Amusement devices (like roller coasters, Ferris wheels and bouncy castles at carnivals, fairs and exhibitions) need to be licensed under the Amusement Devices Safety Act. You also need a Certificate of Competency to operate amusement devices. The Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration oversees the operation of amusement devices.
You need a Certificate of Competency (Restricted Amusement Device Mechanic) to operate inflatable amusement devices. You need a Certificate of Competency (Amusement Device Mechanic) to operate amusement devices that are not inflatable. As part of the certification process, you need to successfully complete:
Classification | Certificate | Type of amusement devices |
---|---|---|
Restricted Amusement Device Mechanic (Inflatables) | Certificate of Competency | Inflatable amusement devices (like bouncy castles) |
Amusement Device Mechanic | Certificate of Competency | Non-inflatable amusement devices (like roller coasters and Ferris wheels) |
Once you meet all the requirements for the certification process, you can apply for a Certificate of Competency (Restricted Amusement Device Mechanic) or a Certificate of Competency (Amusement Device Mechanic) to operate an amusement device in Nova Scotia.
Application form: Application for Amusement Device Mechanic Certificate (PDF)
You don't need to take an exam to apply for a Certificate of Competency (Amusement Device Mechanic) to operate amusement devices that are non-inflatable.
You need to pass a Restricted Amusement Device Mechanic (Inflatables) exam before you can apply for a Certificate of Competency (Restricted Amusement Device Mechanic) to operate inflatable amusement devices.
You need to review the amusement device training course to prepare for the exam. To pass, you need to get at least 70% on the exam. If you don't pass the exam, you can take the exam again anytime within 1 week.
The Restricted Amusement Device Mechanic (Inflatables) exam is available online. You need to take the exam on your own (with no help from others and no resource materials). When you're ready, you need to complete the exam within 2 hours. You should get the test results right away.
Training course: Restricted Amusement Device Mechanic (Inflatables) Training (PDF)
Online exam: Restricted Amusement Device Mechanic (Inflatables) Exam
Applicants from outside Canada may need to complete a prior learning assessment if they don't meet the practical experience requirements.
You can apply to transfer your credentials from another Canadian jurisdiction if you have a Certificate of Competency that's equivalent to the classification level you want to transfer to. You may need to have your credentials recognized and provide documentation issued by the jurisdiction you're transferring from.
Application form: Application for Amusement Device Mechanic Certificate / Application for Transfer of Certification (PDF)
It should take 2 weeks for the Technical Safety Amusements Section to review your application. International and transfer applications can take up to 5 weeks to review. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your form hasn't been filled in correctly.
If your application is approved, you receive your Certificate of Competency by mail. International and transfer applicants receive a Certificate of Competency by mail.
There is no cost for the training course, exam, certificate or renewal.
You need to renew your Certificate of Competency every 3 years. You should get a renewal notice by mail before the renewal date. It's your responsibility to renew on time.
You need to notify Technical Safety Amusements Section of any changes to your civic address or mailing address. Send your address updates to safetybranch@novascotia.ca.
You need an Inflatable Amusement Device Licence for each inflatable amusement device you operate. And you need an Amusement Device Licence for each non-inflatable amusement device that you operate. You also need to:
You also need to also need to follow safety requirements in the Amusement Devices Safety Act, Amusement Devices General Regulations and CSA-Z267 Safety Code for Amusement Rides and Devices.
Licence | Type of amusement devices |
---|---|
Inflatable Amusement Device Licence | Inflatable amusement devices (like bouncy castles) |
Amusement Device Licence | Non-inflatable amusement devices (like roller coasters and Ferris wheels) |
Once you meet all the requirements for the licensing process, you can apply for an Inflatable Amusement Device Licence or an Amusement Device Licence to operate an amusement device in Nova Scotia. You need to apply separately for each amusement device (each device needs a separate licence).
For the Inflatable Amusement Device Licence, a certified Restricted Amusement Device Mechanic (Inflatables) also needs to complete an inspection checklist as part of the application process.
Application form: Licence Application / Registration Form for an Amusement Device (PDF)
Checklist: Inflatable Amusement Device - Inspection Checklist (PDF)
Amusement Devices Deviation Application (PDF)
It should take 2 weeks for the Technical Safety Amusements Section to review your application. Transfer applications can take up to 5 weeks to review. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your form hasn't been filled in correctly.
If your application is approved, you receive your licence and registration number by mail.
You get a registration number when you receive your licence (each registration number is unique). You need to write the registration number on each inflatable amusement device with a permanent marker. You need to attach the registration number on each non-inflatable amusement device so that it's easy to see.
Activity | Fee |
---|---|
Amusement Device Licence (includes initial inspection) | $193.25 |
Amusement Device Licence renewal (includes annual inspection) | $128.85 |
Special inspection | $128.85 |
Inflatable Amusement Device Licence | No cost |
Inflatable Amusement Device Licence renewal | No cost |
You need to renew your licence each year. It's your responsibility to renew on time.
As a condition of your licence, an inspector from the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration needs to conduct an inspection before the first use of the non-inflatable amusement device and at the beginning of each season. The department may also inspect non-inflatable amusement devices at any time.
Form: Inspection Scheduler
You need to notify Technical Safety Amusements Section of any changes to your civic address or mailing address. Send your address updates to safetybranch@novascotia.ca. You also need to notify Technical Safety if you sell or retire any amusement devices.
Safety Alert: imminent danger to a safety issue, that if not addressed will likely lead to health and safety consequences.
Safety Bulletin: non-imminent danger practices or procedures, which may have a level of safety risk if not addressed as soon as possible.
Safety Directive: an interpretation or application of the act, regulations or standards of the regulation, which require action. A Directive is legally binding and must be followed by the affected parties.
Safety Notice: informative, non urgent, proactive communication on safety issue.
Safety Bulletin - Inflatable Amusement Devices (PDF) | Bulletin de sécurité - Attractions gonflables (PDF)
To protect the safety of children and other users, Inflatable Amusement devices like bouncy castles need to be licensed under the Amusement Devices Safety Act.
An inflatable amusement business is required to employ a person who holds a restricted certificate of competency for amusement devices to facilitate operations and daily inspections.
The Inflatable amusement devices industry has been flourishing and continues to pop up at public events, fairs, and homes as rentals for birthday parties or other special events.
The following safety regulations and guidelines are in place on inflatable devices, like bouncy castles, set up for public functions or rented for residential parties, and are regulated in Nova Scotia by the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration through the Amusement Devices Safety Act.
An inflatable amusement device is an amusement ride or device designed for use that may include but not be limited to bounce, climb, slide, or interactive play. They are made of flexible fabric, kept inflated by continuous air flow by one or more blowers, and rely upon air pressure to maintain their shape. In other words, it has one or more of the following:
If you are planning an event that will include inflatable devices, it's important that the company providing the inflatables show you the following safety documents:
For more details, consult the Amusement Device Checklist.
Maximum capacity by weight or number of users:
The manufacturer's specifications for inflation:
1. The operation of inflatable devices requires mandatory training; this training is available online by contacting ela@novascotia.ca
2. All inflatable amusements require a daily safety check by a certified mechanic for each day an inflatable ride is in operation. The Inflatable Amusement Device Checklist must be kept on file, along with the manufacture's manual and instructions.
3. All inflatable rides in Nova Scotia must be registered with the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, and receive a unique identifying Amusement device (AD) number. Inflatable Ride Registration form.
4. An annual licence is issued once the pre-season checklist is submitted along with proof of insurance to ela@novascotia.ca
For classifications and licence requirements, consult Amusement devices: classifications and licence requirements | novascotia.ca
If you need to know more, consult the Amusement Devices General Regulations, or contact us for clarification at safetybranch@novascotia.ca
If you have any further questions, reach out to the Safety Branch-Technical Safety Division at 1-800-9LABOUR (1-800-952-2687)