Load tests.
Jackson Code of Ordinances § 14-45
in effectSec. 14-45. - Load tests.
(a) Required. A passenger-carrying amusement ride or attraction of the following types may not be used or put into normal operation until it has withstood an annual load test, or it has been certified as structurally sound on an annual basis by a registered professional engineer:
(1) Devices having suspended passenger seats or spaces;
(2) Devices normally operated at speeds or with movements creating severe centrifugal forces;
(3) Devices so elevated that structural failure is likely to cause passengers to be injured by falling; and
(4) Devices for which the city has ordered such a test upon finding it necessary to ensure safety.
(b) Evidence of test. Unless a load test is made in the presence of a representative of the city, the owner or operator of the ride or attraction shall cause to be filed with the city, on a form provided by him, a statement by one of the following: The manufacturer of the ride or attraction, an insurance carrier lawfully doing business in this state and carrying public liability insurance on the ride or attraction; and a registered licensed professional engineer showing whether the ride or attraction withstood the test without failure. The form shall set forth such other relevant information as the city may require. The city may accept a certificate issued by a political subdivision of another state within the previous 12 months and whose standards for the test are equal to or more stringent than the city's load test which certifies to a satisfactory load test of the ride or attraction. Until such a statement is so filed, it shall be presumed that the ride or attraction has not withstood the load test as required.
(c) Nature of test. Each passenger seat or space shall be weighted with at least 170 pounds deadweight, except that in a ride or attraction intended only for small children, each seat or space shall be weighted with at least 75 pounds. While so loaded, the ride or attraction shall be operated at maximum normal speed for the purpose of testing the full operation of all control devices, speed-limiting devices, brakes and other equipment provided for safety. Where this test is not practical, a test approved by the manufacturer or designer shall be used.
(d) Effect of test. If the ride or attraction has withstood a load test without failure, it shall be tested again annually. If the ride or attraction fails to withstand a load test, it shall be deemed unsafe and may not be used until it has withstood a subsequent load test without failure. If a ride or attraction has a major alteration or modification, or if the city believes that a test is necessary to ensure safety, the test shall be made.
(Code 1971, § 5-89)
Source: City of Jackson, Mississippi, Code of Ordinances (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ms/jackson/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH14AMEN_ARTIIAMRIAT_DIV1GE_S14-45LOTEFetched: 11/1/2026