1.1 This practice applies to the classification, design, manufacture, construction, auditing, major modification, and operation of water slide systems. Water slide systems shall be defined as rides intended for use by riders in bathing attire where the action of the ride involves possible and purposeful immersion of the rider's body either in whole or in part in water, and uses circulating water to mobilize or lubricate the rider’s transportation along a purpose built path. This includes slides used with or without vehicles as defined below. The terms water slides, waterslides, and slides shall be considered equivalent when used in this practice.

1.1.1 Owner/operator requirements of this standard are required of all water slide systems regardless of date of construction.

1.1.2 The design, manufacture and construction of an existing water slide or portions of a water slide system unaffected by a major modification shall meet the standard requirements in existence at the time of the construction.

1.2 For the purposes of this practice, a water slide system includes:

1.2.1 The flume,

1.2.2 The water-circulation system,

1.2.3 The starting platform with associated means of access and egress,

1.2.4 The structural supports,

1.2.5 Vehicles or other aquatic accessories that are part of the water slide as defined by the manufacturer, and

1.2.6 Means of slide termination.

1.3 This practice shall not apply to:

1.3.1 Any water slides installed in private residences,

1.3.2 Water flume amusement rides where contact with water is merely incidental (for example, log flume rides, shoot-the-chutes),

1.3.3 Amusement rides and devices whose design criteria are specifically addressed in another ASTM standard,

1.3.4 Lazy river type attractions operating at constant elevation, constructed in the ground,

1.3.5 Inflatable water slides (constant air supply) that are mounted on land (refer to Practice F2374-22 for the requirements of these types of water slides),

1.3.6 Inflatable water slides (captured air) that are floating on a body of water (refer to EN/ISO 25649-2017, parts 1 through 7),

1.3.7 Water slides less than 6 ft tall (refer to Practice F2461-20a for the requirements of slides less than 6 ft tall), and

1.3.8 Pre-existing designs manufactured after the effective date of publication of this practice if the design is service proven or previously compliant, as defined in Terminology F747-22, and the manufacturer provides:

1.3.8.1 A historical summary of the water slide, or major modification as defined in Terminology F747-22, and

1.3.8.2 A statement that the design is service proven or previously compliant. Water slides and major modifications to water slides may qualify as previously compliant for five years following the date of publication of this practice. Thereafter, water slides and major modifications to water slides must qualify as service proven or meet the requirements of this practice.

1.3.8.3 Service proven or previously compliant designs shall comply with Section 4.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.5 This practice includes an Appendix, which provides additional information to enhance the user's understanding of and application of the criteria presented in this practice, for example, rationale, background, drawings, interpretation, or commentary. The information in the Appendix shall not be considered a mandatory part of this practice.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.