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Safety and Maintenance
At Morey’s Piers, we take the safety of our guests and associates very seriously. In fact, safety is our highest priority – it is spelled out in our company Mission Statement and is the leading statement in our Core Values. We want our guests to know they are safe and secure when they visit us, and we want to give you a sample of some initiatives we have taken to ensure our guests enjoy their day in the safest way possible.
Download Our 2009 Guest Safety Guide
THE GUEST’S ROLE IN SAFETY
To ensure that all of our guests have a safe and enjoyable visit to Morey's Piers, we need your help. You play a vital role in your safety, as well as the safety of others. You can help ensure a safe experience by understanding the following:
WARNING: Every guest has different capabilities and limitations, and every ride has associated risks. As such, certain individuals are at increased risk for injury from these rides. Please carefully evaluate each ride to determine if you, or members of your party, can safely participate. DO NOT RIDE if you suspect your health could be at risk, or you could aggravate a pre-existing condition.
NEW JERSEY STATE LAW: State Law requires that each rider MUST obey all written warnings and directions regarding this ride and refrain from behaving in a reckless manner which may contribute to injury of the rider or others. Failure to comply is a violation of law and subject to a penalty under the NEW JERSEY code of Criminal Justice. VIOLATORS SUBJECT UP TO $1,000 FINE AND UP TO 6 MONTHS IN JAIL.
Under NJACA 5.14A-9.34
The following people should not ride:
- Those who are pregnant
- Those with heart conditions
- Those with serious back problems
- Those subject to motion sickness
- Those with other health problems that may make them more vulnerable to injury
- Those under the influence of alcohol or drugs shall not ride any amusement device
Loose articles are not permitted on most rides. For your safety and the safety of others, cameras, keys, loose shoes, purses, etc. should be held by a non-rider. Morey's Piers and its associates will not be held responsible for articles left behind while riding.
Ride Signs
All rides have safety signs prominently displayed at entrances, throughout some queue lines, and inside of some ride vehicles. For your safety, please make your riding decisions based on reading all ride signs, observing the ride before entering, and using common sense. The following descriptions illustrate the types of signs you will encounter at our facilities:
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Height Measurement Signs are provided to ensure that all guests waiting in line are tall enough to ride. Please do not attempt to wait in line for any ride unless you are sure that you or your children meet the ride height and all other requirements. All requirements, including height, are strictly enforced. |
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Warning Signs provide guests with specific safety information that is extremely important to your safe enjoyment of the ride. Not following these warnings could result in injury to yourself or others. |
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Rule’s of Play Signs provide guests with important guidelines for safe enjoyment of the ride. Not following these rules could result in injury to yourself or others. |
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State of New Jersey Safety Signs provide information on NJ laws by which all riders must abide. |
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Attention Signs provide guests with information concerning basic ride procedures. |
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Informational Signs provide guests with basic policy information. |
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Yellow and red lines are used to highlight platform edges. |
SAFETY FIRST!
General Tips
- Observe each ride before participating.
Read and obey all ride signs, audio instructions, and verbal instructions. If you do not understand the instructions, ask a lifeguard or ride attendant.
Each ride has specific rules for specific safety reasons. Failure to follow these rules is dangerous and may result in serious injuries to yourself or others.
Amusement Ride Safety Tips:
- Keep all parts of your body inside the ride at all times.
- Secure all loose articles, clothing, and long hair.
- Remain seated in an upright position at all times.
- Hold on until the ride comes to a complete stop and you are instructed to exit.
- Keep all restraints fastened until the operator instructs you to exit.
- Shoes are required on most rides. Certain rides have shoe-type restrictions.
- Food, drink, and smoking are not permitted on any ride.
- Throwing objects, spitting off any ride or attraction, and horseplay is not permitted.
- Never enter a ride area without the operator being present and consenting.
- While rare, evacuations may be required due to mechanical issues, weather conditions, or power interruption. Evacuating may require you to step over and around objects, and walk down steep inclines.
Waterpark Tips:
- If you or anyone in your group is unsure of his or her ability to swim, do not swim without a life jacket.
- No diving or horseplay.
- On double tube rides, be aware of your riding partner’s position and maintain a safe distance.
- No glass containers of any type are permitted in the Waterparks.
- Children under 3 years of age must wear an approved swim diaper.
- The entire premises of our waterparks will, at times, be covered in water. Do not run.
- Smoking is not permitted in the waterparks.
We care about your children!
Please observe each ride before participating, read all rider requirements to your child, and speak with your child about how to ride safely.
Tell your children to:
- Never run.
- Listen and follow all instructions.
- Hold on with both hands.
- Remain seated until the ride stops completely and the ride operator tells them it is ok to exit.
And parents, please remember:
- Never force your child to ride if they are afraid.
- Do not reach into ride areas to touch or "Hi-Five" your child once he/she is seated. This can be very dangerous to you and your child.
ASSOCIATE SAFETY
Morey’s Piers employs over 1500 associates each summer, with all associates expecting and deserving a safe and secure work environment. To help ensure a safe workplace, Morey’s Piers provides associates with specific safety training for all positions. Our internal Associate Injury Response Team reviews any associate injury that occurs at Morey’s Piers within 24 hours of its occurrence to understand exactly how the injury occurred and what can be done to ensure it never happens again.
Communication
Our commitment to guest and associate safety continues throughout the season with pre-shift meetings, area bulleting board postings, and memos. These tools are extremely valuable to ensuring that our associates are always well informed and safety minded.
Training
Our educationally sound training programs are at the heart of our safety initiatives. Becoming a certified Lifeguard or Ride Operator is not as easy as you may think…
LIFEGUARD TRAINING
Each year, Morey’s Piers trains more than 250 lifeguards to monitor our guests as they enjoy our waterpark attractions. All lifeguards at Morey’s Piers must complete a comprehensive 35+ hour training and testing program in water-skills and water rescue techniques, CPR, and First Aid. Training programs are administered by Morey’s Piers staff certified as trainers under the International Aquatic Safety Firm of Jeff Ellis and Associates.
Only those associates that successfully complete this training program are permitted to perform lifeguard duties at either of our Waterparks. However, the training does not stop there. Our lifeguards must also attend weekly in-service sessions, and are subjected to unannounced audits by internal staff and independent auditors to ensure proficiency and consistency in all facets of their job.
In addition, returning lifeguards must be re-certified each season. As a result of this rigorous training program, Morey’s Piers Waterparks have been awarded the prestigious "Platinum National Aquatic Safety Award" for the past 12 consecutive years.
The Platinum National Aquatic Safety Award is the highest safety rating achievable and signifies
that our Waterparks at Morey’s Piers are among the safest in the country. In 2006, only the top 8% of the 400 eligible waterparks worldwide received this distinction.
Ellis & Associates is an aquatic risk management firm that provides training and safety consulting for our Waterparks and over 80% of the waterparks in the United States. Throughout the season, Ellis & Associates sends representatives to perform comprehensive safety evaluations for each client facility and provides each facility with a safety rating, with "platinum" being the highest.
RIDE OPERATOR TRAINING
All Certified Ride Operators at Morey’s Piers complete one of the industry’s most comprehensive training programs prior to operating a ride with guests. It entails a seven-step process that is the culmination of Morey’s Piers 40 years experience in the Amusement Industry and the adoption of industry best practices, regulations and consensus standards.
Step 1
All employees first attend our 2.5 hour orientation program which introduces them to our company history, mission, and safety first culture, as well as important policies and procedures. Students receive a handbook, instructors utilize a high end PowerPoint presentation which includes video and animation to highlight important points.
Step 2
All employees assigned to Ride Operations complete our classroom based 2.5 hour Universal Ride Operator Course (UROC), which is a mandatory class and the first introduction employees will have to the world of ride operations. During this session, students receive a handbook outlining the basics of safety and ride operation at our facilities. Instructors introduce students to ride restraint systems, control systems, Maintenance and Operations Inspection procedures, lock out/tag out procedures, ride terminology, hand signals, emergency procedures, and many other topics. Students also have the opportunity to witness a pre-opening Operations Inspection of one of our rides.
Step 3
An on-location tour of our facilities and a visual overview of the specific ride for which they will soon be trained. Certified trainers outline the major functions of the ride’s control system, restraint system, and safety procedures.
Step 4
The trainee reads an instruction manual developed specifically for their ride. Each manual is broken down into specific sections including the Daily Operational Pre-Opening Inspection Checklist, Rider Requirements, Emergency and Evacuation Procedures, among others. Each manual undergoes a thorough revision process on a yearly basis ensuring continuous improvement.
All of Morey's Piers manuals, training, and operating procedures conform to the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM - Committee F24) Standards on Amusement Rides and Devices Designation F770.20695-1-06 Standard practice for ownership and operation of Amusement Rides, and all other ASTM standards pertaining to Amusement and Waterpark operation and maintenance. In addition, Morey's Piers adheres to all New Jersey Carnival Amusement Ride Safety Regulations, as well as all manufacturer requirements and standards.
Step 5
Hands-on training. Depending on ride complexity, this portion can last as long as two days. All trainers are certified through our internal Certified Trainer program. During this session, the ride will be removed from service while the trainer completes a ride specific training checklist with the new associate. For each point on the checklist, the trainer will explain the item, demonstrate proper use or procedures, review, and finally, give the trainee the opportunity to practice what was just covered. Each checklist is comprehensive, covering from 80 to 150 different items depending on ride complexity. Emergency response and the simulation of different conditions are part of every ride training session. Throughout the session, trainees have the opportunity to ask questions at any time, helping to ensure complete understanding of the topic at hand. When the checklist is complete, the trainee will operate the ride, without guests, for a predetermined period of time under the supervision of the trainer.
Step 6
Once the trainee has gained experience in the proper operation of the ride and has had all questions answered, the trainer will request a verbal "Training Checkout" test for the trainee. This test is mandatory for every trainee and requires another certified trainer to ask the trainee a series of ride specific questions, testing their knowledge of ride operation, guest service, and emergency response. If the trainee is unable to verbally and physically demonstrate full comprehension and mastery of each item, the associate will begin the training process again. The trainee is then subject to a ride specific written test which again ensures that the associate is able to demonstrate knowledge of important concepts.
Step 7
Completion of this step requires that the trainee operate the ride with guests under the constant supervision, guidance, and assistance of a Certified Trainer. Only after mastery has been demonstrated will the newly Certified Operator be permitted to operate the ride without a Certified Trainer present. Once certification has been granted, follow-up sessions will be conducted over subsequent hours and days to ensure the new operator is comfortable and to answer any new questions that have developed since the initial training.
After successful completion of this training program, a Certified Operator’s performance is monitored by management and audited on a regular basis, ensuring consistency and continuous safe operational practices. Operators must also attend weekly in-service sessions throughout the season.
CONTINUED TRAINING
Recertifications
Management performs random operator recertifications on a daily basis. During a recertification, Certified Trainer and Certified Operator roles are reversed – as the Certified Operator will now attempt to "train" a Certified Trainer. The operator must be successful in conveying all vital operational information to the Certified Trainer or the operator will be subjected to a complete retraining.
Weekly In-Service
All Ride Operations Associates must attend a focused in-service training session every week throughout our peak operating season. In-service sessions are another opportunity to reinforce the training already received in all job duties.
Formal Audits
Finally, associates are subjected to formal, unannounced audits by members of management, the State of NJ Department of Community Affairs, and an independent inspection firm to gauge their level of proficiency and adherence to Morey’s Piers Safety Standards, ASTM Standards, New Jersey Regulations, and industry best practices. Some audits also include a review of emergency procedures and operational documentation.
TECHNOLOGY
Automated External Defibrillators (AED's):
All three of Morey’s Piers and both Waterparks have AED’s on site. An AED is an easy to use device that treats the most common cause of cardiac arrest. The device is capable of analyzing a patient’s heart rhythm and, if needed, delivers an electric current to the patient in an effort to reestablish normal heart activity.
The rides at Morey’s Piers employ some of the latest ride system technology. While every ride is different, various rides include the following technology to help ensure a safe experience:
Redundant systems: Brake units, lift assemblies, and track sensors work on a redundant system ensuring that, even if a primary system fails or a system error occurs, operation will be suspended in a safe manner.
Automated Queue Gates: Air controlled queue gates provide a barrier for guests when conditions for boarding are not acceptable.
Computerized Diagnostic Systems: Provide needed information to Operations and Maintenance during normal operations and troubleshooting situations.
Video Monitoring: Allows associates to watch ride vehicles and restricted areas outside of their normal sight lines during operation.
Block Systems: sensors provide information about vehicle position to computer and relay systems, ensuring that each vehicle maintains a safe distance from others on the track.
Anti-Rollback Systems: Redundant systems to ensure that a ride vehicle, such as a coaster train, will not roll backwards on steep inclines in the event of a stop condition.
Automated Information Systems: Some of Morey’s Piers rides and attractions are fitted with specific sensors and communication devices. This technology allows for acquisition of specific operational and mechanical data. Vibrations, hydraulic and pneumatic pressures, fluid temperatures, flow rates, and fluid levels are examples of the operating parameters that our systems monitor. Not only is this data logged in real-time, but the system can alert management to unfavorable conditions before they result in an out of service condition. For example: if the temperature of the hydraulic fluid used in a specific ride system begins to rise, a computer will notify the appropriate members of management via cell phone so the situation can be assessed and, if needed, corrective action can be taken.
MAINTENANCE
Daily Maintenance Inspections
Morey’s Piers Attractions and Facilities Maintenance Teams fulfill the vital roll of ensuring that our rides, attractions, and facilities are ready for safe operation on a daily basis. Beginning early each morning, maintenance teams complete a thorough inspection of each ride system, vehicle, and structure. Our maintenance management information system tracks the preventive maintenance requirements for each of our 70+ rides and generates daily work orders based on what needs to be completed.
During daily inspection, Maintenance Teams complete a comprehensive inspection checklist for each ride. Inspection procedures include testing critical components for wear, checking for correct torque on bolts and other fasteners, ensuring restraint systems operate properly, and running each ride system through all operational modes to ensure proper functioning. If a problem is found, the ride will remain out of service until it is corrected. Each ride is released to Operations only after it has been inspected and all checklists have been completed.
Daily Operator Opening Inspection Checklists
Depending on ride complexity, Certified Ride Operators arrive each morning from 30 minutes to two hours prior to opening. Once the ride operator confirms that all daily maintenance has been performed, another inspection of the ride begins. The staff members that will operate the ride throughout the day conduct this daily, ride specific inspection. Items that are checked include restraint operation, sign placement and mounting security, the presence and security of fasteners, and ride system operation.
In addition, our staff performs a daily cleaning and waxing regimen to ensure our rides maintain the highest cleanliness standards. Before allowing guests to board, all paperwork must be completed and any items considered by the ride staff to be unsatisfactory must be corrected or cleared by management as non-safety related (for instance, if it is noted that a scenery light bulb has burnt out).
Rehabilitation
The work doesn’t stop once we close for the season. Our maintenance program continues throughout the off-season with ride rehabilitation. During this time, many rides are stripped down to their underlying structures or even completely removed. Many parts, such as scenery panels, are placed in storage to preserve their appearance and longevity. Other parts are moved to our paint shop for cosmetic work and repainting.
In addition, all our rides are on a rotating rehabilitation schedule. For example, in 1999, Morey’s Piers completely dismantled our 156 foot tall Giant Wheel and performed a complete inspection and painting of the entire structure before placing it into operation again in 2000. The Condor underwent a complete rehabilitation in 2002 when its entire tower was removed for ground level inspection and painting.
As for our six roller coasters, all cars and trains are removed from the tracks shortly after the close of each season and taken to our dedicated coaster maintenance facility. While there, each carrier will be dismantled and paint will be stripped from critical parts. These parts undergo special testing regimens to determine if any flaws have appeared in the material. These flaws are not visible to the human eye and require highly trained individuals to perform what is known as nondestructive testing or NDT. Depending on the material to be tested, the performance of NDT may be by magnetic particle, dye penetrant, ultrasonic, or radiography. Virtually every ride at Morey's Piers undergoes some type of NDT testing each year.
By the time Morey’s Piers is ready to open each spring, our rides have been subjected to thousands of hours of inspection, repair, and pre opening operational run time to ensure a fun and safe visit for all our guests.
State Inspections
The State of New Jersey requires that Department of Community Affairs ride inspectors examine all amusement rides before being put into operation with guests at the beginning of each season. In addition, state inspectors perform unscheduled inspections of our rides and attractions throughout the operating season. Morey’s Piers welcomes these inspections as a way to help us ensure the highest level of safety for our guests and associates.
Independent Ride Inspections
Each season, Morey’s Piers contracts with an independent ride inspection firm to review each of our rides and attractions for safety and proper maintenance practices. While on site, inspectors thoroughly inspect each ride, watch our maintenance staff perform their own inspections, and compile a report based on their findings. This is yet another example of the high safety standards Morey’s Piers is proud to provide for our guests.
Regulations and Consensus Standards
Morey's Piers and Raging Waters and Ocean Oasis Operations and Maintenance meet or exceed both New Jersey Carnival Amusement Ride Regulations and ASTM Consensus Standards. Beyond this fact, Morey’s Piers works with New Jersey State regulatory agencies, ASTM, and other amusement/theme parks to help create programs that are efficient and effective.
Continuing Education
Morey’s Piers Operations and Maintenance Staff are provided with continuing educational opportunities within our industry, including AIMS (Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers) and NAARSO (National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials) safety seminars and testing.
As you can see, we take pride in the level of safety we provide our guests, but we can’t do it alone. We need you to be our partner in safety. Read all signs, listen to all instructions, and use common sense. If you have any questions, please see our Safety and Maintenance FAQ. Other questions or comments can be sent to: moreyspiersoperations@moreyspiers.com .
