ASTM F2291-25c PDF

Full title and description

ASTM F2291-25c — Standard Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices. This practice establishes criteria, design requirements, and references for the design of amusement rides, devices, and major modifications to such equipment; the F2291-25c edition includes amendments and changes published through October 6, 2025.

Abstract

F2291-25c provides comprehensive, practice-level guidance for designers, engineers, manufacturers, owners, and operators of amusement rides and devices. It addresses general design criteria and specific requirements for patron restraint and containment, acceleration limits, loads and strengths, mechanical and electrical systems, safety-related control systems, fall protection, documentation, and other elements intended to reduce design and operational risk.

General information

• Status: Active.
• Publication date: September 1, 2025 (current revision designation 25c, includes amendments through October 6, 2025).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 97.200.50 (Toys / Amusement devices and rides).
• Edition / version: F2291-25c (current revision series: 25 → 25a → 25b → 25c).
• Number of pages: 70 pages; DOI: 10.1520/F2291-25C.

Scope

This practice establishes criteria for the design of amusement rides, devices, and major modifications manufactured after the effective date of publication. It specifies which types of equipment are excluded (for example playground equipment complying with ASTM F2373/F1487, climbing walls covered by other standards, certain soft-play equipment, simple patron-activated coin-operated devices that require no restraint or trained operator, and items addressed in other F24 standards). The document contains a mandatory annex and non-mandatory appendices that provide rationale, background, guidance, and examples to support the mandatory design criteria.

Key topics and requirements

• General design criteria and documentation requirements for new designs and major modifications.
• Patron restraint design, clearance envelope, containment and containment envelopes.
• Acceleration limits, impact events and human factors considerations.
• Loads and strengths, load combinations and guidance for wind, live, and environmental loads.
• Safety-related control systems and operator control requirements.
• Electrical requirements, wiring and component considerations for ride systems.
• Hydraulic and pneumatic systems requirements and testing expectations.
• Mechanical systems, welding, fasteners, fatigue, and inspection criteria.
• Fencing, guardrails, handrails, gates, walkways, and fall protection strategies.
• Sanitation/disinfection, coatings, and other operational/maintenance related guidance.

Typical use and users

Used by amusement-park and attraction designers and engineers, ride manufacturers, test/inspection organizations, owners and operators, regulatory authorities and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), and consultants involved in ride certification, acceptance testing, and major modifications. The standard is intended to be a primary design reference for new ride development and for documenting that major changes meet established safety criteria.

Related standards

F2291 is referenced by and cross-referenced with other ASTM documents and industry standards. Notable related documents include ASTM F2137 (dynamic characteristics / SARC test), performance specifications for playground equipment (F2373, F1487), soft-play specification F1918, and a number of F24 committee standards addressing specific ride types and testing practices. Users should consult referenced ASTM standards and local codes or AHJ-accepted equivalents when applying F2291 criteria.

Keywords

acceleration limits, amusement rides, anti-rollback devices, clearance envelope, containment, control systems, design criteria, electrical requirements, emergency safety device, fasteners, fatigue, fencing, guardrails, hydraulics, impact factor, loads and strengths, mechanical systems, pneumatics, restraints, ride analysis, welding, wire rope, fall protection, sanitation, documentation.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM F2291-25c is the ASTM International Standard Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices — a practice document that establishes minimum design criteria, referenced tests, and documentation requirements for amusement rides and major modifications to them.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers general design criteria, patron restraint and containment design, acceleration limits, loads and strengths, mechanical/electrical/hydraulic/pneumatic systems, safety-related controls, fall protection, documentation, coatings, sanitation, welding, fasteners, and supplemental annexes and appendices that provide mandatory and informative guidance.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Designers, ride manufacturers, engineers, testing and inspection bodies, amusement-park owners and operators, regulatory bodies and AHJs, and consultants involved in design verification, certification, or modification of rides.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As published and cataloged by ASTM, F2291-25c is the active/current revision of F2291 (designation 25c) with publication activity recorded in 2025; earlier 25-series drafts and revisions (25, 25a, 25b) are superseded by 25c. Users should always confirm the active designation and amendment status with ASTM or their AHJ at the time of use.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — F2291 is managed by ASTM Committee F24 (Amusement Rides and Devices). It is part of a suite of F24 documents and is commonly referenced by and references other F24 standards that address test methods, ride-specific criteria, and performance specifications.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords include acceleration limits, clearance envelope, restraint design, containment, loads and strengths, safety-related control systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, welding, fasteners, guardrails, fall protection, sanitation, and documentation.