§ 7.446. Capacity, speed and loading interval.
No chair lift, gondola lift or skimobile shall be operated beyond their design capacity and speed. The following specifics shall also apply:
(1) Single chair lifts. Lifts shall never be operated beyond their design capacity and speed. Single chair lifts shall not operate for the use of skiers at speeds in excess of 600 feet per minute, nor with chair spacings less than would produce a loading interval of 6 seconds. Outside of the skiing season, or if there is no skiing, such lifts shall operate at lower speed, preferably 350 feet per minute. Such speeds may be increased if a lift is slowed or stopped for loading and unloading. Variations in speed and loading intervals may be approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
(2) Double chair lifts (including monorail lifts). Double chairs lifts should not generally be operated for the use of skiers at speeds in excess of 550 feet per minute, nor with chair spacing less than would produce a loading interval of eight seconds. Outside of the skiing season, or if there is no skiing, such lifts shall be operated at a lower speed, preferably 350 feet per minute. These speeds may be increased if a lift is slowed or stopped for loading and unloading. Variations in speed and loading intervals may be approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
(3) Detachable chair lifts and gondola lifts. The design capacity of each carrier shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the carrier. Permissible speed of travel is dependent on the facilities provided at the terminals for detaching, attaching, decelerating, and accelerating carriers. The hauling rope is to be continuously moving at a constant speed. Smooth and relatively slow acceleration of the carrier shall be accomplished at full rope speed. Rope speed shall not exceed 600 feet per minute, unless approved by the authority having jurisdiction. Means shall be provided to space the carriers at prescribed intervals, never less than those contemplated in the design.
(4) Skimobiles. Skimobiles shall not generally be operated at speeds in excess of 550 feet per minute. Loading intervals for single passenger cars shall not be less than four seconds. The speed may be increased if a lift is stopped and started for loading and unloading. Higher speeds and shorter intervals may be approved by the authority having jurisdiction if a proposed scheme is satisfactorily shown to represent a safe operation.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.429 (relating to line equipment); 34 Pa. Code § 7.441 (relating to definitions); 34 Pa. Code § 7.442 (relating to applicability); and 34 Pa. Code § 7.462 (relating to applicability).
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