Ride inspections underway for Georgia National Fair

Once by the in-house certified mechanics, then by the state inspectors, and just to make sure everything is perfect, they’re even bringing in a third party inspector.

The Georgia National Fair opens Thursday and midway operators are preparing for the hundreds of fair-goers who want to ride the rides.

The first round of inspection involves the 10 certified in-house mechanics. Next, the state takes a look. As if that’s not enough, the midway managers are bringing in another set of eyes for one final inspection because safety is their top priority. 

“We also have a third party inspector out here doing the rides and anything they find wrong or out of order we fix immediately,” said Ride Safety Supervisor, Jeff Alberts.

Alberts said the ride manufacturers create an inspection list for each ride. That list must be checked off every day.

The most important part of ride safety is to follow the height requirements, according to Richard Reithoffer, the manager of Reithoffer Shows.

“I know some parents get aggravated and would like to let their child ride if they’re close, but all of the height requirements are set by the manufacturer and we strictly follow them to make sure there will be no incidents,” said Reithoffer.

As for injuries, Alberts said they’ve been minimal. 

“Most of the incidents that we deal with are slips, trips, and falls,” explained Alberts.

While they’re taking every necessary precaution, Reithoffer said ride malfunctions do happen from time to time. 

“You’ll have breakdowns occasionally. Parts do wear out, but all the safety restraints are double checked before,” said Reithoffer.