Funfair Testing FAQs
Testing is a fundamental part of keeping fairground rides safe, reliable and suitable for operation. From major big funfair rides and thrill and white knuckle funfair rides to carousels, dodgems and smaller children's attractions, different checks, inspections and testing procedures may be required throughout the working life of an amusement device.
This Funfair Testing FAQ explains some of the terminology you may encounter when organising fairground rides, including ADIPS, annual inspection, daily checks, non-destructive testing, electrical safety and maintenance. For a broader introduction to the subject, see our guide to how funfair rides are tested for safety and our health and safety FAQs.
What testing do funfair rides undergo?
There is not one single test that covers every aspect of every fairground ride. Depending on the device, its design, age, construction and circumstances, the safety process can include inspection of structural components, mechanical systems, electrical equipment, safety devices, restraints and other safety-critical parts.
Testing should also be distinguished from the checks carried out as part of normal operation. A ride may have undergone its formal periodic inspection and still require appropriate checks before or during use. You can read more about this distinction in our guide to daily safety checks for funfair rides.
What is ADIPS?
ADIPS stands for the Amusement Device Inspection Procedures Scheme. It is an important part of the inspection framework used for amusement devices in Great Britain. Rather than trying to reduce the subject to a single certificate or test, it is useful to understand ADIPS as part of the wider system used to demonstrate that an amusement device has undergone the relevant inspection procedures.
We've explained the subject separately on our What is the ADIPS scheme? guide, while UK safety standards for fairgrounds provides additional background for event organisers who want to understand how ride safety is managed.
Does a funfair ride need testing every year?
Amusement devices are subject to periodic inspection requirements, but the exact inspection and testing requirements should be considered in relation to the particular device. Some components may also have their own inspection or testing intervals.
This is one reason why an amusement ride should not simply be regarded as "tested once and therefore safe forever". Inspection, testing, maintenance, operational checks and competent operation work together throughout the ride's working life. Our funfair ride periodic maintenance guide looks more closely at the maintenance side of this process.
What is non-destructive testing on a funfair ride?
Non-destructive testing, usually shortened to NDT, allows appropriate components to be examined for defects without destroying or permanently damaging the component being inspected. It can be particularly important when assessing safety-critical structural components where problems may not necessarily be obvious from an ordinary visual inspection.
NDT is a specialist subject in its own right, so we've produced a dedicated guide to non-destructive testing of funfair rides explaining it in greater detail.
Is a visual inspection enough to test a fairground ride?
No single type of inspection should automatically be assumed to be sufficient for every ride or every component. Visual examination can be extremely useful, particularly for identifying obvious deterioration, damage, loose components or other problems, but some safety-critical components may require additional inspection or testing methods.
The appropriate procedure depends on the ride and the component being examined. This is why amusement-device inspection should be approached systematically rather than as a quick visual check before opening.
Are the electrical systems on fairground rides tested too?
Electrical safety is another important part of operating amusement equipment. Fairground attractions can contain motors, control systems, lighting, cabling, switches, emergency systems and other electrical equipment, depending on the individual ride.
Our dedicated fairground electrical safety regulations guide provides further information about electrical considerations. Event organisers should also remember that the electrical requirements of an entire event site can extend beyond the ride itself.
Are funfair rides checked before they open?
Formal periodic inspection is only part of the safety picture. Appropriate pre-use and daily checks help identify issues that may have developed during transport, assembly or operation. The precise checks depend upon the attraction.
For mobile fairground equipment, this is particularly relevant because many rides are repeatedly transported, assembled, operated and dismantled. Our guides to assembling and dismantling funfair rides, setting up and tearing down funfair rides and how funfair rides are transported explain more about the practical lifecycle of travelling amusement equipment.
What happens if a problem is identified during a check or test?
A safety-related defect should not simply be ignored because an event is due to open. The appropriate response depends on the nature of the issue and may involve further assessment, maintenance, repair, replacement of a component or additional inspection before the attraction can return to operation.
Similarly, a ride stopping does not automatically mean that a serious failure has occurred. Safety and control systems may stop an attraction when particular conditions are detected. Our guide to what causes a funfair ride to stop looks at some of the reasons an amusement ride may cease operating.
Does testing remove every possible risk?
No. Testing and inspection are important risk-control measures, but safe operation involves much more. Appropriate setup, loading, supervision, operation, maintenance, crowd management, weather monitoring and compliance with ride-specific restrictions can all play a part.
Event organisers can find related information in how to perform a funfair ride risk assessment, how to safely load funfair rides and how to ensure the safety of your guests at your funfair.
Are children's funfair rides tested as well?
Yes. Being smaller or intended for younger riders does not remove the need for appropriate safety procedures. The children's fairground rides and attractions available for events include mechanically operated rides as well as other attractions, and each item needs to be managed according to the requirements relevant to that equipment.
For parents, schools, councils and family-event organisers, our guide to keeping children safe at fairgrounds and information about height requirements for fairground rides provide useful additional reading.
What about large and high-speed rides?
Large and mechanically complex rides can place substantial loads on their structures and components, making inspection, maintenance and correct operation particularly important. Our range includes everything from Ferris wheels and Chair O Planes to Waltzers, Paratroopers and roller coasters.
Ride type alone, however, does not tell you exactly which inspection or testing procedures apply. Requirements need to be established for the individual amusement device rather than assumed from its appearance or category.
Does bad weather affect funfair ride safety?
Weather conditions form a separate but closely related part of safe fairground operation. Wind, rain and other adverse conditions may affect whether particular equipment can operate safely, and operators need to respond to the conditions and the requirements applicable to their attractions.
See how to keep funfair rides safe in windy conditions and how to prepare funfairs for adverse weather for more information. Event organisers planning outdoor attractions may also find our rainy weather FAQs useful.
Who is responsible for testing funfair rides?
Different responsibilities can apply at different stages of a ride's life and inspection process. Formal inspection and specialist testing require appropriately competent people, while operators also have responsibilities relating to the condition and safe operation of their equipment.
If you're hiring attractions for an event, you do not need to become an amusement-device engineer yourself. However, understanding the basic terminology makes it easier to ask sensible questions about safety documentation, inspection, operation and site requirements.
What safety information should an event organiser ask about?
The information relevant to a booking will depend on the attraction and event, but organisers may need to consider inspection documentation, insurance, risk assessments, operating requirements, access, power, positioning, crowd management and emergency arrangements.
Our Are Fairground Rides Safe? guide provides a useful starting point, while How We Are Tricycle Protects Your Health And Safety explains more about our approach when supplying attractions for events.
Can testing requirements vary between different attractions?
Yes. A Vintage Ferris Wheel, Traditional Victorian Carousel, Traditional Dodgems and a modern thrill attraction are very different pieces of equipment. Their construction, operating mechanisms, components and safety systems are not identical, so it would be misleading to suggest that every attraction undergoes precisely the same tests in precisely the same way.
This is also why competent inspection and ride-specific documentation matter. The testing programme should relate to the actual amusement device rather than being treated as a generic checklist for everything found at a funfair.
Can I ask about testing before hiring a funfair ride?
Absolutely. If you're arranging funfair and fairground hire for a corporate event, festival, school event, council celebration, private function or public event, safety questions are entirely reasonable.
We supply attractions for many different settings, including company fun days and corporate events, school events, council and local authority events, charity events and music, arts and cultural events. The equipment selected, venue and event format can all influence the practical planning required.
Where can I learn more about funfair testing and safety?
This FAQ forms part of our growing collection of funfair guides. For more technical and safety-related reading, take a look at how funfair rides are tested for safety, non-destructive testing of funfair rides, funfair ride periodic maintenance, fairground electrical safety regulations and funfair ride risk assessments.
If you're planning an event and would like to discuss suitable rides, games and attractions, browse our full product range or contact us to talk through your requirements.
Funfair hire and testing questions from event organisers throughout the UK
We provide event attractions for clients in locations including London, West Midlands, Greater Manchester, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Kent, Surrey, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our wider delivery areas section provides more information about locations we serve and the funfair services available.