Recent nightclub fires underscore the importance of education and inspection

Michael and Jeffrey Derderian asked to participate in National amusement industry safety conference

Focusing on a theme of awareness and education, Jeffrey & Michael Derderian, two of the three founders of the Station Education Fund, a 501-C-3 non-profit, have accepted an invitation to speak for the first time together at the 5th Annual Pennsylvania Amusement Ride Safety Seminar to be held at the Holiday Inn Harrisburg/Hershey located in Grantville, Pennsylvania on Wednesday February 24, 2010 at 11:00am.

Jeffrey and Michael are not being compensated in any way for their participation and are personally paying all of their own expenses related to being part of the conference.

Michael & Jeffery, who operated the Station Nightclub, have pledged to do whatever they could to further educate and also prevent similar tragedies like the Station Nightclub fire in places of public assembly. The organizers asked the brothers to participate to provide first hand knowledge about their experiences to over 400 amusement ride operators, owners, and inspectors who are responsible for the safety and well being of thousands of people every year.

“Who better to talk about what can happen when a “Perfect Storm” of unintended events occurs—I think this can be very beneficial to our attendees who inspect a wide variety of amusement rides and attractions regulated under the Pennsylvania Amusement Ride Inspection Act” noted Phil Slaggert, who is coordinating the safety program. “Most people do not realize the potential dangers that can be present in a seasonal haunted attraction, fun house, dark ride, theater, or any place of public assembly.”

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(FROM THE IAHA SCREAMZINE DATED 2/10/2010)

The Northwest Showmen's Safety Seminar will host a one day program for haunted attractions on Thursday, February 18, 2010 starting at 8:30am. This program will be held in conjunction with the 30th Annual NW Showmen's Safety Seminar in Portland, Oregon.

IAHA and Mobil Midway Safety Institute have teamed up to bring you The Certified Haunted Attraction Operator Safety program (C.H.A.O.S.), the associations' safety course that is recommended to anyone running a haunted attraction. This eight hour safety program will feature case studies of actual fires in "Special Amusement Buildings," haunted attractions and similar places of public assembly. A discussion of NFPA 101 The Life Safety Code and NFPA Part 70 The National Electrical Code will also be included.

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