Safety issues discussed at the Passenger Ropeways Technical Council meeting on April 11, 2002 included incidents that occurred when persons (hikers etc.) loaded themselves onto lifts that were running for maintenance purposes but not open for customers. In the cases discussed, the lifts were closed for the season.

It was decided that Alberta’s passenger ropeway owners should be made aware of this potentially hazardous situation so that they can manage their responsibilities in this regard through implementing preventive actions most suitable to their area.

Options to address this issue were considered such as mandatory posting of appropriate warning signs at or near loading and unloading terminals, posting attendants at key locations and lift line checks by maintenance staff during off season procedures. However, in the final analysis this issue doesn’t relate to safety issues that are typically dealt with by the Z98 code or the council. That is, the operation of lifts for public transportation/recreation.  Additionally, any one of the solutions discussed might not be suitable for all ski areas and all possible solutions may not be necessary for all ski areas.

If you feel the council should take more affirmative action regarding this issue please forward your suggestions to the Chair of the Passenger Ropeways Technical Council at the following address:

Safety Codes Council
Suite 800
10707 - 100 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 3M1

Attn:     John Ogilvy, Chair

Passenger Ropeways Technical Council

 R. J. (Rod) Karen

Director, Technical Services

If you have any questions pertaining to this newsletter your nearest AEDARSA office can provide assistance.