Go-karts and Facilities

(1) Karts and Kart Tracks. (a) The following requirements are for karts powered by either battery or internal combustion and driven on permanently installed indoor or outdoor tracks. (b) Karts. Karts shall be constructed mainly of non-combustible material with sufficient strength to sustain the weight of patrons and to withstand stress induced by normal operation, collision with other karts or collision with any part of the surrounding structure. The center of gravity of the kart shall be as low as possible to minimize the possibility of a roll-over. The component parts of a kart shall comply with the following requirements: 1. Guarding. Guarding shall be provided to prevent wheels from riding up or becoming enmeshed with the wheels or protrusions of other karts. Guarding shall also be provided to prevent patrons or track attendants contacting any hot or moving parts. 2. Roll-over. Roll-over protection shall be provided to protect patrons in the event of a roll-over, unless a documented hazard identification and risk assessment has been carried out by a competent person, and demonstrates that such a requirement to be unnecessary. 3. Headrests. Headrests shall be provided to protect patrons in the event of a rear-end collision, unless a documented hazard identification and risk assessment has been carried out by a competent person, and demonstrates that such a requirement to be unnecessary. 4. Kart Protection. Effective protection shall be provided to prevent the engine surfaces, transmission, fuel tank and exhaust system from coming into contact with the track or its surroundings in the event of a roll-over or collision. Steering Wheels. Steering wheels shall be oval or round in shape and shall be sufficiently padded. 6. Steering Column Support. Where used, a steering column support shall be positioned to avoid contact by the patron in the event of a collision. 7. Steering Limits. Steering shall be limited in accordance with the design specifications for the steering gear. 8. Seats. Seats shall be constructed so that they retain patrons in place under normal driving and turning conditions. 9. Dual-occupancy Karts. Where a kart is designed to carry two patrons, adequate hand and foot rests shall be provided for the second patron. 10. Seat Belts. Seat belts of the lap/sash type configuration shall be fitted to all karts. 11. Brakes. Brakes which operate effectively to bring the kart to a stop in a safe manner and within a safe distance shall be provided. 12. Fuel Tanks. Fuel tanks shall be fitted with filler caps designed to eliminate any possibility of fuel leakage under any condition of operation or if overturned. The material used in the construction of the fuel tank and associated fittings shall be suitable for the intended function. The material shall be chemically resistant to and compatible with all commercial grades of fuel, including additives normally encountered. The material shall also be suitable for the environmental and operational conditions to which the fuel tank may be exposed. 13. Speed Limit. The maximum attainable speed by any kart shall not exceed that which has been determined by a documented hazard identification and risk assessment performed by a competent person. 14. Vehicle Identification. Each kart shall be marked in accordance with 520 CMR 5.00. (c) Kart Tracks. The design and manufacture of kart tracks shall comply with the following: 1. Track Design. The track shall be designed and delineated in such a way as to prevent any kart from leaving one portion of the track and entering another portion of the track unless via a designated track route. Track Surface. The surface of the track shall provide consistent traction characteristics throughout its entire length. 3. Track Width. The width of the track should be sufficient to allow a kart to pass two other karts laid end to end across the track. 4. Barriers. Barriers which are capable of stopping a kart traveling at full speed in a manner so as to protect patrons against injury shall be installed around the entire length of the track, unless run-off areas are sufficient size are provided to bring a kart to a halt in a safe manner. Barriers shall be fire resistant and constructed such that the karts cannot climb up the sides of the barrier. Barriers shall be installed to prevent any kart entering spectator areas and inside areas of the track where operating staff are stationed. Barriers shall be in a condition that would not create a hazard or enable a patron to injure themselves if they came in contact with the barrier. 5. Fencing. Fencing shall be provided around the parameter of the track at a sufficient distance to prevent a barrier from striking the fence should a kart strike a barrier. Any area containing persons other than operating staff or patrons shall be enclosed by fencing not less than three feet in height, similarly located behind a barrier. 6. Loading/Unloading Area. An areas separated from the track shall be provided for the loading and unloading of patrons. This area should be arranged to prevent unauthorized entry. 7. Fuel Storage. An area separate from the track and loading/unloading area shall be provided for fuel storage. 8. Ventilation. Ventilation that complies with 780 CMR: Massachusetts State Building Code shall be provided during the operation of indoor kart facilities. 9. Lighting. The track and surrounding area shall be sufficiently illuminated as to allow the supervision of the track, provide adequate visibility and to enable patrons to safely negotiate the course. Light and fittings shall be erected clear of any item with which a kart may collide.