Restraints vary according to both their design and ride type, thus allowing a significant level of specialization, including the widespread use of individually-adjustable restraints.
Restraint design is typically based upon a 95th percentile physical profile to comfortably accommodate the vast majority of a ride’s population segment.
Manufacturer guidelines help parks address guests whose physical attributes are outside the design parameter due to size, disability, or other factors. Such actions can include adjusting the seating location of certain patrons.
Many parks provide information regarding the issues of size and disability through signage, printed or web materials, and “test yourself” seats, as a courtesy, at the start of queue lines.
Restraints undergo rigorous testing in the design phase, and industry guidelines are continuously reviewed through the ASTM process.
Restraints are tailored to handle the intended forces of a ride and the reasonably foreseeable actions of its riders.
There are often at least two restraint devices on a ride, and any restraint is just one part of a ride’s overall safety measures.
Information on restraint changes or updates is shared through the ASTM International standards development process, industry forums (education seminars, etc.), and ASTM protocols for manufacturers to inform parks of ride-related safety changes and via state/local agencies data exchanges.
