المملكة: “The Park”, Taif, revealed a gap in the application of existing and well -known requirements

In the wake of the incident of the fall of one of the games in the city of Taif recently, the talk returned again about the safety of recreational facilities in the Kingdom, where the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing stressed its organizational regulations in force, stressing the need for strict application of the requirements and procedures approved to grant the licenses of entertainment facilities, in a move aimed at putting an end to any negligence that may affect the safety of visitors.
Although these requirements are not new, the last incident constituted a decisive turn that prompted the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing to emphasize its implementation, as it emphasized that all licensing issuance operations, renewal or amendment are fully subject to the municipal licensing procedures system, considering the approval of the civil defense as a condition that cannot be exceeded before granting the license, in addition to providing a good commercial record and approval of the honorable authorities.
The ministry stated that the regulations aim to control the work environment in the entertainment sector in a manner that guarantees the highest safety standards compatible with the Saudi construction code, and to provide a safe and clear investment climate. Noting that these regulations, which were designed based on international best practices, aims primarily to improve the quality of life and protect lives, stressing that the current stage requires a complete vigilance to ensure commitment to it.

Alarm

In this context, Occupational Safety and Health Adviser and faculty member at the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research, Eng. Mohamed Darwish Zamzami, stressed that the incident of the fall of one of the games in the city of Taif is not just a transient accident, but rather an alarm bell that requires an urgent action from the competent authorities to ensure the safety of amusement parks, especially in light of the great demand for these entertainment sites during the holidays.
Zamzami stressed the need to update safety regulations and raise the efficiency of workers and operators, while intensifying sudden inspection visits, and applying strict penalties for any negligence in aspects of maintenance or reporting faults.
He explained that the entertainment games are not just means of fun, but rather complex engineering and mechanical systems that require accurate maintenance and periodic examination, indicating that any technical defect – although it seems simple – may turn into a tragedy.

He stressed the importance of adhering to safety procedures, such as conducting a careful periodic examination of all components of games, identifying the appropriate ages and weights for each game, and ensuring that there are qualified operators and field trainers, while installing the instructions of use and warnings clearly, and ensuring the readiness of emergency and rapid ambulance teams within the site.
He pointed out that preventive maintenance represents the first safety shield, and aims to discover early breakdowns, address corrosion and statute of limitations in mechanical and electrical parts, and prevent sudden stops that may lead to innocent life.
Zamzami emphasized that the safety of children and families is an unbearable duty, calling for the Taif incident a turning point towards a strict and just system that ensures the maintenance of the cabarets periodically, and puts the lives of people above all considerations.