Lance Miller Inflatable & Amusement Specialty Device Expert

Lance Miller, Inflatable & Amusement Specialty Device Expert

Lance Miller is an expert in the amusement industry with specific expertise in inflatables, trampoline parks, and specialty devices. He applies his expertise to forensic casework involving the installation, inspection, operation, and maintenance of amusement devices.

Lance has more than 20 years of hands-on experience; he owned and operated Colorado's largest inflatable rental company, taking it from start up to a 1.8-million-dollar rental company. Lance built a successful company that included nearly 400 pieces of inflatable and mechanical amusement devices. He developed protocol which covered operator instruction, amusement device installation, training certification, tear down, call center operations, and equipment maintenance.

As a third party consultant, Lance performs inspections and commissionings on amusement devices at trampoline parks, carnivals, fairs, theme parks, water parks, and family entertainment centers. He holds current credentials from NAARSO (National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials), AIMS (Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers, International), ACCT (Association for Challenge Course Technology), and IATP (International Association of Trampoline Parks). Lance is an active member of ASTM F-24 where he is the task chair for Amusement Challenge Areas focusing on devices such as ninja courses, warped walls, battle beams, aerial silks, and other devices. He is also active on the inflatables committee, F-2374-19. Lance serves on the Education Committee of the AAI (Amusement and Adventure Institute).

Lance has a Master of Arts in Counseling, Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management, and Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Technology.

Professional Experience

Robson Forensic, Inc.

Associate

2018 to present

Provide technical investigations, analysis, reports, and testimony toward the resolution of commercial and personal injury litigation involving:

  • Inflatable operations, inspection, maintenance and failure analysis
  • Rockwall operations, inspection, maintenance and failure analysis
  • Mechanical Bull operations, inspection, maintenance and failure analysis
  • Trackless Train operations, inspection, maintenance and failure analysis
  • Bungee Jump/Bungee Tramp operations, inspection, maintenance and failure analysis
  • Trampoline Court operation, inspection, maintenance and failure analysis

Miller Safety Inspections & Consulting, Inc.

President

2017 to present
  • Conducts third party inspections for amusement companies in the State of Colorado to ensure they meet or exceed State regulatory requirements
  • Consults with owners and operators nationwide for amusement industry related issues
  • Currently building a national safety certification program for inflatable companies
  • Active member of ASTM F-24 with a focus in F24.61 inflatables
  • Task Group Chair for ASTM F24.61 Amusement Challenge Areas

Big Air Jumpers, Inc.

President

1999 to 2017
  • Built a successful amusement rental company from ground zero to a 1.8-million-dollar annual rental company
  • Provided leadership for over sixty employees and contractors
  • Developed and implemented training protocol for installers, supervisors, maintenance, call center, and drivers to ensure safe, reliable operation of all equipment
  • Provided operational leadership for three warehouses statewide • Recognized as a leader in safety and business practices of inflatable and amusement devices
  • Thousands of hours of experience in all aspects of the inflatable amusement rental industry and specialty amusement devices
  • ASTM F-24.61 member from inception to the present
  • Contributing member of Inflatable Academy, a group of inflatable owners and operators worldwide
  • Consulted with insurance brokers for insurance related issues regarding inflatable owners and operators

Abbott Fire and Safety, Inc.

Manager of Training

1990 to 1999
  • Built and implemented a training program to teach entry level employees in the field of fire and safety
  • Supervised on-site installation of various fire suppression systems
  • Provided testing and maintenance of safety suppression systems • Inspected and made recommendations to building officials in accordance with NFPA 101

United States Air Force

Fire Protection Specialist

1986 to 1994
  • Active Duty 1986 – 1990, Active Reserves 1990 – 1994
  • Obtained the rank of E – 5 Staff Sergeant
  • Honorable Discharge from Active Duty and Reserves
  • Fire fighter for USAF to protect property and aircraft
  • NCOIC of alarm room communications
  • Supervised the emergency call center for alarms
  • Dispatched equipment and personnel to emergency incidents
  • Obtained the rank of Station Captain during shift work
  • Numerous medals and achievements
  • Promoted below the zone to the next rank by peers and supervisors
  • Nationally Certified Emergency Medical Technician

Professional Credentials

  • AIMS International Certified Ride Inspector Level 2, expires March 31, 2023
  • IATP Level 2 Certified Service Technician (CST-2), expires October 2022
  • NAARSO Certified Amusement Ride Safety Inspector Level 2, CN-3574, expires March 31, 2023
  • ACCT Level 1 Professional Inspector, expires March 1, 2023

Past Certifications

  • Certified Emergency Medical Technician
  • Responsible Operators of Amusement Rentals Certification (ROAR), annual certification from 2010 – 2017

Education

  • M.A., Community Counseling, Denver Theological Seminary, Denver, Colorado, 2003
  • B.S., Organizational Management, Colorado Christian University, Lakewood, Colorado, 2001
  • A.A.S., Fire Science Technology, Red Rocks Community College, Lakewood, Colorado, 1991

Continuing Education

National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO), 35th Annual Safety Forum, Orlando, FL, January 2022

  • Ziplines
  • Mechanical Bulls
  • Hayride/Corn Maze
  • Trains
  • Wire Rope Inspection
  • Hydraulics
  • Pneumatics
  • Trampolines
  • Advanced Inspection Techniques
  • Inflatables
  • Passenger Restraints
  • Inspection Points
  • Dutch Wheels

National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO), 33nd Annual Safety Forum, Orlando, FL, January 2021

  • Basic Math
  • Basic OSHA
  • Fasteners
  • Wire Rope
  • Basic Hydraulics
  • Basic Pneumatics
  • Basic Generators
  • Basic Electric
  • ASTM
  • Legal
  • Basic Inspection Techniques
  • Braking Systems
  • Death by Pencil Whipping
  • Component Inspection Points (Permanent Rides)
  • Component Inspections Points (Mobile Rides)
  • Hydraulic Locking Restraint Systems
  • Wire Rope Inspections
  • Inspecting Generators Portable Distribution

Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), 29th Annual International Conference and Exposition, Denver, CO, February 2019

  • 2019 Professional Inspectors Forum
  • Tree Health: Damage, Disease, and Decline
  • Do It Yourself
  • Intro to Zipline Braking System
  • Bring Your Compass, The Commissioning Process
  • ACCT Test Preparatory Class

National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO), 32nd Annual Safety Forum, Myrtle Beach, SC, January 2019

  • Water Slide & Feature Inspect
  • Understanding Accelerometer
  • Components/Inspection (Perm)
  • Components/Inspection (Mobile)
  • Hydraulic Locking Restraint
  • Wire Rope Inspection
  • Corrosion Analysis
  • Water Quality Ride Inspector
  • Understanding Weld & NDT
  • ABCs of OSHA
  • Rigging Inspections
  • Electric Controls & Troubleshoot
  • Dark Ride/Safety Code 101
  • Patron Containment
  • Inspecting Generators/Carnival
  • Meeting New Inspection Challenges
  • Develop an Inspection Program
  • Go Kart Inspection/Maintenance/Operations
  • Non-Destructive Testing
  • Aerial Adventure Inspection

Amusement Industry Manufactures and Suppliers (AIMS) International, Galveston, TX, January 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022

  • Common Inspection Points on Amusement Rides and Devices, 2022
  • Safety at Testing & Commissioning and Evacuation, 2022
  • Amusement Rides Safety: How to achieve an acceptable level of safety, 2022
  • ASTM Case Study, 2022
  • Engineering in the Amusement Industry, 2022
  • Math and the Amusement Ride, 2022
  • Amusement Challenge Areas, 2022
  • Eli Bridge, 2022
  • Combining Drone and Rope Access for Effective Inspections, 2022
  • Rock Walls, 2022
  • Skycoasters, 2022
  • Challenges of Operating a Private Destination, 2022
  • Certificates of Insurance, 2022
  • Inflatables, 2022
  • Couplings, U Joints and Shaft Alignment, 2022
  • Auditing an Aquatic Facility, 2022
  • Aquatic Facility Maintenance Operations Documentation Practices, 2022
  • Drone Inspection Over Rollercoaster’s Track, 2022
  • Inspection Beyond the Steel, 2018
  • Midway Inspection, 2018
  • Amusement Ride Device and Inspection Introduction, 2018
  • Operations, Inspections & Audits, 2018
  • Inspection, Operation and Safety for Dry Slide, 2018
  • ASTM Introduction and Update to the Standards, 2018, 2020
  • ASTM F770 – Operations, 2018, 2020
  • ASTM F24 Current Standards, 2018
  • ASTM F770 – Inspection and Maintenance, 2019, 2020
  • Common and Not-So Common Amusement Ride Safety Issues, 2018
  • Incident Investigation, 2018
  • Amusement Ride Device and Inspection Advanced, 2018
  • Dynamic Ride Forces, 2018, 2019, 2020
  • Confined Space, 2018
  • Visual Inspections, 2018, 2019, 2022
  • Writing Standard Operating Procedure Manuals, 2018
  • Circle of Excellence, 2018
  • Control Systems for Inspectors, 2018
  • Inspection, Operation and Safety for Dark Rides, 2018
  • Electric Controls – Sensors, Limit Switches, Photo Eyes & Proximity Switches, 2018, 2019
  • Fluid Power Basic, 2019, 2020
  • Electrical Basic, 2019, 2020
  • Commissioning Your New Ride, 2019, 2022
  • Electrical Schematic Reading, 2019
  • Lubrication Advanced – Bearings, Gears & Chains, 2019
  • Dynamic Attractions, 2019
  • The Sciences of Safe Walking Surfaces (Slips, Trips, Falls), 2019
  • Pneumatics, 2019, 2020
  • Fasteners, 2019, 2022
  • Measurement, 2019, 2020
  • Steel Coaster & Train Inspection, 2019, 2020
  • Red Card Inspection – Auditing your Inspection Process, 2019
  • Bearing Maintenance and Inspection, 2019, 2020
  • Wooden Coaster and Train Inspection, 2019
  • Theory of Nondestructive Testing, 2020
  • Advanced Theory of Nondestructive Testing, 2019
  • Rigging Safety, 2020
  • Welding 360, 2020
  • Chain Manufacturing Technique, Inspections and Maintenance, 2020
  • OSHA-Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, and Fire Prevention Plans, 2020
  • Understanding Weld and NDT Documentation, 2020
  • Securing Ride/Attraction Restricted Area During Operation, 2020
  • Utilizing Rope Access to Solve Access Issues, 2020
  • Fiberglass Maintenance, Assessment and Repair, 2020, 2022
  • Hot Topics, 2020
  • Inflatables, 2022
  • Couplings, U Joints and Shaft Alignment, 2022
  • Auditing an Aquatic Facility, 2022
  • Aquatic Facility Maintenance Operations Documentation Practices, 2022
  • Drone Inspection Over Rollercoaster’s Track, 2022
  • Common Inspection Points on Amusement Rides and Devices, 2022
  • Safety at Testing & Commissioning and Evacuation, 2022
  • Amusement Rides Safety: How to achieve an acceptable level of safety, 2022
  • ASTM Case Study, 2022
  • Engineering in the Amusement Industry, 2022
  • Math and the Amusement Ride, 2022
  • Amusement Challenge Areas, 2022
  • Eli Bridge, 2022
  • Combining Drone and Rope Access for Effective Inspections, 2022
  • Rock Walls, 2022
  • Skycoasters, 2022
  • Challenges of Operating a Private Destination, 2022
  • Certificates of Insurance, 2022

National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO), 31st Annual Safety Forum, Baton Rouge, LA, January 2018

  • Limited Specialty Training Class
  • ASTM Standards & Documentation
  • Basic Fasteners and Wire Rope
  • Basic Hydraulics
  • Basic Electric & NEC
  • Inflatable Devices
  • Mechanic Bulls
  • Trackless Trains
  • Rockwalls
  • Bungee Jump/Bungee Tramp
  • Inspector Communications
  • Comprehensive Ride Evaluation
  • Components/Inspection Points Park Type Rides
  • Components/Inspection Points Carnival Rides
  • Facility Inspections
  • Wire Rope Inspections
  • Inspect Generators-Carnival Distribution System
  • Braking Systems
  • Hydraulic Locking Restrain Systems
  • Rigging Inspection
  • Minatare Trains
  • Death by Pencil
  • Dynamic Ride Testing
  • Flumes and Raft Rides
  • Safety Restraints
  • Hands on Training at Dixie Landin’ Park
  • Incident Investigation Methods & Techniques
  • Patron Containment

Speaking Engagments

  • Pennsylvania Amusement Ride Safety Seminar, Harrisburg, PA, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring Fall 2021, Spring 2022
    • INFLA-107 Introduction to Inflatable Amusement Ride
    • INFLA-110 Anchoring & Inspection Process for Inflatable Amusement Rides
    • INFLA-109 Documentation for Inflatable Amusement Rides
    • INFLA-108 Manufacturers Manuals & Signage for Inflatable Amusement Devices
    • INFLA-115 Current Issues & Trends for Inflatable Operators
    • INFLA-122 CPSC Inflatable Amusement Devices Safety Bulletin Updates
    • INFLA-113 Inflatable Operations - An Owners Perspective, Fall 2018, 2019, 2021, Spring 2022
    • RIDES-121 Amusement Play Areas, 2020, 2021, Spring 2022
    • EXT SP-128 F2970 Trampoline Courts Service Tech Program, 2021, Spring 2022
  • Northwestern Showmen’s Club, 40th Annual Safety Seminar, Portland, Oregon, February 2020, 2022
    • ASTM Inflatables
  • Amusement Industry Manufactures and Suppliers (AIMS) International, Galveston, TX, January 2022
    • Inflatables
    • Trampoline Court Program & Test
    • Amusement Challenge Areas
  • National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO), 35th Annual Safety Forum, Orlando, FL, January 2022
    • Inflatables
    • Trampoline Court Program & Test
    • Ziplines

Professional Memberships

  • ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices
  • National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO)
  • Amusement Industry Manufactures and Suppliers International (AIMS International)
  • International Association of Trampoline Parks (IATP)
  • Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT)

Media Appearances

Miller, Lance. Interview with Karen Morfitt, CBS Evening News Denver. Wind Gusts Toss Inflatable Bouncy House 300 Feet, 1 Injured, June 2, 2014

v. 04/18/22

Related Resources

See All of Lance's Published Content

Inflatable Amusements & Wind

By Lance Miller
Expert Article

Wind is a recognized hazard for bounce houses and other inflatable amusement devices, and must be considered in the installation, operation, and supervision of these attractions. Failure to properly…

Injury Prevention: Trampoline Park Safety

By Lance Miller
Expert Overview

In 2018, there were over 800 trampoline parks in the United States, up from just a handful a decade earlier. The incidence of injuries at these facilities has grown even more rapidly than the…

Amusement Investigations: Trampolines, Zip Lines, Inflatables and Amusement Rides

Thursday, July 30, 2020
2:00 - 3:00 pm
Featuring Lance Miller, Ian Adamson
Video Webinar

In this webinar video, experts from our Amusement practice provide an overview of 4 types of amusement equipment that are frequently the subject of investigation. These specialized experts discuss the…