In 1979 the NSAA board of directors, after substantial review and evaluation, decided the B77 standard-making process which had functioned up to that point, was in need of revision. The standard and the process had become strongly technically-oriented to the exclusion of operators and operating personnel. Based on this appraisal, a decision was made to rethink the process for change.
The decision involved hiring someone to administer the standard revision process. It also involved opening up the process to new blood so that new points of view could be heard. This required expanding the size of the committee to include more operators, more ski area personnel and more manufacturers. A backlog of problems, proposals and ideas existed that needed consideration, study and review. Additionally, NSAA called for an established procedure for the on-going revision and development of the B77 Standard. In order to keep the industry moving positively, it was decided that this document, which represents the ski industry’s basic reference for uphill transportation, should not be a “once every five years crash effort,” but a continuous, on-going activity that would reflect changes in the state-of-the-art of aerial tramways and solutions to identified problems within the area of uphill transportation.
Finally, a strong movement began within the industry to reorganize the standard document so that it would reflect a more specific orientation toward the use of equipment rather than the equipment components. This involved reorganizing the standard to reflect equipment type rather than components; that is, reorganize the standard along the lines of aerial tramways, chairlifts, surface lifts, tows, rather than bullwheels, tower equipment, terminal equipment, etc.
Now, in 1982, this process has been completed. There is no question that what has been achieved is subject to study, review, criticism and change. However, the basic objectives have been met.
Meanwhile at ANSI
Almost simultaneously with NSAA’s decision to make this new commitment to the B77 Standard, the ANSI and other members of the standards community became subject to one of the most extensive reviews and revitalizations in their history. Efforts were mounted by the federal government through the FTC and the Office of Management and Budget to regulate the voluntary standards system. Changes within the standards-making community involved incorporation of due process and an appeals procedure.
New procedures for the development of standards by the committee process were also developed by ANSI and have just been approved. The net result is that the B77. 1-1982 has been reorganized and rewritten in the ‘eye of a hurricane’ in the voluntary standards community.
Ski Industry Self-Regulation
The B77 Standard represents an industry-wide effort by the ski industry to regulate itself. The B77 Standard Committee involves authorities having jurisdiction over ski areas and ski lifts, ski area operators, manufacturers, service companies and specialists. One of the important aspects of expanding the committee was to see that no one group dominated. Ski area operators, engineers, manufacturers, insurance interests and government authorities all have to work together to produce a document that is acceptable to each group. This, of course, involves compromise and a willingness to understand the problems that are involved, relative to each group represented. A consensus standard, which this is, is not a numbers game. A change is not passed or defeated purely by the number of votes for or against. A negative vote must be accompanied by a reason. The interesting aspect of this rule is that one person can point out with a negative vote and reason a serious problem with wording in the standard and thereby sway the opinions of the other 50-plus people on the committee.
Our standard has excellent credibility among the authorities having jurisdiction, manufacturers and operators. This is reflected by the fact that it is used . . . in regulation . . . in commerce and . . . in operations. It is a standard which welcomes innovation and improvements in safety and productivity. The safety record with ski lifts has improved on a consistent basis during the 22 years since the standard has been part of the industry.
A Look at History
Part of the interesting story behind the B77 Standard is that the standard is an evolution brought about by the ski area operators, not manufacturers or government. They were the first to recognize the need for standards as far back as the early 1950’s. They published simple documents which demonstrated the need for standardization in the areas of uphill transportation and uphill transportation safety. This recognition continues to be apri- I ° mary motivating factor behind the NSAA’s role as secretariat to the standard.
Early and modern standard activities were and are an effort to work together for common good. This must always be the prime objective and motivating factor behind the activities of the individuals involved with standard-making for the ski lift and aerial tramway industry.
Where Are We Now?
As a result of committee meetings and balloting procedures, the B77 Committee in the spring of 1982 voted on over 286 items. Rather than have the committee simply vote yes or no on the standard, the committee balloted on the variety of changes proposed. Out of a potential 15,000 negative notes and comments, the result was approximately 300 against. As a result of these negative votes and comments, a number of new areas that were proposed in the standard did not achieve consensus. For example, proposals that involved new concepts for loading and unloading areas, clip movement and ready access to equipment did not achieve consensus. As a result, further study will be undertaken on a number of these ideas in an effort to provide a more comprehensive, thorough proposal for the next go-round. It is likely that a standard supplement will be produced within the next six months and be part of a 1983 change to the standard. Such changes to the standard will probably occur in this fashion for the next three to five years.
Efforts of the Industry
In addition to the work contracted by NSAA, the time spent by the voluntary members of the committee is perhaps the most significant effort put forth by the B77 Standards Committee. Between 50 and 100 people have spent an estimated 25,000 hours developing the B77. 1-1982 Standard. But this time and effort, as in all accomplishments in life, is based on a foundation of years of experience accrued during the careers of the people involved. Their experience and specialized knowledge are what has made B77.1 what it is. B77 Chairman Stan Judge has observed that “a good standard is used and a bad standard sits on the shelf.” B77 is used and will be in the future.
This is the first in a series of columns outlining changes in the B77 standard. The next column will discuss the new format.—Ed.
