RE:  VISUAL EXAMINATION OF ROPES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

This notice is a result of a serious incident on an above surface lift operating in another province where the counterweight rope failed causing the tension carriage to pass beyond the front mechanical stops and the bull wheel to swing down.

Z98 CODE REQUIREMENT

Clause 11.27.3 of the CSA-Z98-01 Code for Passenger Ropeways requires that the whole length of ropes, including counterweight ropes and guys, and all connections be visually examined at intervals not exceeding 1 year or 2000 hours,  whichever comes first.

INTERPRETATION

To fully meet the intent of clause 11.27.3 where portions of ropes are engaged with sheaves or other equipment and not normally visible, the equipment must be dismantled or otherwise manipulated to enable visual examination the full circumference of the rope over its whole length. In the case of counterweight ropes, lifts will have to be de-tensioned and the rope removed.

REQUIRED ACTION

Prior to the start of the 2003-2004 operating season a complete visual examination of counterweight ropes and all associated equipment must be completed ON ALL SURFACE AND ABOVE SURFACE LIFTS equipped with counterweight ropes.

NOTE: Associated equipment would include but not be limited to end connections, anchor points, cable clips, tensioning devices and rope sheaves. 

Once this examination is completed, please complete a rope Nondestructive Test Report (sample copy in Appendix E of CSA-Z98-01,) and forward a copy to AEDARSA and Add a copy to your maintenance records.

POSSIBLE FUTURE MEASURES

AEDARSA will be working with the Alberta Safety Codes Council and the Technical Committee for the CSA Z98 Passenger Ropeways Code to review the inspection requirements of counterweight ropes and you will be advised of any changes to this examination requirement.

Feel free to contact AEDARSA Edmonton office if you have any questions about this safety notice. If you are unsure of to how to safely de-tension your lift and/or examine your counterweight rope, please contact your lift manufacturer or a qualified repair company.

Sincerely,

Dave Looney, Safety Codes Officer