About ASTM

Established in 1898, ASTM International has grown into one of the largest independent standards-writing bodies in the world, whose activities encompass a multitude of materials, products, and systems. ASTM technical committees are the specific arenas in which its standards are developed, with input from producers, consumers, government, and academia.

Since 1978, ASTM has worked with numerous representatives of the worldwide amusement ride industry, government entities, and the general public in the development of exacting amusement ride safety standards. As participants in the activities of the ASTM International Committee F-24 on Amusement Rides and Devices, these men and women have helped establish various standards on design and manufacture, testing, operation, maintenance, inspection, and quality assurance, all of which enhance the safety and integrity of the amusement industry.

Of particular note is the committee’s work on ride design and dynamics. Adopted in June 2003, this expanded standard is a product of the panel’s World Standards Task Group, which was charged with revising the F-24 Design & Manufacture section for use globally. To this end, the provision was developed by a worldwide group of experts whose work spanned thousands of hours over a five-year period.

The standard is unique not only for its global and detailed revision in the area of ride design criteria, but also for such specific elements as the inclusion of comprehensive acceleration, or g-force, limits. Even though the industry had already been operating in accordance with the proposed parameters for years on an informal basis, ASTM was a leader among the very few appropriate forums equipped to establish a credible, official standard for dynamic forces on rides. In short, ASTM was indispensable on this issue.

Moreover, this document, and the new European standard for fairground & amusement park machinery and structures, are both expected to have a significant impact on the current IAAPA International Standards Harmonization Group process and on the global amusement sector generally.

With the industry’s full support and participation, the ASTM F-24 standards undergo frequent review and revision to keep up with the latest technologies. Where applicable, biodynamic data is incorporated into the development process, which in turn produces amusement ride system guidelines that can safely accommodate the broadest segment of the population. Developed as voluntary standards, they have been adopted or used as a model by state and local jurisdictions throughout the U.S. and around the world.

The F-24 Committee benefits from work by the leading minds in the industry, and IAAPA strongly believes in its consensual decision-making and vast experience regarding amusement ride safety and design issues. The amusement sector is one of continuous adaptation and innovation, and the ASTM International process is a prime example of how we remain a forward-thinking industry that is well-prepared for the changes and challenges which lie ahead.

For more on the ASTM F-24 Committee, go to www.astm.org and type “F24” in the Site Search box.