OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS | Passenger Ropeways

For aerial ropeways, a display shall be placed in a conspicuous location for the operator at the main drive terminal stating the approved limiting operating conditions as follows:

• (a) for fixed-grip chair lifts: the total number of chairs (single/ double etc.), the minimum spacing between chairs, the maximum relative speed for foot passengers and for skiers, which shall not exceed 1.8 m/s and 3.1 m/s respectively, and the operational limiting wind velocities;

• (b) for fixed-grip gondola lifts: the total number of cars, the maximum number of persons the gondola cars are approved to carry, the maximum line speed, and the operational limiting wind velocities;

• (c) for detachable chair and gondola lifts: the total number of chairs (single/double etc.) or gondola cars, the total number of persons the gondola cars are approved to carry, the minimum spacing between chairs or cars, the maximum line speed and the operational limiting wind velocities; and

• (d) for reversible ropeways: the total number of cabins, the maximum loading capacity per cabin stated in total number of persons and maximum weight in kilograms, the maximum line speed, and the operational limiting wind velocities.

(a) inspect visually each terminal, station, and the entire length of the ropeway, lift or tow, including grips, hangers and carriers;

• Pass
• Flag
• Fail

(b) note the position of tension carriages and counterweights, and ensure that the tensioning system is free to move in both directions;

• Pass
• Flag
• Fail

(c) test the operation of all manual and automatic switches in terminals, stations, and loading and unloading areas, as per the manufacturer’s specifications;

• Pass
• Flag
• Fail

(d) test the operation of main drive and all braking systems;

• Pass
• Flag
• Fail

(e) test the operation of communication systems;

• Pass
• Flag
• Fail

(f) ropeways and lifts having emergency power units shall have the emergency engine(s) checked during this inspection and operated at least once weekly; and

• Pass
• Flag
• Fail

(g) note the general condition of the hauling rope, including splices

• Pass
• Flag
• Fail

The permanent bound log book shall be a record of the daily operation of the lift and it shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

• (a) names and positions of operating personnel;

• (b) weather conditions: snow, temperature, wind and visibility;

• (c) operating hours;

• (d) time, duration, and cause of abnormal interruptions; and

Adequate lighting shall be maintained when lifts are used as follows:

• (a) at loading and unloading areas on all lifts;

• (b) on the sections of the surface lifts’ tow paths being used; and

• (c) in machine rooms.

The management shall prepare, and put in the control booth of each lift, procedures to be followed in case of unusual occurrences, such as:

• (a) roll back;

• (b) overspeed;

• (c) counterweight limits reached;

• (d) tower deropement switch tripped;

• (e) communication system failure;

• (f) fire; and

• (g) earthquake.

In conjunction with the inspection and maintenance schedules (see Clauses 2.4.2.3 and 3.4.5.2), a record of maintenance carried out on a daily basis shall be established, and shall include, but 50 CODE OF PRACTICE FOR PASSENGER ROPEWAYS IN NEW ZEALAND not be limited to, the following:

• (a) action taken to correct abnormalities reported on daily inspections;

• (b) work done in accordance with preventive maintenance schedules;

• (c) details of equipment breakdowns, repairs and replacements to correct the same;

• (d) non-destructive testing of ropes, structural and mechanical components;

• (e) replacement of expendable items, e.g. bearings and liners;

• (f) counterweight position at various loads and temperatures;

• (g) operating data, e.g. voltage, amperage, gearbox temperature.