Automatic application of emergency brakes
Essentially, the provision is something that all experts agree with. It is desirable, and is consistent with today’s “state of the art.” Not only is it a provision of the ANSI standards, but also is found in the new Canadian National Standard CAN 3-Z98-M78, to say nothing of a number of European codes. Furthermore, all new installations being built this year must meet this requirement if they are located on Forest Service land.
So what is all the fuss about? Well, it has to do with the application of the provision to existing lifts. So far, no authorities having jurisdiction have required it of existing lifts, and neither has the Forest Service. The NSAA insurance plan managers, Kendall Insurance, made noises to the effect that they might require it, but then pulled back—at least for now—in the face of almost universal dismay. Though they still urge their insureds to retrofit voluntarily.
Some of the authorities having jurisdiction actually came out against making retrofitting a requirement. Why? Especially as the lift suppliers have all worked out conversion procedures?
Partly, it is a matter of cost. In some cases the retrofitting would be a substantial cost item. Partly it is a human reaction of distrust. Some operators, say of an old-style Riblet, put greater trust in that hand emergency brake with its effective, direct action. But mostly, the reluctance to require the automatic braking now on existing lifts stems from a fear that some areas would find ways to comply which might decrease, instead of increase the overall safety of the lift. Engineers point out that the rework is considered a major modification, requiring the services of a qualified design engineer and installation under the supervision of a qualified engineer.
A “home-designed” job might effect compliance, but might in fact detract from the effectiveness and safety of the operator-activate emergency braking system.
Put another way, what is wanted is for operator judgment and operator activation to be the primary response when emergency braking is required. The automatic feature should function when needed in the very remote instance when an operator might not, or might not be able to, perform that function.
The new lifts are getting away from the problem anyhow, especially the big 300 hp ones, where a hand emergency brake just wouldn’t be practical, especially for girl operators.
In the meantime, the best advice is to stay informed and make sure your existing braking systems are in top condition and your operators well trained in their function.
