HSEC were contracted to undertake the risk
assessment of the Cariba Creek water park at
Alton Towers. The park contains various types
of pools and water slides for use by guests
staying at the two on-site hotels. The water
slides have also been the subjects of Design
Verification as required under the ADIPS scheme.
Amongst other features, the review involved
study of the following attractions:
- ‘Lagoona Bay’ swimming pool
- ‘Wacky Waterworks’ Discovery Treehouse
- ‘Little Leak’ small children’s pool
- Two jacuzzi-type whirlpools; ‘Volcano
Springs’ (Indoors) and ‘Bubbly Wubbly’ (Outdoors)
- ‘Beach Hut’ from which water cannons may be
fired at other guests in Lagoona Bay
- 204 m Water Coaster
- ‘Rush & Rampage’ - Two indoor 1.35 m
diameter tube slides
- ‘Flash Floods’ - Three open air pools
The Cariba Creek review provided a range of
elements for consideration; amongst them were
analysis of structures, electrical systems,
supervision, access, guardrails & barriers,
maintenance, filtration, training, signage and
instructions. Particular attention was paid to
slip resistance levels on surfaces; involving
thorough calculation and testing. Various
National, European and International Standards
and guidance documents were used in the
assessments and design verifications.
All HSEC design reviews such as this aim to
satisfy the following main objectives:
- Verify the design documentation including
any Safety Requirement Specification and
operating instructions were checked for
completeness and detail
- Ensure any design work outside the
manufacturers competence has been completed by
persons with relevant competencies
- Assumptions are questioned, particularly
those on which any calculations are based
- Check calculations are comprehensive and
correct, including those which have been carried
out using computer programs
- Make certain design documents are consistent
with appropriate standards, specifications and
industry practice
- Confirm inspection and maintenance
instructions are consistent with design data
The report concluded that the relevant water
park features are likely to be safe if operated
and maintained according to the manufacturer’s
instructions and subject to implementation of
HSEC’s comments.
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