Inspectors Check The Safety Of Fair Rides

We are still a couple of days out from the Tulsa State Fair but the work has already begun to keep you safe. Last year's attendance at the fair was more than a million people, News On 6 anchor Craig

Tuesday, September 25th 2007, 4:30 pm

By: News On 6

We are still a couple of days out from the Tulsa State Fair but the work has already begun to keep you safe. Last year's attendance at the fair was more than a million people, News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports inspectors are working to make sure those big crowds are safe while riding the rides during the 11 day event.

With rain falling on Tuesday, many of the rides haven't been set up yet at the Tulsa State Fair. But that isn't stopping inspectors.

"If they're setting them up in the rain, then we'll be inspecting them in the rain. That's the job of the inspector," Lloyd Fields, State Labor Commissioner said.

Rain or shine, all of the 57 rides on the midway will be inspected.

"We may touch each one of these rides, ten, 15, maybe 20 times. It depends on the complexity of the ride, and obviously depends on what issues we find,â€ Senior Amusement Ride Inspector Don Hankins said.

If issues are found, then the ride can be shutdown.

"They run the rides. If they don't run the right way or if they don't do the right thing, then they're not going to get open until everything is done," Fields said.

During the run of the fair, four inspectors with the State Labor Commission will also conduct additional mini-inspections and spot checks.

"Sometimes we'll find cracks, seat belts that need to be replaced, it runs the whole gamut from very minor to unfortunately sometimes major," said Hankins.

New this year, the State of Oklahoma sent ride inspectors to the State Fair of New Mexico in Albuquerque a few days ago to do a pre-inspection. Those inspectors were looking at rides to see if there might be any potential problems with those rides when they arrive in Tulsa. Inspectors say that could speed up the process, but a lot depends on the weather. But inspectors say as opening day gets closer, they will still take their time to do a thorough job, to ensure the rides are safe.

"Bottom line is no ride is going to open and run until we think it's ready," Don Hankins said.

The Labor Commissioner has already held safety meetings with ride operators. The state inspectors will be at the fairgrounds during the entire run of the fair. For more information about the Tulsa State Fair including its hours and where you can buy tickets, click here.

Watch the video: State Fair Rides Inspected