Behind the Scenes: A Peek into Our Inspection Process
Client: North American Midway
Event: Calgary Stampede
Inspected Rides: “Mach 3” and “Jumbo Elephant” Ride
Date: July 2024
The Calgary Stampede is known for its exciting rides and attractions, drawing in thousands of visitors each year. This makes safety checks critical, and we were thrilled to play our part in ensuring every rider could enjoy their experience without worry.
“Mach 3” Ride Inspection
The “Mach 3” ride is a high-thrill attraction designed for adrenaline seekers. Our inspection team conducted a thorough radiographic testing (RT) inspection of its shoulder restraints. This advanced method allowed us to detect any signs of water ingress, corrosion, and wall loss. We also performed functional tests to ensure the restraints locked and unlocked smoothly and securely. Our structural analysis confirmed that the restraints could withstand the forces exerted during the ride, meeting all safety standards.
“Jumbo Elephant” Ride Inspection
The “Jumbo” elephant ride, beloved by younger children, also underwent a comprehensive Fluorescent Magnetic Particle(MT) inspection. We ensured the swing pins were free from significant wear or damage and checked for any signs of deformity, corrosion, and cracking. Our team verified that these pins were in excellent condition, providing the necessary security for young passengers while complying with all safety regulations.
Our Findings
We were pleased to report that both the “Mach 3” and “Jumbo” elephant rides had shoulder restraints and swing pins in good condition, fully compliant with safety standards. The minor surface wear observed on the “Mach 3” restraints was typical of regular use and did not compromise safety. The “Jumbo” elephant swing pins were in excellent condition, with no signs of material fatigue. The RT and MT inspections confirmed no signs of water ingress, corrosion, wall loss, deformities, or cracking in the inspected items of either ride.
Commitment to Ongoing Safety
Safety doesn’t stop at a single inspection. We recommended that North American Midway continue regular maintenance and routine inspections to ensure the ongoing reliability of their ride restraints. Addressing minor wear during scheduled maintenance will help prevent potential issues and maintain the highest safety standards. All inspection films were digitized and uploaded to SharePoint for easy access and review.
Conclusion
At Vision Integrity Engineering, we take pride in ensuring the safety of attractions that bring joy and excitement to so many people. Our recent inspections at the Calgary Stampede are a testament to our commitment to safety and our dedication to supporting our clients in providing secure and enjoyable experiences for all.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with North American Midway and ensuring that their rides remain safe and thrilling for future events.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights into our safety projects. For any inquiries or further information, feel free to contact us at 403-454-3721.
