun sector. For more information, please visit
http://www.acolap.org.co/.

Judith Rubin
Judith Rubin
Judith Rubin ([email protected]) is a leading journalist, content marketing specialist and connector in the international attractions industry. She reports on design and technical design, production and project management, industry trends and company culture. From 2005-2020 she ran communications and publications for the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA). In 2013, she was honored with the TEA Service Award. She was development director of IMERSA and publicist for the Large Format Cinema Association, and has contributed to the publications of PLASA, IAAPA and the International Planetarium Society. Judith joined World’s Fair magazine in 1987, which introduced her to the attractions industry. She joined InPark in 2010. Judith earned a BFA from Pratt Institute. She has lived in Detroit, New York, Oakland, and now Saint Louis, where she is active in the local arts community.

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