13 NCAC 15 .0430 through 13 NCAC 15 .0438 set forth the standards that must be met for the operation of inflatable or air-supported amusement devices located in amusement parks or carnival areas in this State.  In addition, the owner or operator of any inflatable or air-supported amusement device located in amusement parks or carnival areas shall comply with G.S. 95, Article 14B and Title 13, Chapter 15 of the North Carolina Administrative Code.

For purposes of Rules .0430 through .0438 of this Chapter, Inflatable or Air-Supported Amusement Device is defined as an air-filled structure designed to allow riders to bounce, slide or climb on it.  Such a device is made from flexible fabric, kept inflated by one or more blowers, and relies on air pressure to maintain its shape.

(a)  All inflatable or air-supported amusement devices shall meet the requirements of the ASTM Committee F-24-1159.

(b)  All electrical wiring and equipment for inflatable or air-supported amusement devices shall comply with the National Electrical Code Section 525.  All electrical service used in connection with the operation of the device shall have over current protection by either GFI receptacle or GFI electrical cord.

(a)  All inflatable or air-supported amusement devices shall be anchored according to the manufacturer's specifications.

(b)  The number and location of tie-downs shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

(c)  Non-load bearing positioning loops shall not be used as tie-downs or anchor points.

(d)  All anchor ropes, tethers and tie-down ropes shall be attached to permanent structures, stakes, or be anchored by an on-ground anchor weight.  Anchor ropes, tethers and tie-down ropes and anchors shall not be attached to motor vehicles.

(e)  Ground stakes, except as otherwise specified by the manufacturer, shall meet the following requirements:

(1)           All ground stakes shall be a at least 40 inches in length, with at least 10 inches exposed above ground when used;

(2)           All ground stakes shall be equipped with a restraining hook, collar, or other similar device, in order to prevent the attached ropes from sliding up and being released; and

(3)           All ground stakes shall be protected or covered to prevent tripping or other accidental contact. 

(f)  On-Ground anchor weights shall meet the following requirements:

(1)           For bounce-type inflatable or air-supported amusement devices, the on-ground anchor weights shall be at least 75 pounds for each manufacturer-recommended anchor position, or the amount recommended by the manufacturer; and

(2)           For slide-type inflatable or air-supported amusement devices, the on-ground anchor weights shall be at least 500 pounds for each manufacturer-recommended anchor position, or the amount recommended by the manufacturer.

(g)  All anchor ropes, tethers and tie-down ropes shall have a tensile strength of at least 3700 pounds or 370-pound test rated, or the amount recommended by the manufacturer.

(a)  All inflatable or air-supported amusement devices shall have at least one operator on duty any time the device is inflated.  If the operator cannot see the entire device from entrance to exit, an additional operator shall be placed in a position to observe the exit area of the device.

(b)  Unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer, all inflatable or air-supported slides 20 feet or higher shall have at least two operators, one of whom shall be located at the top of the slide and one of whom shall be located at the bottom of the slide.

(c)  The operator shall assist the riders while they enter and exit the device.

(d)  The operator shall not exceed the manufacturer's requirements for maximum loads or rated capacities for individual devices.

(e)  The operator shall ensure that children are not in danger of injury from adults using the device at the same time.

(f)  The operator(s) shall be located in close proximity to the entrance and exit of the device, and shall supervise the riders at all times.

(g)  The operator shall remove from the device any rider who is acting in a manner that may endanger the safety of other riders.

(a)  All inflatable or air-supported amusement devices shall be equipped with blowers that meet the manufacturers specifications for the size and type of device.

(b)  If a power failure or other emergency occurs which disables the blowers, provision shall be made to keep the inflatable or air-supported amusement device erect for at least five minutes or the time required to evacuate the manufacturer's rated capacity, whichever is longer.  This may be accomplished by ensuring that the device is equipped with a sealed chamber or non-return valve that prevents the rapid collapse of ceilings and walls.

(c)  Blowers shall be protected or guarded in order to prevent riders from coming into contact with them.

(a)  No person shall operate an inflatable or air-supported amusement device when the sustained wind speed exceeds the manufacturer's recommendation.

(b)  All inflatable or air-supported amusement devices shall be immediately unloaded and deflated when the sustained wind speed exceeds 25 m.p.h.

The operator shall ensure that signs are displayed at the entrance of each inflatable or air-supported amusement device that contain the following:

(1)           A statement that all riders must remove their shoes prior to entering the device;

(2)           A statement that all riders must remove all loose or sharp objects from their person prior to entering the device; and

(3)           A statement that the operator shall assist the riders when they enter and exit the ride.

(a)  The owner shall maintain the manufacturer's operating manual for each inflatable or air-supported amusement device.

(b)  The owner shall maintain a training manual that contains a complete description of the training program required for operators of each device.  The training manual shall include the following: 

(1)           the proper method of operating the device;

(2)           how to ensure the safe entry and exit of riders;

(3)           safe methods of assembling and dismantling the device, where applicable;

(4)           how to conduct daily inspections;

(5)           how to anchor the device;

(6)           measures to be taken in the event of a power failure or other emergency; and

(7)           procedures for reporting accidents, defects or breakdowns.

(c)  The operator and each member of the operating staff shall have knowledge of the operating manual and the training manual.

(d)  A copy of the operating manual and the training manual shall be maintained on site, and shall be provided to representatives of the Department upon request.

(e)  In the case of a rental, the owner shall ensure that the renter receives and understands the device operating procedures (including the operating manual and the training manual), and the rules and regulations pertaining to the operation of the device rented.