Carnival Ride Safety

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By Stephanie Domurat

Story Published: Aug 5, 2009 at 6:39 PM MST

Story Updated: Aug 6, 2009 at 5:28 AM MST

BILLINGS - One of the biggest attractions at the Montana Fair each year is the carnival. And while some climb on board the rides for a thrill, some may also question, just how safe are they?

Organizers say there's much work that happens behind the scenes to keep things safe. "We are human beings working here trying to take care of customers and we don't want anything to go wrong," says John Hanschen, Co-Owner of Thomas Carnival.

The group has been catering to ride-goers at the Montana Fair for the past 30 years, in addition to another 40 events across the country each year. Each carnival they do, they say safety is their number one concern.

"I would say they are very safe, that's our experience, we've been in business since 1928." The traveling group from Texas employs 120 ride operators for their carnivals; of which 10 are ride safety supervisors who attend yearly safety classes.

Each day supervisors complete a written inspection of ride machinery, then continue their checks throughout the day. "Hour by hour, we look at the rides all the time. We're always listening and watching and trying to make sure that everything is right." He says keeping the machinery in good condition can also maintain its integrity as it ages. The oldest ride this year is the "Merry Go Round", made in 1957.

Carnival operators say it's important to remember to follow ride rules as posted, such as height and age requirements.

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