SPS 334.62(1)
(1)
Maximum g-force. The maximum G-force allowable on a jumper using waist and chest harness shall be 4.5 G's. The maximum G-force allowable on a jumper using an ankle harness shall be 3.5 G's.
SPS 334.62(2)
(2) Factor of safety. The minimum factor of safety for any bungee cord configuration attached to a jumper shall be no less than 5.
SPS 334.62 Note
Note: A factor of safety of no less than 5 means that the maximum dynamic load possible for a jumper to exert on a bungee cord configuration is no greater than 20 percent of that cord configuration's minimum breaking strength.
SPS 334.62(3)
(3) Bungee cord design. The owners of bungee jumping facilities shall use bungee cords that meet the following specifications:
SPS 334.62(3)(a)
(a) In a single bungee cord system, the binding shall hold the cord threads in the designed positions. The binding shall have the same characteristics as the cord itself. In a multiple bungee cord system, the cord shall be bound together to prevent potential jumper entanglement. The bindings shall not damage or affect the performance of the bungee cords.
SPS 334.62(3)(b)
(b) All bungee cords shall be designed and tested to perform within the prescribed limits of the maximum G-force and factor of safety specified in
subs. (1) and
(2).
SPS 334.62(3)(c)
(c) Conclusive ultimate tensile strength testing shall be performed on a representative amount of all manufactured bungee cords. All tests shall be performed or supervised by an independent certified testing authority or an independent certified engineer. Test results shall be made available to purchasers of the bungee cords and the department upon request. The testing authority shall determine the ultimate tensile strength of each test specimen and use the lowest failure value recorded as the ultimate tensile strength value for the corresponding lot of bungee cords tested. The ultimate tensile strength is reached when the applied load reaches a maximum before failure.
SPS 334.62(3)(d)
(d) A load versus elongation curve resulting from the test specified in
par. (c) shall be used to calculate the maximum G-force and factor of safety of the corresponding lot of bungee cords tested. The test results shall be made available to purchasers or users of the bungee cords and the department upon request.
SPS 334.62(3)(e)
(e) Owners shall follow the inspection and testing recommendations set forth by the bungee cord manufacturer or distributor. These tests shall be completed utilizing the maximum load the bungee cords are designated for.
SPS 334.62(3)(f)
(f) Owners shall obtain specifications on the maximum allowable usage of bungee cords expressed in number of jumps.
SPS 334.62(4)
(4) Cord material and sheathing. The bungee cord material and sheathing to be used shall be clearly specified in the site operating manual.
SPS 334.62(5)
(5) When to destroy cord. The bungee cord owner shall destroy the bungee cord and its non-metallic connectors when one of the following conditions occur:
SPS 334.62(5)(a)
(a) Exposure to daylight exceeds 250 hours, unless the bungee cord cover of the sleeve fully protects all of the cord from visible and ultra-violet exposure;
SPS 334.62(5)(c)
(c) Bungee cord threads exhibit wear, such as bunched threads or uneven tension between threads or thread bands;
SPS 334.62(5)(e)
(e) A bungee cord has had contact with solvents, corrosives or abrasives;
SPS 334.62(5)(g)
(g) When the dynamic load capacity becomes less than the maximum designed dynamic load;
SPS 334.62 Note
Note: As the bungee cord stretches over the course of its jump life, the dynamic load required to extend the bungee to 4 times its unloaded length will reduce.
SPS 334.62(5)(h)
(h) After a bungee cord has been used a maximum of 500 jumps; or
SPS 334.62(5)(i)
(i) When the bungee cord or its connectors do not comply with the manufacturer's specifications.
SPS 334.62(6)
(6) Cord records. Owners of bungee jumping facilities shall have a system for recording the number of jumps on each individual bungee cord in use.
SPS 334.62(7)
(7) Bungee cord destruction. Bungee cords retired from use shall be destroyed by cutting the cord into 5-foot lengths.
SPS 334.62(8)
(8) Bungee cord end connections. Bungee cord end connections shall have a minimum safety factor of 5 times the maximum dynamic load for that cord configuration. All end connections shall be of a size and shape to allow easy attachment to the jump harness and to the rigging. On multiple bungee cord systems, each cord shall have its own independent end connection.
SPS 334.62(9)
(9) Cord inspection. Bungee cords shall be examined daily. Before starting the day's operations, the jump master shall visually inspect the entire length and circumference of the bungee cord for signs of wear. The inspection shall be repeated at least 4 times during daily operation and recorded in the site log.
SPS 334.62 Note
Note: The performance criteria and system requirements contained in this section are for 2 types of bungee cords: Cotton or nylon sheathed cords and synthetic or natural rubber cords. Cotton or nylon sheathed bungee cords, called “preloaded" style cords, are rubber cords originally developed for military use. These cords are made in conformance with military specifications and are often referred to as “Mil. Spec." However, some nonmilitary specification cords currently in use meet the specifications contained in this section and are considered an approved variation. Synthetic or natural rubber bungee cords, called “New Zealand" style cords, are made with continuous loops of strands of natural or synthetic rubber.
SPS 334.62 History
History: Cr.
Register, January, 1994, No. 457, eff. 2-1-94.
SPS 334.63(1)
(1)
General. A jump harness shall be either a full body harness, a sit harness with shoulder straps, or an ankle harness.
SPS 334.63(2)(a)1.
1. Full-body-designed either as a full body harness or a waist harness worn in conjunction with a chest harness; or
SPS 334.63(2)(a)2.
2. Ankle-designed either as an ankle harness or an ankle strapping that is tied off to secure the jumper to the bungee cord end connection. The ankle harness or strapping shall provide evidence of redundancy. A link to a waist harness or “swami belt" shall be required. A harness shall not cause bruising.
SPS 334.63(2)(b)
(b) Harnesses shall be available to fit the range of jumper sizes accepted for jumping.
SPS 334.63(2)(c)
(c) The harness shall have a minimum breaking strength of 4000 pounds, be suitable for the type of jumping conducted and be manufactured by an organization approved to manufacture similar harnesses.
SPS 334.63(3)
(3) Harness inspection. All harnesses shall be inspected by the jump master prior to harnessing a jumper. Harnesses shall be removed from service when they exhibit signs of excessive wear, have been damaged, or when they have met the manufacturer's maximum usage allowance expressed in number of days or in number of jumps. A system shall be developed for recording the number of days or jumps.
SPS 334.63 History
History: Cr.
Register, January, 1994, No. 457, eff. 2-1-94.
SPS 334.64
SPS 334.64 Ropes. All ropes for holding or lowering the jumper shall have a minimum breaking strength of at least 6,000 pounds.
SPS 334.64 History
History: Cr.
Register, January, 1994, No. 457, eff. 2-1-94.
SPS 334.65(1)
(1)
General. All hardware and equipment used for the purpose of bungee jumping shall be approved for that purpose by the original manufacturer.
SPS 334.65(2)
(2) Carabiners. Carabiners shall be the screw gate type, manufactured of hardened steel, with a minimum breaking strength of at least 6,000 pounds.
SPS 334.65(3)
(3) Pulleys and shackles. Pulleys and shackles shall be manufactured of hardened steel and shall have a minimum breaking strength of at least 6,000 pounds. All pulleys shall be compatible with the rope size.
SPS 334.65(4)
(4) Webbing. Webbing shall be flat or tubular mountaineering webbing or equivalent with a minimum breaking strength of at least 6,000 pounds. If military specification bungee cords are used, all webbing shall have redundant connections.
SPS 334.65(5)(a)(a) There shall be 2 anchors that attach the bungee cord to the structure. Each shall have a minimum breaking strength of at least 8,000 pounds or shall be designed with a factor of safety of 5, whichever is greater. There shall be a carabiner that attaches each anchor to the bungee cord end. The 2 carabiners shall not be connected to each other.
SPS 334.65(5)(b)
(b) Where wire rope is used, it shall have swaged ends with a thimble eye or be continuous. Other connection systems are acceptable if they meet the strength specifications in
par. (a). Wire clips are not acceptable.
SPS 334.65(5)(c)
(c) All materials used for anchoring systems shall be manufactured by an organization approved to manufacture similar devices.
SPS 334.65(5)(d)
(d) Daily inspections of the anchors shall be conducted by the jump master, and any equipment showing signs of excessive wear shall be removed from service immediately.
SPS 334.65 History
History: Cr.
Register, January, 1994, No. 457, eff. 2-1-94.
SPS 334.66(1)
(1)
General. All jump rigging, harnesses, lowering system and safety gear shall be regularly inspected and tested as set forth in the operating manual. Inspections, findings and corrective action shall be recorded in the site log.
SPS 334.66(2)
(2) Hardware. Hardware subject to abnormal loadings, impacts against hard surfaces or having surface damage shall be replaced immediately.
SPS 334.66(3)
(3) Ropes and webbing. All ropes, webbing and bindings shall be inspected visually and by feel for signs of wear, fraying, or damage by corrosive substances in accordance with the site operating manual.
SPS 334.66 History
History: Cr.
Register, January, 1994, No. 457, eff. 2-1-94.
SPS 334.67(1)
(1)
Available equipment. Replacement equipment available at the site shall include bungee cords and binding, all ropes, rigging hardware, ankle strapping for jumpers, jump harnesses, safety harnesses, and life lines and clips.
SPS 334.67(2)
(2) When to replace. Items of equipment, rigging or personal protective equipment found to be defective shall be replaced immediately.
SPS 334.67(3)
(3) Cease jumping. Jumping shall cease immediately when a defective item cannot be replaced.
SPS 334.67 History
History: Cr.
Register, January, 1994, No. 457, eff. 2-1-94.
SPS 334.68
SPS 334.68 Identification of rigging, bungee cords and safety equipment. SPS 334.68(1)
(1)
Permanent number. All rigging, bungee cords and safety equipment shall have a permanent identification number.
SPS 334.68(2)
(2) Form. The form of identification shall not affect the performance of the material.
SPS 334.68(3)
(3) Visibility. The identification shall be clearly visible to the operators during daily operations.
SPS 334.68(4)
(4) Recording. The identification shall be recorded in the site operating manual.
SPS 334.68 History
History: Cr.
Register, January, 1994, No. 457, eff. 2-1-94.
SPS 334.69(1)
(1)
Jumps over land. The following requirements apply where the landing area is over land:
SPS 334.69(1)(a)
(a) A net or air bag shall be used. The net or air bag shall be designed to provide adequate coverage of the jump zone, and its specifications shall be included in the site operating manual. The net or air bag shall be rated for the maximum free fall height possible from the platform during operation.
SPS 334.69(1)(b)
(b) The net or air bag shall be in position before jumper preparation commences on the platform.
SPS 334.69(1)(c)
(c) Air bags shall be equipped with an audible alarm in case of loss of air bag pressure.
SPS 334.69(1)(d)
(d) Upon completion of a jump, the jumper shall be lowered onto the net, air bag or landing pad.
SPS 334.69(1)(f)
(f) The landing area shall be free of any equipment or staff when a jumper is being prepared on the jump platform and until the bungee cord is at its static extended state.
SPS 334.69(1)(g)
(g) A place for the jumper to sit and recover shall be provided close to, but outside, the landing area.
SPS 334.69(2)
(2) Jumps over water. The following requirements apply where the landing area is over a body of water:
SPS 334.69(2)(a)
(a) A landing and recovery vessel shall be positioned to recover jumpers.
SPS 334.69(2)(b)
(b) The landing vessel shall have a landing pad which is at least 5 feet by 5 feet. The landing pad shall be placed within the vessel.
SPS 334.69(2)(c)
(c) One person may operate the landing vessel and assist the jumper to land if the vessel is docked or moored. If the vessel is not docked or moored, one person shall pilot the vessel while another person assists the jumper to land.
SPS 334.69(2)(d)
(d) The vessel shall be equipped with Coast Guard approved life jackets and rescue equipment.
SPS 334.69(2)(e)
(e) The landing area shall be free of other vessels, floating or submerged objects, the public, and any spectators. When the landing area is in open waters, it shall be marked by the deployment of buoys. A sign of appropriate size which reads “BUNGEE JUMPING—KEEP CLEAR" shall be attached to the 4 sides of the landing vessel.
SPS 334.69(3)
(3) Jumps over a pool. The following requirements apply where the landing area is a pool specifically constructed for bungee jumping:
SPS 334.69(3)(a)
(a) The pool size shall be at least equal to the size of the safety space.
SPS 334.69(3)(b)
(b) Rescue equipment shall be available and the landing area shall be secured.
SPS 334.69(3)(c)
(c) Only the operators of the bungee jump shall be within the landing area.
SPS 334.69 History
History: Cr.
Register, January, 1994, No. 457, eff. 2-1-94.
