Understanding Recertification in WhiteWater’s Slide Resurfacing Service
By Chris Biancofiore, Director, Performance Services
Why is this topic so crucial? Many water park operators are unaware that after a water slide undergoes water slide resurfacing, it typically requires recommissioning by the OEM. They may also not fully understand what this recommissioning entails. This is why we incorporate it into our resurfacing services—to ensure our clients have peace of mind.
Let’s clarify what water slide resurfacing involves.
Resurfacing Is the Last Resort
In terms of water slide maintenance or restoration, cleaning, buffing, and waxing should be the first steps, ideally performed regularly as specified in each operations and maintenance (O&M) manual. With proper care, older slides can regain their beautiful shine.
As slides age due to friction wear, water slide resurfacing becomes necessary because the original coating wears away. It’s essential to delay this process for as long as possible since the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) finish is always the best and smoothest, not to mention the unnecessary costs associated with resurfacing too early.
What Happens After Resurfacing?
Once a water slide is resurfaced, the operating parameters established during commissioning may need adjustments due to this work. Resurfacing can influence the coefficient of friction, water flow behaviour, and other ride variables, ultimately impacting ride dynamics, which are critical for performance and safety.
When ride dynamics change, the OEM, along with various jurisdictions and insurance companies, will consider this a significant modification, necessitating recertification, also known as recommissioning.
If a third party conducts the resurfacing, a risk assessment should be performed. The outcome of this assessment will likely indicate that your slide requires recertification.
Slide Recertification by the OEM After Third-Party Resurfacing Work
When you contact the OEM, such as Lanchao, for recommissioning, the initial step involves inspecting that all operating parameters align with the original commissioning. All valves should be locked out and not adjusted without consulting the OEM. We can then proceed with performance testing, determine if any parameters need adjustment, and conclude with a written recommissioning certificate for the ride.
Additionally, we visually assess the resurfacing work completed and require documentation of the processes and materials used. However, we only certify the ride dynamics; there is NO guarantee regarding the quality of the work or materials, which remains the responsibility of the third party that performed the work.
Recertification Included When Lanchao Technicians Perform Slide Resurfacing
As the OEM, we understand the precise parameters necessary for optimal equipment performance—and the quality of work that will pass inspection.
Certificate of Commissioning:
To provide our clients with peace of mind, we guarantee the resurfacing work we perform—including the process and materials—and automatically include the slide recertification service, which encompasses the following:
Inspection:
- Ride surface condition, water level, flow rate, and ride performance analysis
- For slides with ride vehicles, the vehicle condition
Testing:
- Flow rates and visual assessment of surface condition
- For slides with ride vehicles, visual assessment of vehicle condition and inflation test
- At least 10 test rides of lower, mid, and upper weight limits, possibly more depending on test results and ride type
- Adjust operating conditions if necessary, followed by additional test runs
Upon successful recertification, you will receive a document containing essential ride information such as ride ID, operating parameters, inspector name, date, and signature, which should satisfy your local authorities.
If you are not yet familiar with the specifics and implications of water slide resurfacing and wish to learn more, here are some resources:
- Avoid Liability Pitfalls: The Truth about Slide Resurfacing and Re-Commissioning
- Things You Might Not Know about Water Slide Refurbishment
For any questions you may have, feel free to reach out to us directly.
