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TN ride inspection regulations do not require checking metal corrosion

A local certified metal inspector hopes to see Tennessee change the way ride inspections are done to take a step further and look at metal corrosion.

After talking to two experts we verified that the state says the rides in Tennessee are safe if they pass inspection.

After 10News verified the ride inspection process, John Gillespie, a local metal inspector, reached out with concerns the rides in Tennessee can be dangerous because he says they are not checked for corrosion.

The State of Tennessee does not have a state wide inspector for amusement rides. Instead, they require all ride companies to hire a third party inspector.

The inspectors look at a wide variety of items but according to the state, they do not look for metal corrosion.

Gillespie wants that to change because he says cracks and wear and tear on metal can cause deadly accidents.

"I think there should be some statewide regulations about what gets inspected and how it gets inspected, how often and there's a formula there. How old it is, the stresses. Some rides have more high velocity and they should get inspected than the little kiddy parts that go in circles," Gillespie added.

The deadly accident at the Ohio State Fair in summer 2017 was caused by corrosion on a support beam.

Gillespie said inspecting metal on rides is important and can save lives.

"You have to care enough that you are doing your job that people are going to die if you don't do your job right," he added.

The State Labor and Workforce Development office told 10News: "While Tennessee code cites the standard for amusement device inspections within the state, individual operators can exceed those standards and employ inspectors who look beyond the criteria outlined in the state standard."

Bottom line, it's up to the ride companies to hire a metal inspector under current law in the State of Tennessee.

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