ASTM F2959-18 - 15.8.2018
 
Significance and Use

4.1 The rational for developing a separate standard practice for Aerial Adventure Courses is based on the unique functional, operational and patron participation requirements when compared to amusement rides and devices.

4.2 The purpose of this practice is to provide designers, manufacturers, constructors, system integrators, owners/operators, and auditors with criteria and references for use in the design, manufacture, construction, installation, integration, operation, maintenance, auditing, and major modification of Aerial Adventure Courses.

4.3 Unless this practice expressly provides otherwise in a particular provision, the term “Aerial Adventure Course” is to be used in place of “Amusement Rides and Devices” herein.

 
1. Scope

1.1 This practice establishes criteria for the Design, Manufacture, Installation, Operation, Maintenance, Auditing and Major Modification of Aerial Adventure Courses which occur(s) after the effective date of publication of this document except as noted in 1.3.

1.2 This practice applies to the following devices when operated for concession or commercial recreation:

1.2.1 Zip Lines.

1.2.2 Ropes Courses.

1.2.3 Challenge Courses.

1.2.4 Aerial Trekking Courses.

1.2.5 Canopy Tours.

1.2.6 Manufactured Climbing Walls.

1.2.7 Via Ferrata.

1.3 This practice shall not apply to the following:

1.3.1 Aerial Adventure Courses when operated exclusively under the following applications:

1.3.1.1 Educational curriculum.

1.3.1.2 Physical fitness purposes.

1.3.1.3 Organized competitive events.

1.3.1.4 Therapeutic programs.

1.3.1.5 Training purposes.

1.3.1.6 Team and confidence building.

1.3.1.7 Playground equipment covered by Consumer Safety Performance Specification F1487.

1.3.2 Amusement rides and devices whose design criteria are specifically addressed in another ASTM standard.

1.3.3 Portions of an Aerial Adventure Course unaffected by a major modification.

1.3.4 Upgrades to electrical wiring, electrical motors and electrical components of Aerial Adventure Courses provided the original design and safety criteria are maintained or enhanced.

1.3.5 Pre-existing designs for Aerial Adventure Courses that are installed after the publication date of this practice if the design is service proven or previously compliant as specified by 1.3.5.1.

1.3.5.1 Aerial Adventure Course designs may qualify as “previously compliant” for five years following the date of publication of this practice. Thereafter, an Aerial Adventure Course design must qualify as “service proven” as defined in Practice F2291 or meet the requirements of this practice.

1.4 This practice includes an annex (mandatory), which provides additional information (for example, rationale, background, interpretations, drawings, commentary, and so forth) to improve the user’s understanding and application of the criteria presented in this practice. The annex information shall be interpreted as mandatory design criteria.

1.5 This practice includes an appendix (non-mandatory), which provides additional information (for example, rationale, background, interpretations, drawings, commentary, and so forth.) to improve the user’s understanding and application of the criteria presented in this practice. The appendix information shall not be interpreted as mandatory design criteria.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Some specific hazards statements are given in Section 7 on Hazards.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

 
2. Referenced Documents

F770-23

Standard Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices

F2291-23b

Standard Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices (Includes all amendments and changes 9/22/2023).

F2137-19

Standard Practice for Measuring the Dynamic Characteristics of Amusement Rides and Devices

F1957-99(2017)

Standard Test Method for Composite Foam Hardness-Durometer Hardness

F1772-17

Standard Specification for Harnesses for Rescue and Sport Activities

F2974-22

Standard Practice for Auditing Amusement Rides and Devices

F2375-09(2017)

Standard Practice for Design, Manufacture, Installation and Testing of Climbing Nets and Netting/Mesh used in Amusement Rides, Devices, Play Areas and Attractions

F1193-23

Standard Practice for Quality, Manufacture, and Construction of Amusement Rides and Devices

F846-92(1998)

Standard Guide for Testing Performance of Amusement Rides and Devices

F747-23

Standard Terminology Relating to Amusement Rides and Devices

UIAA 105

Mountaineering and Climbing Equipment: Harnesses

NFPA 1983

EN 12277

F1487-21

Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use

ANSI Z359

ANSI B77

Passenger Ropeways - Aerial Tramways, Aerial Lifts, Surface Lifts, Tows and Conveyors - Safety Requirements