Hidden dangers on slides and rope ways – consumer protection authority finds hundreds of non-compliant devices

The National Authority for Trade and Consumer Protection (NATCP) and the government offices under its professional supervision pay special attention to the safety of families' leisure activities. Therefore, the consumer protection authority's annual inspection program places significant emphasis on the inspection of entertainment equipment, facilities, temporary structures, and recreational sports equipment. So far this year, the authority has inspected a total of 2,853 devices at 517 locations, of which 336 devices at 71 locations did not comply with legal requirements. Government offices imposed fines totaling 8,350,000 forints for these violations.

In the spring, the authority's staff launched a large-scale series of inspections covering water slides at water parks and beaches, rope ways and climbing walls at adventure parks, amusement park equipment, and entertainment equipment used at festivals, children's camps, and village festivals. The inspection of equipment installed in outdoor fitness parks was also part of the investigation.

On-site inspections by government offices covered the markings on the equipment's data plates and the equipment's certificates of conformity, which confirm the safety determined by experts. A key factor here is load capacity, i.e. the number of people who can safely use the equipment or sports equipment at any one time. The authority also checked whether operators were keeping proper operating logs to track the operation of the equipment, any faults that might occur, and their repair.

Special attention was paid to equipment classified as high or medium risk in terms of height or speed, i.e. hazard classes I and II, where the operating personnel's safety operation certificates were also checked. The inspection also covered whether operators had complied with periodic technical inspection requirements. In the case of fitness parks and outdoor fitness equipment, the content of the information boards displayed was also checked.

By mid-August, staff from the capital and county government offices had inspected a total of 2,853 devices at 517 locations. According to the results, 336 devices (12%) at 71 locations (14%) did not comply with legal requirements. The irregularities included missing or incorrect certificates of conformity, incorrectly indicated load capacity, and incomplete operation logs.

Due to the violations, the authority imposed a fine of HUF 8,350,000 and, where justified, prohibited the use of the equipment until the operator had taken the necessary safety measures.

The purpose of consumer protection inspections is to prevent accidents and ensure that families can spend their free time safely. However, this requires not only compliance with the rules by operators, but also caution on the part of visitors: it is important that they pay attention to the information provided and follow the instructions of the operating staff.

The NATCP and government offices will continue their inspections throughout the fall, paying particular attention to higher-risk equipment and the safe use of outdoor gyms and fitness equipment. The goal remains the same: safe entertainment for all ages.