Md. Code Regs. 09.12.63.07

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 09.12.63.07 - Design Criteria

A. Scope.

(1) The design criteria contained in COMAR 09.12.62.10B apply to all water slides.

(2) The criteria contained in this regulation shall apply to any slide for which:

(a) A construction permit is issued after the effective date of this chapter; or

(b) Construction or renovation has begun after the effective date of this chapter.

B. Overall Design.

(1) The slide's structural design and materials shall:

(a) Comply with generally accepted structural engineering practices; and

(b) Provide a durable frame which shall safely sustain all weights and pressures for the projected operating life of the structure.

(2) The materials for components and accessories to be used in and around slides shall be such that the operational strength of the entire assembly and its components is not adversely affected by exposure to rain, snow, ice, sunlight, local normal temperature extremes, local normal wind variations, local air pollution products, and the mechanical, electrical, and chemical environment in and around the slides.

(3) Materials selected for components and accessories used in and around slides shall be such that all parts with external surfaces and edges that may come in contact with the slider are assembled, arranged, and finished so that they do not constitute a cutting, pinching, puncturing, or abrasion hazard in casual contact or intended use.

(4) Surfaces shall be inert, nontoxic, smooth, and easy to clean.

(5) The flumes shall be designed or ventilated, or both, to prevent concentrations of toxic disinfectant fumes.

C. Water Slide Flume.

(1) Curves, turns, and tunnels within the path of a slide flume shall be designed so that body impact with the walls of the flume or ceiling of a tunnel does not present a hazard.

(2) The slide flume shall be banked to keep the slider's body safely inside the flume or curve under all foreseeable circumstances.

(3) Slopes within the path of the slide flume shall be designed so that the slider's speed does not exceed the level when a safe equilibrium of dynamic forces can be maintained on any curve or turn.

(4) The construction, dimensions, and attachment of slide flume bed components shall be such that the surface of the slide flume is continuous and smooth.

(5) The walls of the flume shall be designed so that the continuous and combined action of hydrostatic, dynamic, and static loads, and normal environmental deterioration do not cause structural failures which could result in injury or require patching of the original structure.

D. Flume Exit.

(1) When the water slide ends in a splash pool, the following requirements apply:

(a) The pool shall be of sufficient length and width so as to preclude a slider from contacting the walls, adjacent flume exits, and sliders exiting from multiple exit flumes;

(b) Unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise, the flumes shall terminate:

(i) At a depth of at least 6 inches below the splash pool's operating water surface level; or

(ii) If the flume is level for a distance of at least 10 feet from its exit, at a height not more than 2 inches above the water's surface.

(2) When the water slide ends in a runout, the owner shall ensure that the runout is of a sufficient length to allow for the safe deceleration of sliders.

E. Splash Pool.

(1) Unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise, a splash pool depth of at least 3 feet shall be provided at the end of each flume for a distance of at least 20 feet.

(2) Inlets from the water circulation system shall be designed so as to prevent injury to the splash pool user.

Md. Code Regs. 09.12.63.07

Regulation .07A amended effective June 12, 1989 (16:11 Md. R. 1218)