1. (a) To conduct required safety inspections on amusement rides and devices in accordance with the Act, the insurer may employ qualified inspectors, retain qualified independent contractors, or contract with the insured to have the amusement ride or device inspected by a qualified inspector. If the inspector does not have personal qualifications on record with Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) through the procedures established in §5.9006 of this title (relating to Designation of Safety Inspector for Amusement Rides and Devices), the insurer shall provide on request of TDI, the qualifications of the person or persons conducting the inspection. At the discretion of TDI, this qualification shall be provided to TDI prior to public operation of the amusement ride or device. To be qualified to conduct safety inspections on amusement rides or devices in Texas, an individual shall obtain a minimum of 10 points using the criteria described in paragraphs (1)-(3) of this subsection.

   1. (1) Education. Two points may be considered for each year of college education in science or engineering. A maximum of four points may be accrued through education.
   2. (2) Training. One point may be considered for each major amusement ride inspection/maintenance school attended or one point accrued for each five hours of continuing education credit (CEU) in a recognized and approved course of training in amusement ride safety and inspections. A maximum of six points may be accrued through training.
   3. (3) Experience. Two points may be considered for each year of experience in amusement ride safety, maintenance, or inspections. A maximum of six points may be accrued through experience. Credits for experience must be documented sufficiently for verification by TDI.
2. (b) In addition to the criteria submitted under subsection (a)(1)-(3) of this section, additional criteria of instructor experience, extensive inspection or education experience, letters of credit, or participation in formal trade association activities may be submitted for review by TDI.

Source Note:The provisions of this §5.9005 adopted to be effective September 29, 1993, 18 TexReg 6315.