Some of the code violations cited in Wisconsin records in recent years might have been enough to shut down the rides in other states, according to amusement ride experts, but the rides continued to operate here.

The experts, who reviewed some violations at the request of the Wisconsin State Journal, said they were surprised that state inspectors let rides continue operating given the nature of some of the violations.

Until last year, state amusement ride inspectors weren't able to shut down rides they deemed unsafe on their own. They needed to enlist the help of carnival sponsors and local police or fire authorities to do so, according to the state Department of Commerce.

But last year, Commerce Secretary Mary Burke granted inspectors the authority to close, or "red tag," rides that present an imminent danger to life and safety. Inspectors have done that twice since, including barring Air Glory's Giant Swing from operating after a fatal July accident.

Although ride experts praised Burke's decision, they questioned other instances in which inspectors did not move to shut down rides. For example:

•A cracked roller coaster track, which could lead to derailment, said Bill Avery, an amusement ride consultant.

•Cracked hinges on the door of a Tempest ride and improperly installed hinges on the Zipper.

"Door hinges improperly installed and not in accordance with the manufacturer specifications is serious enough for a shutdown in most states," said Mark Mooney, president of the Council for Amusement and Recreational Equipment Safety and chief of inspections for the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety.

•A broken Ferris wheel lap bar, which could be hazardous if it came loose in mid-air, Avery said.

•Hydraulic leaks on the Cliff Hanger and the Orbiter. Heavy leaks could cause an entire ride to malfunction while smaller leaks could pose a danger to ride operators, Avery said.

•Many cases of using the wrong grade bolts or screws.

"Any bolts or screws that are not in accordance with the manufacturer specifications give rise for concern, particularly in high-stress areas," Mooney said. "Use of improper grade bolting can have catastrophic results."

Greg Jones, administrator for Commerce's Safety and Buildings division, said individual decisions on whether a ride is dangerous is a state inspector's judgment call. Inspectors had sought help from carnival sponsors and local authorities to shut down rides in the past, he said.

Mooney acknowledged that what might appear serious on paper might be able to be fixed immediately or might not be as dangerous at it seems upon reading the violation.