Amusement Device Inspection
Own or manage an amusement device? You're legally responsible for getting it inspected at least once every 12 months by a competent person. We handle the inspection, the paperwork, and the peace of mind that comes with it.
Contact UsThe Work Health and Safety Regulation requires the person with management or control of an amusement device to ensure a detailed Amusement Device Inspection is completed at least once every 12 months by a competent person. They must also ensure that the maintenance, inspection and, if necessary, testing of the amusement device is carried out by a competent person. This competent person must have acquired the knowledge and skills to carry out the task, through training, qualification or experience.
DRA has over 26 years of ‘hands on’ experience in the Amusement Industry and have been supporting Major Theme Parks across Australia during this time. DRA are not a newcomer to this service for the Amusement Industry, as we have been supporting Major Theme Parks for over 26 years. We are recognised by the various Work Health and Safety Regulators in each State and Territory for the level of service we provide. Our Qualified and Certified Engineers can assist with the Amusement Device Inspection (Amusement Ride Inspections) and any necessary testing that must be carried out. We also ensure that the recommendations of the designer and/or manufacturer of the amusement device are taken into account.
Inflatable Amusement Devices
For inflatable devices under 9m platform height, RPEQ certification is not required. However, operators must be trained, experienced, and competent to safely inspect and manage the equipment.
supervising the device know how:
- To setup and secure the inflatable device
- how to remove any riders trapped in the device
- how to deflate and secure the device.
Follow SafeWork Australia guidelines for hazard identification and risk control.
The Amusement Device Inspection
Our specialist engineers support the full lifecycle of your assets—ensuring safety, compliance, and performance at every stage.
- Safety-Critical AssessmentWe examine all critical components to identify potential risks and ensure every device meets safety standards.
- Detailed ReportingAll findings are clearly documented and communicated, including defects that must be resolved before certification.
- Immediate Risk ResolutionAny imminent danger identified during inspection must be addressed prior to approval and operation.
Book a Consultation Now
If you're not sure where your safety gaps are, a quick chat is usually the easiest place to start. You can talk through your site and your risks with one of our consultants, and we'll go from there.
Full inspection and certification services for amusement devices.
Our engineering team has over 25 years of experience inspecting amusement devices across Australia, recognised by Queensland's Work Health and Safety Regulator.
Design Reviews
We assess amusement device designs for conformity and safety compliance before installation or operation begins.Ride And Device Inspections
We conduct thorough inspections of amusement devices, including critical component checks across theme parks and individual attractions.Certification
We manage the certification process for amusement devices to ensure they meet Australian Standard 3533 requirements.Safe Operating Manuals
We produce clear, detailed safe operating manuals that meet regulatory requirements for amusement device operators.General Inspections
We carry out general inspections of amusement and theme park facilities to identify risks and compliance gaps.Verification Of Device Report
We verify device reports and documentation to confirm accuracy and compliance with regulatory obligations.
Health and Safety Support
Our service excels with an integrated approach to amusement ride inspections, incorporating health and safety. Engineers are supported by Health and Safety Professionals knowledgeable in legislative requirements and industry standards.
- Information relating to the Inflatable Amusement Devices is discussed in one of our posts on the topic.
- Our qualified and certified RPEQ Engineering Consultants that can assist you in your business with David, Rhys, Sina, Jack, Mitchell and Ryan available to assist with any question relating to Amusement Devices.
- Information relating to the Inflatable Amusement Devices is discussed in one of our posts on the topic.
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Resources we've published on engineering, safety, and amusement device compliance.
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General questions for Engineering Consultants on Amusement Devices.
Common questions about amusement device inspections and what they involve.What is an amusement device?
An amusement device is equipment operated for hire that provides entertainment or amusement through movement.
Amusement devices do not include:
- a miniature train and railway system owned and operated by a model railway society, club or association
- a transport device regulated under another Act or Commonwealth Act.
- a boat or flotation device propelled by a person, not attached to mechanical elements, designed for sporting, professional stunt, theatrical, or acrobatic activities.
Safe Work Australia has additional information on Amusement Devices however please contact your local Regulator for any specific State or Territory requirements.
What is a major inspection?
Under the WHS Regulation, a major inspection of an amusement device involves:
- a thorough examination of all critical components of the device, including if necessary, stripping down the device and removing paint, grease and corrosion
- a check of the effective and safe operation of the device.
An Amusement Device Inspection ensures all the high stress areas and critical parts of the device are inspected in detail, including those that are normally hidden or inaccessible during other inspections.
When is a Amusement Device Inspection (Amusement Ride Inspection) required?
The WHS Regulation requires a major inspection of an amusement device:
- before the end of any period for a major inspection recommended by the manufacturer of the device, or
- if a competent person who has previously completed an annual inspection or major inspection of the device recommends a shorter period than recommended by the manufacturer, the next major inspection is due by the period recommended by that competent person, or
- if there is no recommendation from the manufacturer or a competent person, the device is due for the next major inspection no later than 10 years after it was first commissioned or registered, whichever is earlier; and then no later than 10 years after its last major inspection.
While not specified in the WHS Regulation, Australian Standard AS 3533.2-2009 Amusement rides and devices Part 2: Operation and maintenance also requires a major inspection in the following circumstances:
- after a device has suffered a major departure from normal operation or a failure of any major structural or mechanical component [AS 3533.2-2009 Clause 5.4.4(d)]
- when a device is to be recommissioned and adequate records are unavailable or the device was designed and built to unknown standards. [AS 3533.2-2009 Clause 5.4.4(e)]
AS 3533 Amusement rides and devices is listed in Appendix C of the Managing risks of plant in the workplace Code of Practice as a technical standard which provides additional guidance for conducting major inspections.
Who is responsible for ensuring the Amusement Device Inspections (Amusement Device Inspection) is carried out?
The person with management or control of the amusement device at a workplace is responsible for ensuring the device has a major inspection.
The ‘person with management or control’ means the person conducting a business or undertaking that has management or control of the amusement device.
Generally, this is the owner of the amusement device.
Which amusement devices are required to have a major inspection?
Major inspections are required for:
- amusement devices which are required to have plant design registration or be item registered for operation in Queensland.
This includes amusement devices from interstate which come to Queensland to operate for specific periods (e.g. the show circuit). It also includes amusement devices requiring design or item registration at major amusement parks which have not yet been licensed under the WHS Regulation.
Who is a ‘competent person’ for supervising or carrying out the major inspection?
A competent person to supervise or carry out a major inspection of an amusement device is a registered professional engineer (RPEQ) who has acquired through training, qualification or experience the knowledge and skills to inspect this type of plant.
For inflatable devices with platform heights under nine metres, the person is not required to be an RPEQ but is competent if they have acquired through training, qualification or experience the knowledge and skills to inspect this type of plant.
What is a critical component?
Under the WHS Regulation, a critical component of an amusement device means a component of the device that would, if the component failed to function properly, be likely to cause a risk to health or safety of a person.
Critical components of an amusement device need to be documented so that details of specification, applicable standards to which they comply and a source of evidence that demonstrates compliance (i.e. test report, third party certificate/listing document) are readily available.