Munich / London. TÜV SÜD's services ensure safe, cost-effective operation of amusement rides all over the world. The wide range of support given by the international service provider extends from planning and initial acceptance testing, to periodic tests. Amusement parks with particularly high standards of safety and child-friendliness are awarded the internationally recognized "Fit for Kids" quality mark. TÜV SÜD will present its portfolio of services in this field at the 2011 Euro Attractions Show (EAS) at Grand Hall / Stand 248.

Higher, faster, farther- the race for superlatives knows no bounds, particularly where amusement rides are concerned. As attractions grow more and more spectacular, the technology involved becomes ever more complex. "As the complexity of the technology increases, safety standards must keep pace," says Stefan Kasper, Head of the Amusement Parks, Rides and Structures department at TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH. At EAS 2011, the trade show for the attractions and amusement industry, TÜV SÜD will present the full scope of its services in this field- from planning amusement parks, inspecting technical documentation and initial acceptance testing to periodic inspection of parks and the safety of their operating conditions.

Fastest roller-coaster in the world

The expertise and experience of the TÜV SÜD specialists is sought after throughout the world- not only in Europe, but also in the U.S., Asia and the Middle East. Last year, the team supported the Formula Rossa in Abu Dhabi from the planning stage to the start of operations. This roller-coaster, the fastest in the world, accelerates to 240 kilometres per hour (approximately 150 miles per hour) within a mere 4.5 seconds. To ensure its compliance with internationally recognized safety standards, TÜV SÜD conducted inspections and tests including verification of technical documentation, production inspection and on-site acceptance testing.

Safe, child-friendly leisure parks: 'Fit for Kids'

The TÜV SÜD 'Fit for Kids' quality seal is awarded to amusement parks that are exceptionally child-friendly and safe. "A comprehensive catalogue of criteria must be fulfilled for parks to qualify for the award," explains Stefan Kasper. Tests include technical and constructional criteria for the amusement rides and also check that the park adheres to a timetable of periodic inspections. The TÜV SÜD experts also scrutinize the routes to the attractions and their entry and exit points of the attractions themselves for their compliance with safety and child-friendly standards. In addition to technical equipment, inspections also focus on staff qualifications, including regular staff training and safety instruction. In addition, rest areas, shopping opportunities and catering must be tailored to the needs of children.

As 'Fit for Kids' is based on international standards including the European EN 13814, it can be obtained by any amusement park throughout the world. "For amusement park operators, the certificate is a clearly visible mark of quality, safety and distinction all in one," stresses Stefan Kasper. The first amusement park to gain the 'Fit for Kids' award was the Europa-Park at Rust in Germany, in the year 2010.

Note: Visitors to the trade show can find out more about the full range of services and products offered by the Amusement Parks, Rides and Structures Department of TÜV SÜD Industrie Service at the TÜV SÜD stand (Grand Hall / Stand 248).

Note for editors: The 'Fit for Kids' logo can be downloaded in printable resolution from www.tuev-sued.de/pressefotos under the "Current Press Photos" category.

Media contact:

Dr. Thomas Oberst

TÜV SÜD AG

Corporate Communications

Westendstr. 199, 80686 Munich

Tel. +49 (0) 89 / 57 91 - 23 72

Fax +49 (0) 89 / 57 91 - 22 69

E-mail      thomas.oberst@tuev-sued.de

Internet    www.tuev-sued.de