In recent years, indoor amusement parks have played an increasingly important role in the entertainment industry. By the end of 2019, there were approximately 15,000 indoor amusement parks nationwide.
The top three regions in terms of the number of indoor amusement parks are Shanghai, Beijing, and Chongqing. These parks range from technologically advanced urban amusement parks to culturally rich amusement complexes, and to various small and medium-sized children's playgrounds in malls and shopping centers. Compared to theme parks, small-scale, dispersed indoor amusement parks are more integrated into people's daily lives.
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As China's amusement industry continues to flourish, the development of children's indoor amusement parks has also become increasingly popular. This evolution has gone from traditional framework amusement parks to de-framed ones, and now to those combining dining and sports. The diverse range of indoor amusement parks is dazzling.
While people strive for better design and increased investment returns, we should also focus more on the safe operation of indoor amusement venues. What are the main factors affecting the safety of indoor amusement operations?
No 1. Fire Safety and Operational Safety
- Fire Safety Training System: Indoor amusement parks should establish a fire safety awareness campaign, hold knowledge competitions, and take other forms to enhance employees' fire safety awareness annually. Regularly organize learning about fire regulations and various rules to ensure compliance. Conduct fire safety education and training according to job characteristics.
- Fire Inspection and Patrol System: Implement inspection systems, conduct regular checks on fire equipment as required, and fill out inspection records.
- No Occupying Fire Exits: Ensure evacuation passages and safety exits are unobstructed. Do not install fences or other obstructions in evacuation passages or safety exits.
- Set Fire Safety Evacuation Signs and Emergency Lighting: Ensure these meet national standards.
- Maintain Fire Doors and Fire Safety Equipment: Regularly inspect, test, maintain, and keep fire doors, evacuation signs, emergency lighting, mechanical smoke exhaust systems, and fire accident broadcasts in normal condition.
- Do Not Lock Safety Exits During Business Hours: Do not turn off, block, or cover safety evacuation signs during business or work hours.
- Compliance with Fire Laws and Regulations: Indoor amusement venues should be on the first to third floors of malls, not in underground malls or floors above the fourth level. There should be no less than two safety exits, preferably with at least one independent entrance/exit. Equip with sufficient fire equipment, such as fire extinguishers, emergency lights, and evacuation signs. Electrical wiring must meet standards, be piped properly, and keep high-power electrical appliances away from combustibles.
No 2. Design Planning and Safe Operation
The design and planning of indoor amusement venues are crucial yet often overlooked aspects. People can get lost in the dazzling design drawings and neglect hidden dangers. These potential dangers may not be evident in the short term but can be destructive over time.
- Transparent Sightlines: The most effective method is ensuring clear sightlines from the parent rest area or service desk to the entire site, avoiding large equipment blocking the view. This helps prevent dangers and allows quick response if danger occurs, minimizing risks.
- Age-based Area Division: Designate areas based on age groups: 0-3 years (mainly non-powered equipment); 5-8 years (mainly electric equipment); 8-12 years (mainly sports projects); 12-14 years (large sports and adventure projects). Clear division can effectively reduce conflicts during play, ensuring safety.
- Orderly Equipment Layout: Arrange dynamic and static equipment in an orderly manner.
- Fire Safety and Staff Planning: Consider overall personnel deployment in design planning, especially at high-traffic entrances.
No 3. Hygiene Safety and Safe Operation
Hygiene safety is crucial for daily maintenance and long-term operation. Large amusement equipment often requires correct maintenance methods.
- Entrance Requirements: Ensure hand sanitization upon entry. If conditions are limited, consider no-rinse hand sanitizers. Entry requires new socks, no entry for those with abnormal body temperature, and diapers for children under three.
- No Food in Play Areas: No food allowed in play areas. Designate specific areas for eating, with thorough hand sanitization before and after meals.
- Daily Cleaning: Clean floors, railings, tables, chairs, and play equipment daily. Use different cleaning methods for special materials.
- Hygiene Standards: Although there's no specific industry standard, refer to hygiene management practices in childcare institutions. Disinfect special play equipment every 3-5 days, ventilate weekly, and disinfect large play structures with appropriate cleaning agents.
- Hygiene Records: Keep records of daily cleaning and disinfection and make them publicly available.
- Staff Hygiene Training: Provide regular hygiene safety training for staff.
- Customer Hygiene Awareness: Promote hygiene awareness among customers, avoiding littering, spitting, or urinating in the venue.
No 4. Equipment Management and Safe Operation
- Regular Equipment Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain equipment, especially electric products, with manufacturers' assistance.
- Detailed Inspection Records: Assign specific personnel to inspect and maintain equipment, keeping detailed records.
- Qualified Personnel for Electrical Work: Only certified professionals should handle electrical installations and repairs.
No 5. Equipment Quality, Installation, and Safe Operation
Indoor amusement equipment's quality and installation are crucial for safety. Operators should choose reliable manufacturers with proper qualifications and certifications, ensuring materials are flame-retardant or treated accordingly.
No 6. Safety Management and Safe Operation
- Inform Parents of Rules: Ensure parents understand play rules and read instructions, adhering to age, height, and other requirements.
- Display Rules Prominently: Post rules clearly, including queuing, orderly play, and avoiding dangerous actions like face-down sliding or climbing on external railings.
- Adult Supervision for Children’s Equipment: Adult use of children’s equipment can shorten its lifespan and pose safety risks.
- Visible Safety Exits: Clearly mark safety exits and inform parents of their locations.
- Qualified Operators for Special Equipment: Ensure special equipment is operated by certified personnel.
- Use Surveillance Cameras: Install cameras to monitor and prevent accidents, especially in blind spots and high-traffic areas.
- Equipment Instructions and Play Signs: Include age, height, weight limits, and detailed play instructions on equipment.
- Prohibit Sharp Objects: Avoid bringing sharp objects that could harm children into the play area.
- Regular Safety Training for Staff: Provide regular safety training and ensure they understand and fulfill safety obligations.
With the growing consumer preference for experiential environments and engaging content over mere thrill-seeking, venues with storylines and high participation rates are becoming more popular, accounting for about one-third of the market. Family-oriented children's parks and small amusement halls also hold significant market shares. Continuous attention to safety is the foundation of successful indoor amusement park operations.
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