Why does PA have such strict inspection regs?

Let'a assume that you are not under any governmental regulation.

1) You still need to inspect rides to be certain they are safe.

2) Paperwork documents for management that the inspection is done.

3) Paperwork properly designed provides a check list to be certain that the inspector doesn't forget something.

4) Paperwork provides a handoff to maintenance for correcting problems.

5) A review of paperwork provides a method of discovering recurring problems. Computerized paperwork is especially good for this.

6) Paperwork can provide a court defense.

As much a I complain about it myself, paperwork is necessary.

I didn't say it wasn't necessary (or maybe I wasn't clear), I said that government mandated paperwork wasn't necessary. Because the state says so doesn't make it safer.

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Jeff - Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com - Sillynonsense.com
DELETED! What time does the water show start?

Actually, the paperwork we do ourselves to keep in the park is much more accurate and detailed than anything the state asks for.

The state wants to know "greased wheel bearings"...."check." They don't get really technical.

Internally, however, we document exactly what we do no matter how minor. It helps to see that paper trail sometimes. It can show you trends that you might not otherwise notice. (A certain problem always occuring to one car in specific weather or when the same problem repeatedly occurs only when a particular operator is there, for example.)

Of course, if there were no state regulations, we'd pretty much let stuff go until it falls down. ;)

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Come on, fhqwgads!

The reason Pennsylvania has the most extensive inspection program is that it had more parks, bigger parks, and earlier parks than other states. Pa. had 28 parks operating when many states had none. Pa. parks were also installing coasters and various innovative thrill rides (Whip, TiltaWhirl, Ricochet, etc.) before many other states.
But there were some dramatic early accidents that caused the demand for inspection. Waldameer's original Ravine Runner had someone fall to his death on the highway below. Rock Springs Park just across the state line in Chester, W.Va. had someone fall to his death from a coaster coming around its signature bend. (True, it's not in Pa., but it was given major coverage by the Pittsburgh media, which are not far away.) And KW's Racers had people suffering chipped teeth and sore necks from a poorly designed section that was eventually redesigned. So they went to inspections.