§ 7.469. Line equipment.
(a) Hauling ropes. Hauling ropes shall conform to the following:
(1) Specifications and tests. Specifications and tests shall comply with the provisions of § 7.429(a)(1) (relating to line equipment).
(2) Tension limitations. The tension of ropes shall comply with the provisions of § 7.429(a)(2).
(3) Splices. Splicing of the main hauling rope shall be done only by an experienced splicer acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. If a breakdown occurs during operations and it is impossible to obtain an acceptable splicer without delaying the assumption of operation, the splice shall be made by an experienced splicer following the standard printed instructions of the wire rope manufacturer for the ‘‘long’’ splice. Such splice shall be inspected by an acceptable splicer at the first opportunity.
(b) Towing outfits. As regards towing outfits, the following shall apply:
(1) Bar or platter in contact with skier. The bar or platter in contact with the skier shall be so designed as to minimize potential injury to the skier by the member during starting, unloading, or in the event that the skier falls during progress along the line. Any proposed device which envelopes the skier, such as a strap is prohibited.
(2) Towing members and hangers. Each type of towing outfit requires a different technique for successful loading on the part of both the attendant and the skier. Training of the former and instructions to the latter are important. Retractable towing outfits shall be removed immediately from the line for repair when they fail to retract normally. The following shall also apply:
(i) Fixed-length type. The towing member or hanger shall be designed with a factor of safety of six between the ultimate strength of the weakest part and the load imposed on the part while towing a 200 pound skier alone or on either a single or double towing outfit, or while towing two 200 pound skiers, on a double towing outfit up the maximum grade under any snow conditions. The length shall be such as to permit the skis of the shortest user to remain in firm contact with the snow and to satisfy the requirements of § 7.465 (relating to towers).
(ii) Telescoping type. Towing members and hangers of this type shall meet the requirements of subparagraph (i). Retraction of such devices shall be so controlled that it may be released from a fully extended position without causing injury to itself or the passengers or causing such violent oscillations as to expose any part of the towing outfit to entanglement with the hauling rope, sheaves or other structures or equipment.
(iii) Spring-box type. The provisions of subparagraph (ii) also apply to towing members and hangers of the spring-box type, except that the requirements regarding controlled retraction are here much more critical, as improperly controlled T-bars have a tendency to fly into parts of structures and equipment. Acceleration of the skier during extension is also more important in this case, because the skier is more likely to expect it and is therefore less likely to be braced for the lack of it.
(iv) Other types. Proposals for types of towing members and hangers other than those covered by subparagraphs (i)—(iii) will be scrutinized carefully before approval by the authority having jurisdiction, since successful experience elsewhere is no guarantee of success and safety in this country, due to differences in terrain, snow conditions and the habits and abilities of the skiing public.
(3) Rope grips. A rope grip, whether detachable or fixed, shall be of a type which has proved to give satisfactory service or has been specifically approved by the authority having jurisdiction. Unless exempted, a rope grip shall be designed so as to resist a force tending to slide it along the cable which is at least three times as great as the force required to drag the loaded carrier along the steepest incline of the lift under such unfavorable conditions as ice or excessive lubrication on the cable. A factor of safety of at least six shall exist in the component parts of all grips. By inspection, using methods approved by the authority having jurisdiction, confirmation shall be obtained that the grip and its parts meet these requirements. The following shall also apply:
(i) Detachable rope grips. Detachable grips shall be designed to pass smoothly over and under line sheaves which have flanges of adequate depth to discourage the rope from leaving the sheaves and shall grip the cable without damaging it and so that it cannot become accidentally uncoupled, even by rope vibrations.
(ii) Fixed rope grips. Fixed grips shall be designed to pass smoothly over and under line sheaves and bull wheels which have flanges of adequate depth to discourage the rope from leaving the sheave. All grips shall be moved at least once in every 24-calender months. They shall be moved a uniform distance each time, in the same direction. The instructions of the designer or of the authority having jurisdiction shall be followed if they are more restrictive than the provisions of this subparagraph. Reference shall also be made to § § 7.413 and 7.414 (relating to inspections and tests; and maintenance). As each grip is moved, the rope shall be examined for deterioration at or near the grip location.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.461 (relating to definitions); and 34 Pa. Code § 7.462 (relating to applicability).
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