Disneyland’s Space Mountain temporarily closed amid safety review

Disneyland’s popular Space Mountain roller coaster and another ride are temporarily closed after the company received citations from state regulators last week that prompted a review of its employee safety protocols, a spokeswoman said Sunday.

After receiving the citations Friday, company officials shut down the Matterhorn Bobsleds ride, Space Mountain and Soarin’ Over California on Saturday, said Suzi Brown, spokeswoman for Disneyland Resort.

The Matterhorn reopened Sunday. It is unclear how long the other two rides will remain closed. Soarin’ Over California, a simulated hang-glider flight over the state’s major landmarks, is at Disney California Adventure.

Brown said the closures were strictly voluntary and were made out of an abundance of caution for its employees.

“We constantly strive to maintain a safe work environment for our cast members and contractors — and we are reviewing certain protocols,� Brown said.

Officials with the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, which issued the citations, could not be reached for comment.

The citations were related to an incident in November when an employee of a contractor was seriously injured while performing maintenance on the exterior of the Space Mountain attraction.

“During the investigation the division learned that Disneyland Resort had completed ‘Fall Protection Assessment Reports’ in August of 2006 and failed to adequately correct these known fall hazards that existed on the exterior of Space Mountain,� according to a report on Cal/OSHA’s website. “Furthermore, Disneyland Resort failed to have approved anchorages or approved tie-backs for contract employees to attach to when performing scheduled exterior building maintenance.�

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