Vermont and Michigan are the only states in which periodic load testing of lifts is required. Vermont requires that the lifts be retested every seven years, while Michigan has a five-year requirement.
In July of 1982 the Vermont Department of Labor and Industry passed a rule requiring that all aerial lifts in the state be load tested every seven years. Area operators had until 1989 to comply with this order and most areas load-tested a couple of lifts each year during the summer months.
At first, skeptics had a field day with the test requirements. Now, however, I think it is safe to say that most, if not all, Vermont area operators see some merit in retesting. Some of the surprises found during the tests included auxiliary engines that did not move the loaded lift, or not at the required minimum speed, brake systems that did not work as required and haul cables leaving the depression sheave assemblies during stops.
Granted there are other ways to make sure the above mentioned “surprises” don’t happen, but many areas simply don’t get around to doing that job. In the case of auxiliary engines, more frequent tune ups, compression tests and more use under load all could help insure that the engine is in top shape.
For brake systems, the periodic torque test requirement in ANSI B77 is in a static condition and can give a false sense of security; the load test affords the opportunity to test in a dynamic condition. The brakes also must be checked for application time. ANSI B66.1-1982 states “The controls shall be arranged such that the brake begins decelerating the lift within 3 seconds after an operator or attendant reacts to the stimulus to apply the brake.” This three-second requirement also must be checked (don’t forget that hydraulic fluid may change viscosity and slow the application during cold weather).
During two speeches that I gave in May at LMS-90 at Butternut Basin, Mass., I asked those in the audience if they felt periodic load testing was a good idea. The results were unanimous for retesting. As with most nondestructive testing, the test only indicates that the equipment passes at that moment and must be maintained to the highest standards to reasonably expect the same results in the future.
The ANSI B77 Committee discussed the retesting issue in 1989 for inclusion in the 1990 revision of the B77 Code. The decision at that time was not to reject the concept, but that more specific objectives needed to be developed before the full B77 Committee could consider this topic. As the deadline for the 1990 revision was at hand, retesting was not included.
The North American Aerial Tramway Officials (NAATO) have considered the reload test issue and are in favor of retesting periodically. NAATO is also trying to influence the B77 Committee in this regard.
Another approach has been discussed informally in Colorado. This would require periodic retesting of aerial lifts after the lift has reached a certain age and then at prescribed intervals thereafter. The interval seems to be a major stumbling block.
Any area that has a high turnover in the lift maintenance department can use load tests to make new people more comfortable with the equipment that they are responsible for.
If you think that your area would be better served by retesting, you could conduct a test without having an “Authority Having Jurisdiction” requiring a load test. This test could be done at your leisure, but certainly should be done with the input of lift manufacturers or engineering consultants for the proper procedures. Be sure that there is a designated, knowledgeable person in charge to follow procedures making sure people are not injured and lift equipment destroyed.
Also, everyone should participate in future discussions on this subject, whatever side of the issue they might represent. The industry will benefit.
