Theme Park Rescue Platforms

31st August 2009

Theme Park Rescue, Access Platforms for Rescue in Theme Parks and Fairgrounds

Access Platforms for Rescue

A complete power failure at Chessington World of Adventures and Zoo just before 1pm yesterday affected all the areas of the park, stopping all rides and leaving many visitors stranded.Rescuers used an articulating boom supplied by Working At Height Limited, a Genie Z-60/34 to rescue many of those stranded at heights up to 10 metres and in particular a ride that stopped seven metres high and near a lion enclosure. Despite the park's well rehearsed emergency procedures, it took more than three and a hald hours before all rides were evacuated. With thanks to the boom supplied by Working At Height Limited in 2007 for maintenance, there is also another application for this access platform as the trained park staff were able to talk to, calm and reassure those stuck at high level and also return all guests to ground in a safe and quick manner.

The picture shows the access platform supplied by Working At Height Limited is used to rescue people from the monorail at Chessington World of Adventures. 

The reason for this power failure is yet unknown, and the park is awaiting further news from the local electrical supply company as to the cause. Yesterday's drama was the second time in three days that the park was hit by a blackout, with rides being evacuated on Saturday evening after a similar power failure.

For further information on rescue and maintenance at high level, please call Working At Height Limited on 01483 415410.