Just as it makes good sense for your car to have an annual inspection to assess wear and tear, and make sure brakes work properly, it is essential for ski lifts to get thorough annual inspections. These inspections are an important part of having a safe, reliable lift during the winter season, saving both time and money in the long run.
Annual lift inspections are also an ANSI B77.1 requirement. Section X.3.4.1 from the new 1999 ANSI is listed below.
X.3.4.1 General inspection “Each aerial lift shall be inspected annually, or after each 2000 hours of operation, whichever comes first, by an aerial lift specialist independent of the owner. The inspection shall verify preservation of original design integrity and cover the requirements of this standard for maintenance, operation, required self-inspections and record keeping. Items found either deficient or in noncompliance shall be noted. A report signed by the specialist shall be filed with the owner.”
Here are some tips to help your inspections go as smoothly as possible.
The following should be available to the inspector:
- Log books: Daily Operational, Wire Rope and Maintenance.
- Manufacturer’s manuals (Operation and Maintenance).
- Lift Data Sheet.
- Lift Evacuation Plan.
- Person(s) familiar with the above plans, logs and manuals.
- Operator and attendant to operate lift.
The following is a typical list of lift inspection items and what is to be done:
- A visual inspection of each terminal and the entire length of the lift by walking or riding the lift.
- Assurance that the tension carriage, counterweights or other tensioning devices are functional and have adequate travel with clearance at both ends of travel.
- Operation of manual and automatic switches in terminals, stations, and loading and unloading areas. This includes safety gates, bullwheel guide sheave derail switches, emergency brake and service brake switches, counterweight/tension devices or tension carriage limit switches and other automatic switches that are located in terminals, stations and loading and unloading areas.
- Operation of all braking systems. Observe for proper functioning of the service brake, emergency brake, high-speed backstop and bullwheel rollback brake.
- Operation of communication systems.
- Operation of the lift, including a roundtrip ride.
- Operation of the auxiliary motor either alone or connected to the lift.
- Inspection of loading/unloading areas.
- Inspection of carriers.
- Verification of required signs.
