A Step Forward
Canada to adopt ASTM standard on amusement rides and devices
by Amanda Charney
 During the October 2009 ASTM International F-24 Committee on Amusement Ride Safety Standards meeting in Toronto, ASTM and CSA Standards, the leading standards development organization in Canada, announced a new ASTM standard for amusement rides and devices for Canada. FUNWORLD spoke with Jeet Tulshi, project manager with CSA Standards, to discuss the process of developing the standard and what it means for standards harmonization.
A new Canadian standard was announced in October. Can you explain the standard and what it covers?
The new ASTM standard was developed specifically for Canada and will apply to amusement rides and devices. It is a result of a joint effort between ASTM and CSA Standards, and it is a multiphase, multiyear project. The October 2009 announcement of the new standard represented the successful completion of the first phase of that project, which was to develop the framework of a standard. The next phase includes developing specific safety requirements, which will be added to the framework document. One of the most important benefits of developing this new standard is that it references or “calls up” other ASTM standards relevant to Canada. We like to call the new standard a “one-source” document. This means that by adopting this new standard, a Canadian jurisdiction is also adopting the referenced ASTM standards. It is a relatively simple way of referencing several ASTM standards from a regulatory perspective. Manufacturers of amusement equipment will also benefit by building to a common standard for Canada and the US.
What does the addition of such a unique standard such as this one mean to the overall goals of F-24?
The ASTM F-24 suite of standards is regarded by Canadian experts as one of the most comprehensive in the world. The F-24 committee membership spans many countries around the world. I believe that one of the goals of the ASTM F- 24 Committee is to encourage jurisdictions outside the United States to use the F-24 standards. While the new, one-source standard will be beneficial to Canada, more important, the process we have created to do this could be a blueprint for other jurisdictions to follow. We are breaking new ground with this new process, and we are fine-tuning the process as we go along. Therefore, I believe it will be much easier for another jurisdiction to follow this process to adopt ASTM F-24 standards.
How will ASTM and CSA Standards work together toward harmonization?
I think by creating a standard that helps us adopt ASTM standards into Canada, we remove duplication of effort in both countries so we’re not developing individual standards for the same kind of equipment. In terms of the process, a Canadian group was formed to review the ASTM F-24 standards to ensure we are in agreement with the ASTM F- 24 requirements. In cases where we do not agree or where we think there is a need for a specific requirement for Canada, it is developed and sent to the appropriate F-24 committee for approval. In a nutshell, Canada benefits from the best thinking in both countries. However, the ASTM F-24 standards will benefit also. The specific requirements developed for Canada will be looked at by the F-24 committee to determine if a change or addition is required in a particular ASTM standard. Incidentally, Canada has its own standard for amusement rides and devices; the CSA Z267. However, it is not actively being maintained due to a small manufacturing base of amusement rides and devices in Canada. We are hoping to phase out CSA Z267 when the new ASTM standard for Canada is completed. In Canada, we are fortunate to have regulatory organizations like the Technical Standards and Safety Authority in Ontario and the Alberta Municipal Affairs helping to champion this project. There are a number of other stakeholder groups involved in the process including park operators, consultants, and consumer representatives.
Is this a gateway into ASTM working with other countries in the same way it has with Canada?
I think other countries are paying close attention to what we are doing. As I mentioned, we are fine-tuning the process of developing the ASTM standard for Canada, and I think it will be easy for another jurisdiction outside the United States to implement it. A unique feature of the process is that it allows for making use of the ASTM F-24 standards but at the same time, you are able to add requirements that meet your specific need. So, yes, I think ASTM will be talking with other jurisdictions as to how they can take advantage of this process.
In what other ways are you working with ASTM?
ASTM International and CSA Standards share a common vision and goals to enhance public safety and strengthen quality of life. Working with the ASTM F-24 Committee is only one facet of our relationship with ASTM International. A Memorandum of Understanding formalizes the intent of both organizations to work together on activities other than standardization. These include training and education; derivative products and joint conferences.
Jeet Tulshi, MBA, PMP, is a project manager with CSA Standards, headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. He works with committees of volunteer technical experts who develop standards related to public safety. He was also the CSA Standards’ lead in the harmonization of U.S. and Canadian elevator safety codes.
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