As an experienced personal injury lawyer, I see the consequences of accidents that could have been prevented every day. In this context, it is important to have knowledge of regulations that are intended to guarantee safety. The Commodities Act Regulations on Attraction and Play Equipment, in particular, is an essential document for both parents and owners of attraction and play equipment.
What is the Commodities Act Regulations on attractions and playground equipment?
The Commodities Act Regulation on Attraction and Playground Equipment (BWBR0048051) is a series of regulations drawn up to ensure the safety of attraction and play equipment in the Netherlands. This regulation lays the foundation for the design, construction, maintenance and periodic inspection of these devices.
Important Highlights of the Scheme
- Periodic Inspections: Attraction equipment must be periodically inspected by a designated institution. The frequency of these inspections is determined on the basis of a matrix included in the appendices of the regulation. This ensures that the devices continuously meet safety standards and that any defects are detected and remedied in a timely manner.
- Certificates of Approval: Every attraction or playground equipment must have a certificate of approval. This certificate contains a color overview photo of the device, a 3D drawing (if available), and other relevant information. The certificate becomes invalid upon changes, which means owners must be very careful with documentation and compliance.
- Changes and Updates: New or amended standards require serially produced playground equipment to be re-inspected. This ensures that all devices remain up to date with the latest safety standards and technologies.
- Unlimited Validity: Playground equipment has a certificate of approval with an unlimited validity, unless specific exceptions apply. This means that, if properly maintained and inspected, playground equipment can be used safely for a long time.
Safety Standards Abroad
Although the Netherlands has strict safety standards for attractions and playground equipment, this is not the case in every country. International safety standards can vary significantly, and it is crucial for parents and users to be aware of this.
In many countries outside the Netherlands, the rules and controls may be less strict. This may be due to different regulations, less frequent inspections, or differences in the implementation and enforcement of safety standards. For example, where inspections are periodic and mandatory in the Netherlands, this may have less priority or be organized differently in other countries.
Why You Shouldn’t Go Out of the “Dutch Size” Abroad
- Differences in Regulations: The safety regulations for attractions and playground equipment can vary greatly per country. What is considered safe in the Netherlands may have different standards elsewhere. It is important to inquire about local safety measures and inspection procedures when visiting swimming pools or amusement parks abroad.
- Frequency and Thoroughness of Inspections: While the Netherlands uses a systematic approach with mandatory periodic inspections by certified institutions, this is not always the case in other countries. The frequency and thoroughness of inspections can vary, which can affect the safety of the devices.
- Legal Protection and Responsibility: In the event of an accident, legal steps and responsibilities may vary from country to country. In the Netherlands there are clear rules and responsibilities for owners and managers of playground equipment, but this is not universal. Foreign laws may be less strict, and the options for taking legal action may be more limited.
Take Action in the Event of Injury
Despite these strict rules and controls, accidents can unfortunately still happen. If you or your child (yourself or someone in your family) is injured by a defective or poorly maintained attraction or playground equipment, it is important to consider legal action. As a personal injury lawyer, I can help you obtain the right compensation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. If you have any questions or need legal assistance, do not hesitate to contact us for a no-obligation consultation at home.