DAR File No. 32515

Transportation, Operations, Traffic and Safety

R920-50

Ropeway Operations Safety Rules

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE

DAR File No.: 32515
Filed: 04/08/2009, 12:22
Received by: NL

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

The purpose of the change is to consolidate the definitions into one section of the rule so the definitions will be consistent throughout the rule; several definitions were added to better reflect what is found in the Utah State Code. The rule also updates references to American National Standards Institute. The format was changed to be consistent with the format of the other rules.

Summary of the rule or change:

This rule is repealed in its entirety and reenacted. The rule has been updated to reflect the current American National Standards Institute. The rule was restructured to bring similar topics under the same headings. Definitions were added to the rule. The rule is changed to allow certifications to be submitted by a qualified engineer and not just a civil engineer. The rule also changes the procedure for a notice of intent to the committee when construction of a new ropeway is to begin. Also included was the change to require a seven-day notice of the annual inspection. A requirement for a stop gate above the rope tow is introduced. Three requirements are reinstated for historical purposes concerning electronic speed regulated devices, friction type brakes, and fire detention.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

Sections 72-11-201 through 72-11-216, and 63G-4-102 et seq.

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

No costs or savings are anticipated with this rule change. No new requirements were created with this rule change that impact the state budget.

local governments:

No costs or savings are anticipated for local governments with this rule change. No new requirements were created with this rule change that impact local governments.

small businesses and persons other than businesses:

No costs or savings are anticipated for small businesses with this rule change. No new requirements were created with this rule change that impact small businesses.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

Costs are anticipated to build an additional stop gate above the rope for a handle tow. No other costs or savings are anticipated for compliance of affected persons.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

This rule should have minimal fiscal impact on businesses. John Njord, Executive Director

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Transportation
Operations, Traffic and Safety
CALVIN L RAMPTON COMPLEX
4501 S 2700 W
SALT LAKE CITY UT 84119-5998

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

Maureen Short at the above address, by phone at 801-965-4026, by FAX at 801-965-4338, or by Internet E-mail at maureenshort@utah.gov

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

06/01/2009

This rule may become effective on:

06/08/2009

Authorized by:

John R. Njord, Executive Director

R920. Transportation, Operations, Traffic and Safety.

R920-50. Ropeway Operation Safety Rules.

[R920-50-1. Utah Ropeway Rules for Passenger Ropeways.

A. Introduction

These rules are issued pursuant to Utah Code Annotated, Section 72-11-210 to implement the Passenger Ropeway Safety Act, Utah Code Ann., Sections 72-11-201 et seq.

B. Governing Standard

1. The governing standards in Utah are the standards entitled "ANSI B-77.1, 2006" and "ANSI B77.2, 2004" as modified by rule of the Committee. The standards are published by the American National Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, New York 10018. The ANSI B77.1 was approved by ANSI on April 17, 2006, and the ANSI B77.2 was approved by ANSI on December 31, 2003. Use of these standards are authorized by Section 72-11-201.

2. The Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety Committee reserves the right to modify, add, or delete provisions included in the Governing Standard.

C. Classification of Ropeways and Applicable Standards

1. Section 1.2.4.1 of the Governing Standard is modified by the following requirements:

a. Existing installations need not comply with the new or revised requirements of the Governing Standard and these rules, except as set forth in R920-50-1.D.1.b;

b. Existing ropeways, when removed and reinstalled, shall be classified as new installations (see R920-50-1-C.2);

c. Ropeway modifications shall meet the requirements of R920-50-2.F and R920-50-8.

2. Section 1.2.4.2 of the Governing Standard is modified by the following requirement: New installations and those with design review completed by the Committee after the effective date of the Governing Standard, shall comply with the new or revised requirements of the Governing Standard and with these rules.

D. Inspections of Ropeways

1. The annual general inspection requirements stated in ANSI B77.1, 2.3.4.1, 3.3.4.1, 4.3.4.1, 5.3.4.1 and 6.3.4.1, are replaced by the following requirements:

a. An annual general or pre-operational inspection of each passenger ropeway shall be made by a Ropeway Inspector prior to approval of any application for licensure. An operational inspection of each passenger ropeway may be made by a Ropeway Inspector at least once a year during the high-use season. For each passenger ropeway inspected, items found either deficient or in noncompliance shall be noted. A report signed by the Ropeway Inspector listing items found either deficient or in noncompliance shall be filed with the owner. The owner shall correct all deficiencies and noncompliance items listed in the Ropeway Inspector's report or request an exception from the Governing Standard and applicable Utah Ropeway Operations Safety Rules. In addition to the annual general, pre-operational, and operational inspections, the Committee may order other inspections in accordance with Section 72-11-211;

b. All installations shall comply with the new or revised requirements of the Governing Standard and these rules in the following areas, on or before the effective date of each paragraph, as set forth below:

1. Requirements for auxiliary drives, as set forth in ANSI B77.1, 2.1.2.1.1, 3.1.2.1.1, 4.1.2.1.1. These requirements shall be effective November 1, 1994;

2. Requirement for one device that senses the position of the rope shall be installed on each sheave unit, as set forth in ANSI B77.1, 3.1.3.3.2, paragraph 6. This requirement shall be effective November 1, 1994;

3. Requirements for audible warning devices, as specified by ANSI B77.1, 2.1.1.12, 3.1.1.12. These requirements shall be effective November 1, 2001;

4. Section 4.1.1.12 of the Governing Standard is modified by the following requirement: The aerial lift shall incorporate an audible warning device that signals an impending start of the ropeway. After the start button is pressed, the device shall sound an audible alarm for a minimum of two seconds before the ropeway begins to move. The audible device shall be heard inside and outside all terminals and machine rooms above the ambient noise level. These requirements shall be effective November 1, 2001;

5. "Qualified personnel" as used in X.1.1.11 means a qualified engineer approved by the Committee. A "aerial tramway specialist" as used in 2.3.4, "aerial lift specialist" as used in 3.3.4 and 4.3.4, "surface lift specialist" as used in 5.3.4, and a "tow specialist" as used in 6.3.4 means a ropeway inspector approved by the Committee.

c. Grips, clips, hangars, chairs, carriages and cabins shall be tested according to ANSI B77.1, X.3.4.3, except as modified in this subsection c.

1. Testing personnel shall be qualified in accordance with ASNT Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A-1992. Testing agency shall provide certification of qualification of personnel performing testing.

2. Testing agency inspector shall certify to the owner or area operator that the passenger ropeway components tested were non-destructively tested in accordance with current acceptance criteria established by the designer or manufacturer, or in case the designer or manufacturer is no longer in business, by a Qualified Engineer;

3. Sampling size and method of obtaining the sample shall comply with X.3.4.3 of the Governing Standard;

4. Rejection rate and retest procedures shall comply with current acceptance criteria established by the designer or manufacturer, or in case the designer or manufacturer is no longer in business, by a Qualified Engineer;

5. Types of inspections to be performed and the procedures to be used shall comply with current acceptance criteria established by the designer or manufacturer, or in case the designer or manufacturer is no longer in business, by a Qualified Engineer;

6. Criteria for acceptance/rejection of samples shall comply with current acceptance criteria established by the designer or manufacturer, or in case the designer or manufacturer is no longer in business, by a Qualified Engineer.

d. Wire rope inspection shall be performed according to Annex A.4.1 of the Governing Standard and shall be performed by a competent inspector defined by the Governing Standard and who is approved by the Committee. The wire rope inspector shall certify to the owner or area operator whether the wire rope in its present condition meets requirements for continued operation.

e. All installations shall comply with the Operation and Maintenance requirements of the Governing Standard. These requirements are stated in ANSI B77.1, 2.3, 3.3, 4.3, 5.3, 6.3, and 7.3.

E. Conveyors Standards

1. Section 7 of the ANSI B77.1-2006 is modified by the following requirement:

a. Loading and unloading areas requirements of 7.1.1.9 shall also accommodate the use of adaptive devices.

b. "Qualified personnel" as used in 7.1.1.11 means a qualified engineer approved by the Committee. A "conveyor specialist" as used in 7.3.4 means a ropeway inspector approved by the Committee.

c. Power units referred to in 7.1.2.1 may not have reverse capability.

d. "Power supply cords" referred to in 7.2.1.5.6 shall be protected from snow grooming, skiers, and other equipment and shall be ground fault protected.

e. The belt transition entry stop device referred to in 7.2.3.3 shall include redundant (double) sensors. Each sensor shall be part of an independent control circuit that can initiate an emergency shutdown of the conveyor. The device shall be so designed and maintained that no single point of failure can cause the entry stop device to malfunction. The device shall not be remotely resettable and shall require the operator to reset the device prior to restarting the conveyor.

F. Dynamic Testing

1. Section X.3.3.1 is replaced with:

Foundations and structural, mechanical and electrical components shall be inspected regularly and kept in a state of good repair. The maintenance requirements of the designer or a Qualified Engineer (see X.1.6.2) shall be followed. Maintenance and testing logs shall be kept (see X.3.5.3).

2. Section X.3.3.1.2 is replaced with:

A written schedule for systematic dynamic testing shall be developed and followed. The schedule shall establish specific frequencies and conditions for periodic testing. The owner shall provide Experienced personnel to develop and conduct the dynamic test. The testing shall simulate or duplicate inertial loadings. The test load shall be equivalent to the design live load. Dynamic testing shall be performed at intervals not exceeding 7 years. The testing requirements shall include, but not be limited to the following:

a) braking systems;

b) auxiliary power units;

c) tension systems; and

d) electrical systems.

G. Tows.

Section 6.2.3.2.b) is replaced with:

Terminal areas: Installed on the incoming side so that the distance from the stop gate to the first obstruction is more than 150% of the distance required to stop the empty tow operating at maximum speed. The stop device shall extend across the tow beneath the incoming and outgoing rope;

H. Air Space Requirements

ANSI B77.1 Section 2.1.1.3, 3.1.1.3, 4.1.1.3, 5.1.1.3, and 6.1.1.3 and ANSI B77.2 section 2.1.1.2 shall also include the following: No structure (temporary or permanent) shall be permitted to encroach into the air space of the ropeway. These requirements are effective for ropeways or structures built after November 1, 2006.

 

R920-50-2. Definition of Terms.

A. "Aerial lift" means a ropeway on which passengers are transported in cabins or on chairs and that circulate in one direction between terminals without reversing the travel path.

B. "Aerial tramway (reversible)" means a ropeway on which the passengers are transported in cable-supported carriers are not in contact with the ground or snow surface, and in which the carrier(s) reciprocate between terminals.

C. "Air Space" means the area bounded by vertical planes commencing at a point thirty-five (35) feet from the intersection of the vertical planes of the ropes or cables and ground surface.

D. "Annual general inspection" means an inspection of a passenger ropeway made by a Ropeway Inspector to verify preservation of original design integrity and to determine that components and systems of the passenger ropeway are in proper working order and in accordance with Committee rules.

E. "Committee" means the Passenger Ropeway Safety Committee as outlined in Section 72-11-202.

F. "Conveyor" means a device used to transport skiers uphill while standing on a flexible moving element which consists of multiple tread plates or belting.

G. "Detachable grip lift" means a ropeway system on which carriers circulate around the system alternately attaching to and detaching from a moving haul rope(s). The ropeway system may be monocable or bicable.

H. "Experienced personnel" means an individual who has acquired knowledge and skills through study, training, or experience in ropeway maintenance, operation, or testing.

I. "Funicular" means a ropeway in which carrier(s) are supported and guided by a guideway and are propelled by means of a haul rope system and operates as a single reversible or as a double reversible.

J. "Incident inspection" means an inspection of a passenger ropeway incident made by an approved Ropeway Inspector or a qualified engineer at the request of the Committee.

K. "Modification" means any change as defined in the Governing Standard, ANSI B77.1 Standard 1.2.4.3 and the replacement of a ropeway component by one that alters the certified design or construction provided by the passenger ropeway manufacturer or designer.

L. "Operational inspection" means an inspection of a passenger ropeway made by a Ropeway Inspector to determine compliance with the operation and maintenance requirements of the Governing Standard and with Committee rules.

M. "Operating personnel" means persons employed by the operator for the purpose of supervising the operation, or engaged in servicing, checking, inspecting or maintaining the machinery or structures of a ropeway and when specifically on duty for such purpose on that ropeway.

N. "Operator" means a person, including any political subdivision or instrumentality of the political subdivision, who owns, manages, or directs the operation of a passenger ropeway.

O. "Passenger" means any person riding a ropeway, other than "operating personnel".

P. "Passenger ropeway" means all devices that carry, pull, or push passengers along a level or inclined path(excluding elevators) by means of a haul rope or other flexible element that is driven by a power unit remaining essentially at a single location. Passenger ropeways include the following:

(1) aerial tramway (reversible);

(2) aerial lifts (detachable lifts, chair lifts and similar equipment);

(3) conveyor;

(4) funicular;

(5) rope tow (wire rope and fiber rope tows);and

(6) surface lifts (J-bar, T-bar, or platter pull and similar equipment).

Q. "Passenger Ropeway Incident" means:

1. Any structural, mechanical, or electrical malfunction or failure of a passenger ropeway component that results in bodily injury to any person on, or inside the load or unload zone of, a passenger ropeway;

2. Any deropement regardless of whether or not the passenger ropeway is evacuated;

3. Any evacuation of the passenger ropeway other than by prime mover or auxiliary power unit, regardless of cause;

4. Any fire involving a passenger ropeway component or adjacent structure;

5. Any structural, mechanical, or electrical malfunction or failure of a passenger ropeway component that results in a loss of control of the passenger ropeway as defined in the Governing Standard, ANSI B77.1 Standard X.2.1.7.2;

6. Any wire rope damage which exceeds the requirement in the Governing Standard, ANSI B77.1 Standard 7.4.1.1; or

7. Any structural, mechanical, or electrical malfunction or failure of a passenger ropeway component or its primary connection that has the apparent potential for causing bodily injury to any person, including but not limited to, the following;

a. Terminal Structure

b. Bullwheel

c. Brake System

d. Tower Structure

e. Sheave, Axle, or Sheave Assembly

f. Carrier

g. Grip.

R. "Pre-operational inspection" means an inspection made by a Ropeway Inspector prior to the operation of any new or modified passenger ropeway requiring an Acceptance Inspection and Test.

S. "Qualified engineer" means, notwithstanding any different definition in the ANSI B77.1 Standard, any engineer who is licensed to practice engineering in the state of Utah and who has been approved by the Committee.

T. "Responsible charge" means effective control and direction of projects of the type discussed in these rules.

U. "Rope tow" means a ropeway wherein passengers grasp a circulating fiber hauling rope or a towing device attached to a circulating wire rope or fiber rope and are propelled uphill. Passenger riding on recreational devices are also propelled uphill.

V. "Ropeway inspector" means an engineer licensed to practice engineering in the state of Utah, independent of the ropeway owner, and approved by the Committee to inspect passenger ropeways.

W. "Structure" means any edifice, including residential and public buildings, or any other structure or equipment that could reasonably be expected to interfere with the safe operation of a ropeway. Ropeway components required for the operation of the ropeway are not included.

X. "Surface lift" ("J bar," "T bar," or "platter pull," and similar equipment) means a ropeway wherein passengers or passengers on recreational devices are transported on the surface by means of towing devices propelled by a main overhead traveling wire rope supported by trestles or towers with one or more spans.

 

R920-50-3. Registration of Ropeways.

A. General

1. Purpose - In order to ensure that all passenger Ropeways conform with the requirements set forth by the Passenger Ropeway Act and these rules, all passenger Ropeways operating in the state of Utah shall be registered annually with the committee, and no passenger Ropeway shall be operated for passengers without a valid certificate of registration.

2. Term - Passenger Ropeways shall be registered annually starting November 1st of each year, and each registration expires on October 31st next following date of issue.

3. New ropeways - Any passenger ropeway which shall be opened for the first time for passenger operation shall, during its first calendar year of operation, be construed to be a new ropeway for purposes stated in these rules.

4. Existing ropeways - Any passenger ropeway which shall have been operated for passengers in excess of one calendar year, shall be construed to be an existing ropeway for purposes stated in these rules.

5. Relocated ropeways - Any passenger ropeway moved to a new location shall be construed to be a new ropeway for purposes stipulated in these rules, with the exception that ropeways expressly designed to be portable, operated without a permanent foundation, and that have a design range of maximum grade, shall not be considered new ropeways when moved to different locations but remaining under the jurisdiction of the same operator.

6. Identification number - For each ropeway, upon receipt of the first application for a certificate of registration, the committee shall assign an identification number to the ropeway, which shall remain as a permanent identification number for the life of the ropeway. All correspondence with the committee pertaining to any ropeway shall refer to the identification number assigned to that ropeway.

7. All ropeway operators shall be covered by a liability insurance of a minimum of $300,000. The Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety Committee shall be notified of a lapse or termination of insurance coverage pursuant to the terms of the policy.

8. Submittal of application for registration of ropeways - All applications for registration of new or existing ropeways shall be submitted in accordance with requirements of these rules and shall be made in writing and addressed to:

Utah Department of Transportation

Passenger Ropeway Safety Committee

Division of Safety

4501 South 2700 West

Salt Lake City, Utah 84119-5998

9. "As Built" drawings for each passenger ropeway shall be submitted no later than 60 days after the project is completed and the Acceptance Test and Inspection is finished.

B. Attachments

In addition to supporting documents indicated in R920-50-4 or R920-50-7, each application is to include as attachments:

1. Certificate of insurance

2. Annual registration fee.

 

R920-50-4. Registration of New Ropeways.

A. Application for Certification of Registration

Prior to the operation of any new passenger ropeway, the operator shall apply to the Committee for a Certificate of Registration in such form as the Committee shall designate.

B. The Application must include the name, address and telephone number of operator of the ropeway, and operator's designation of the ropeway. The application and certifications must be in accordance with R920-50-3.A and submitted as follows:

1. A Pre-Operational Inspection Report must be submitted by an approved Ropeway Inspector, and must include the name and address of the Inspector and date of his or her inspection.

2. Any Request for Exception from Standards for Passenger Ropeway shall be submitted in accordance with R920-50-10. Any known items that require a Request for Exception from Standards for Passenger Ropeways must be submitted to the Committee before work begins.

3. A Certification of Ropeway Design for New or Modified Passenger Ropeways, must be submitted. The Qualified Engineer in responsible charge of the design shall certify to the Committee on the top drawing of the design drawing packet that the design, plans and specifications conform to the Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety Act, the Governing Standard and the Utah Ropeway Operations Safety Rules. This Certification must be submitted prior to the performance of the Acceptance Inspection and Test and must state the following:

"I hereby certify that the design for this ropeway or ropeway modification is in complete compliance with the Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety Act, Governing Standard and the Utah Ropeway Operations Safety Rules." This statement shall be placed on the top drawing of the drawing packet and signed and sealed by the Qualified Engineer. Each additional sheet of this drawing packet shall be sealed by the Qualified Engineer. Any variation from the design drawings shall be noted in the drawings and approved by the Qualified Design Engineer. The drawings and specifications shall include the Quality Assurance methods used for the evaluation of the re-used components and shall be submitted for review a minimum of 30 days prior to installation. Any component on the Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety Committee Lift Data Form must be addressed.

4. A Certification of Compliance for Passenger Ropeway shall be made on the Application for Certificate of Registration for New or Modified Ropeway. This Certification shall include the following statement, signed and dated by the ropeway owner or area operator: "I certify that the reports, requests and certificates attached hereto were provided and signed by the persons required by law to provide them, and the deficiencies noted in the inspection report have been corrected with the exception of those listed in the Request for Exception from Standards for Passenger Ropeway."

5. A Certification of Manufacture for Passenger Ropeway must be submitted by a Qualified Engineer of the manufacturing concern or concerns directly responsible for the supply of equipment for this ropeway. This Certification must be submitted prior to the performance of the Acceptance Inspection and Test. This Certification must include the following information:

a. Name, address and telephone number of operator of the ropeway, name of ropeway supervisor, operator's designation of the ropeway.

b. Name and address of manufacturing concern, and name, seal and Utah license number of the qualified engineer making certification.

c. A certifying statement signed by the Qualified Engineer, to read as follows: "I hereby certify that the newly manufactured parts used in this ropeway, or ropeway modification, conform with the Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety Act, Governing Standard, the Utah Ropeway Operations Safety Rules and the drawings and specifications issued for this ropeway or ropeway modification by the Qualified Design Engineer."

6. A Certification of Construction for Passenger Ropeways must be submitted by a Qualified Engineer directly responsible for the construction for the ropeway. This Certification must be submitted prior to the performance of the Acceptance Inspection and Test. This Certification shall include the following information:

a. Name, address and telephone number of operator of the ropeway name of ropeway supervisor, operator's designation of the ropeway identification number, as assigned by the committee for the ropeway;

b. Name, Utah license number and seal of the Qualified Engineer making the certification.

c. A certifying statement signed by the Qualified Engineer, to read as follows: "I hereby certify that the construction and installation has been completed in accordance with the drawings and specifications issued for this ropeway or ropeway modification by the Qualified Design Engineer."

7. A final Acceptance Test report must be submitted to the Committee. A copy of the acceptance test procedure proposed and submitted by the designer or manufacturer must be provided to the Committee for review at least fourteen (14) days before acceptance testing begins. Acceptance inspection and tests will be scheduled by the Committee or Committee's representative as the acceptance test procedures are received. The owner or area operator shall notify the Committee in writing before the scheduled date that the passenger ropeway has been operated in accordance with the Governing Standard, section X.1.1.11.2.

8. A Certification of "As-Built" Profile for Passenger Ropeway must be submitted by a Land Surveyor or Civil Engineer licensed in the state of Utah. This Certification must be submitted prior to the performance of the Acceptance Inspection and Test, and shall be signed by the Civil Engineer or Land Surveyor, and shall read as follows: "I hereby certify that the attached "as-built" profile of the herein-identified ropeway is as represented on the attached profile drawing and that the completed ropeway conforms to the profile as identified in the plans and specifications prepared by the Qualified Design Engineer."

9. A Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety Committee Lift Data Form must be submitted along with other requested supporting documents. This form must be submitted prior to the performance of the Acceptance Inspection and Test.

 

R920-50-5. Certificate of Registration.

If the application for certificate of registration and supporting documentation attest that the ropeway complies with the Governing Standard and these rules, the Committee, if satisfied with the facts stated in the application, shall issue a certificate of registration to the operator.

 

R920-50-6. Registration of Existing Ropeways.

A. Before November 1st, of each year, every operator of an Existing Passenger Ropeway who intends to operate the ropeway during the ensuing 12-month period shall apply to the Committee, in such form as the Committee shall designate, for a Certificate of Registration. In the event a new operator is assigned, the operator shall notify the Committee of such action and shall apply for a Certificate of Registration.

B. The Application shall include the following;

1. An Annual General Inspection Report by an approved Ropeway Inspector, including the name and address of the Inspector and date of inspection.

2. Approved Request for Exception from Standards for Passenger Ropeways which meets the requirements of R920-50-10, if applicable.

3. A Certification of Compliance for Passenger Ropeway shall be made on the Application for Certificate of Registration for Existing Ropeway. This Certification shall include the following statement, dated and signed by the ropeway owner or area operator:"I certify that the reports, requests and certificates attached hereto were provided and signed by the persons required by law to provide them, and the deficiencies noted in the inspection report have been corrected with the exception of those listed in the Request for Exception from Standards for Passenger Ropeway."

4. The Annual Registration Fee in accordance with R920-50-11.A.

 

R920-50-7. Modifications.

If a modification, as defined in R920-50-2(E) has been made to an existing ropeway, the data as required by R920-50-7 shall also be accompanied by a design certification, fabrication and materials certification, and a construction certification, and also a survey profile certification if applicable, submitted by a qualified engineer to cover the modification. Depending on the nature and extent of the modification, the Committee, or the Committee's appointed representative, may require an Acceptance Inspection and Test.

 

R920-50-8. Certificate of Registration.

If the application for certificate of registration and documentation required by R920-50-7 and R920-50-8, if applicable, attest that the existing ropeway complies with the governing standard and these rules, the committee, if satisfied with facts stated in the application, shall issue a certificate of registration to the owner.

 

R920-50-9. Exception.

A. In the event that the ropeway does not conform with the requirements set forth in R920-50-1-C, the Committee may issue a certificate of registration with an exception. Two types of exceptions may be granted after a Request for Exception from Standards is submitted. The first type is an Annual Exception. It continues indefinitely, but this type of exception must be reviewed annually by the Committee. This type of exception is subject to cancellation at any time pursuant to a determination by the committee that a change is necessary. The second type of exception is a Limited Exception. This type of exception is granted only for a fixed time period to be determined by the Committee. The nature of the exception shall be stated in the Request for Exception from Standards. The Committee shall, as expeditiously as possible, and within thirty (30) days of receipt of a Request for Exception from Standards, notify the owner or area operator in writing of its action on the Request.

B. The Request for Exception from Standards shall include the following information:

1. Reasons for requesting an exception from requirements set forth in R920-50-1-C.

2. Specification of the ways in which the ropeway does not conform to requirements set forth in R920-50-1-C.

3. Procedures, with estimated time and cost, which would be required to bring the ropeway into conformance with the requirements set forth in R920-50-1-C.

C. Except as required in R920-50-10-F, the Committee shall issue a certification of registration with an exception if the operator satisfies the requirements stated in R920-50-10-B and also supplies the following for new or existing ropeways:

New Ropeways - A design certification by a qualified engineer attesting that the ropeway is so designed and equipped that its devices or methods provide features that are comparable in performance and safety to those that meet requirements set forth in R920-50-1-C;

Existing Ropeways - A design certification by a qualified engineer attesting that the ropeway is so designed and equipped that its devices or methods provide features that are comparable in performance and safety to those that meet requirements set forth in R920-50-1-C and a statement of the operator certifying that the ropeway has been operated safely and without any passenger ropeway incident, as defined in R920-50-2-J-1 or -7, related to the feature for which the exception is requested, for any period of time the ropeway has been operated up to 2 years prior to the date of the Request for Exception from Standards.

D. In exceptional circumstances, the Committee may issue a certificate of registration with an exception even if the operator does not satisfy the requirements defined in R920-50-10-C if the Committee determines that the ropeway is so designed and equipped that its devices or methods provide features that are comparable in performance and safety to those that meet requirements set forth in R920-50-1-C.

E. The issuance of a certificate of registration with an annual exception shall not bind the committee to issue such a certificate for the ropeway involved in subsequent years, nor to issue such a certificate for another ropeway of same or similar design.

F. In special cases where doubt exists as to the safety of a ropeway, the committee may require a special inspection to ascertain that the ropeway is so designed and equipped that its devices or methods provide features that are comparable in performance and safety to those that meet requirements set forth in R920-50-1-C.

 

R920-50-10. Violations.

The terms in this rule are outlined in Sections 72-11-212 and 72-11-213.

 

R920-50-11. Operation of Ropeways.

A. Operation and maintenance

Operators shall comply with the Governing Standard.

B. Reporting of Incidents

1. Every passenger ropeway incident, as defined in R920-50-2J shall be verbally reported to the Committee, or the Committee's appointed representative, as soon as reasonably possible, but no later than twenty-four (24) hours after the time of the incident. A written report shall be delivered to the Committee within five (5) days of the incident.

2. Every passenger ropeway incident shall be reported to the Committee regardless of the time of year in which it occurs and regardless of whether or not the ropeway was open to the public at the time of the incident.

3. The reports required by this section are to be maintained for administrative enforcement, licensing and certification purposes only. The reports are "protected" records under the Government Records Management Act, Utah Code Annotated, Section 63-2-304 and are also governed by the provisions of Utah Code Annotated, Section 63-2-207.

4. When a passenger ropeway incident, as defined in R920-50-2J(1) or (7), occurs, the owner or area operator of the ropeway shall suspend operation of the ropeway and shall notify the Committee through the Committee's appointed representative. The owner or area operator of the ropeway, with the Committee or the Committee's appointed representative, shall perform a joint incident inspection of the ropeway. The inspection shall precede any authorization to resume public operation of the passenger ropeway.

C. Revocation of certificate of registration - Section 72-11-213.

 

R920-50-12. Ropeway Inspector and Qualified Engineer.

A. General

1. In order to promulgate the uniformity and reliability of the inspections required by law and these rules, and of ropeway designs, any person performing inspection services must be a "ropeway inspector" as required by these rules, and any person performing design services must be a "qualified engineer", as required by these rules.

2. The committee shall maintain up-to-date lists of qualified engineers and ropeway inspectors, which lists shall be open to inspection by the public.

3. Any person desiring to be approved by the committee as a ropeway inspector or qualified engineer shall submit a written request to the committee enumerating his or her professional experience and attesting as far as possible to meeting the requirements stated in R920-50-14(B).

B. Requirements

1. Applicant shall satisfy the Ropeway committee that by his or her education, training and experience gained by participation in Ropeway inspections or designs as a principal or an assistant to a recognized Ropeway inspector or Ropeway designer, he or she is qualified to be, respectively, an approved inspector or Ropeway designer or both.

2. Applicant shall satisfy the committee that he has a working familiarity and understanding of drawings and design data such as are furnished to design, construct, test, and inspect passenger ropeways, and that he or she has an understanding and working knowledge of the governing standard and these rules.

3. The committee may approve qualifications based on experience gained by an applicant through work under direct supervision of a qualified ropeway inspector or qualified ropeway designer.

4. The committee may approve employees of the state or individuals retained by the state as qualified ropeway inspectors. Such engineers may be given certain assignments where time is of the essence or a private engineer is not available or willing to undertake the inspection or investigation. It shall be the policy of the committee to use the services and talents of qualified private engineers wherever possible.

C. Revocation or suspension of approval as ropeway inspector or qualified engineer.

The committee may revoke or suspend the approval of any qualified engineer or ropeway inspector who is found by the committee to have:

1. Practiced any fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit in applying for approval; or,

2. Caused damage to another by gross negligence in the practice of passenger ropeway designing, construction, or inspection; or

3. Been engaged in acts of unlawful or unprofessional conduct.

 

R920-50-13. Inspection Requirements.

1. The ropeway inspector shall verify that the intent of the design and operational requirements imposed by the Governing Standard and these rules are met.

2. Ropeway inspectors may inspect ropeways at any time during the operation of the ropeway (spot check). All reports, logs, etc. shall be made available to them upon request.

 

R920-50-14. Administrative Procedures.

Appeals from orders issued pursuant to any provision of R920-50 shall be handled pursuant to R907-1.]

R920-50-1. Purpose.

This rule establishes regulations, requirements, and provides standards for the design, construction, and operation of a passenger ropeway and establishes the procedures necessary to implement the powers and duties of the Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety Committee (Committee). Previously the Committee was known as the Utah Passenger Tramway Safety Committee. The Committee has also been referred to as the Tramway Board.

 

R920-50-2. Authority.

These rules are issued pursuant to Utah Code Annotated, Section 72-11-210 to implement the Passenger Ropeway Safety Act, Utah Code Ann., Sections 72-11-201 et seq.

 

R920-50-3. Definitions.

In addition to terms defined at Section 72-11-102, the following terms are defined:

(1) "Aerial lift specialist" as used in American National Standards Institute (ANSI) B77.1 sections 3.3.4 and 4.3.4, means a Ropeway Inspector.

(2) "Aerial tramway specialist" as used in ANSI B77.1 section 2.3.4 means a Ropeway Inspector.

(3) "Air Space" means the area bounded by vertical planes commencing at a point thirty-five (35) feet from the intersection of the vertical planes of the ropes or cables and ground surface.

(4) "Annual general inspection" means an inspection of a passenger ropeway made by a Ropeway Inspector to verify preservation of original design integrity and to determine that components and systems of the passenger ropeway are in proper working order and in accordance with Committee rules.

(5) "Audible warning devices" means an audible warning device that signals an impending start of the aerial lift.

(6) "Conveyor specialist" as used in ANSI B77.1 section 7.3.4 means a Ropeway Inspector.

(7) "Dynamic Testing Logs" means a record of the data collected during the dynamic test.

(8) "Experienced personnel" means an individual who has acquired knowledge and skills through study, training, or experience in ropeway maintenance, operation, or testing.

(9) "Existing ropeway" means any passenger ropeway that shall have been operated for passengers in excess of one calendar year.

(10) "Incident inspection" means an inspection of a passenger ropeway incident made by an approved Ropeway Inspector or a qualified engineer at the request of the Committee.

(11) "Land surveyor" means an individual licensed under Utah Code Annotated 58-22-102 as a professional land surveyor.

(12) "Modification" means any change as defined in ANSI B77.1 Section 1.2.4.4, ANSI B77.2 Section 1.2.4.4, and the replacement of a ropeway component by one that alters the certified design or construction provided by the passenger ropeway manufacturer or designer.

(13) "New ropeway" means any passenger ropeway that is registered for the first time for passenger operation during its first calendar year of operation.

(14) "Operational inspection" means an inspection of a passenger ropeway made by a Ropeway Inspector to determine compliance with the operation and maintenance requirements of the Governing Standard and with Committee rules.

(15) "Operating personnel" means persons employed by the operator for the purpose of supervising the operation, or engaged in servicing, checking, inspecting or maintaining the machinery or structures of a ropeway and when specifically on duty for such purpose on that ropeway.

(16) "Passenger" means any person riding a ropeway, other than "operating personnel."

(17) "Passenger Ropeway Incident" means:

(a) Any structural, mechanical, or electrical malfunction or failure of a passenger ropeway component that results in bodily injury to any person on, or inside the load or unload zone of, a passenger ropeway;

(b) Any deropement regardless of whether or not the passenger ropeway is evacuated;

(c) Any evacuation of the passenger ropeway other than by prime mover or auxiliary power unit, regardless of cause;

(d) Any fire involving a passenger ropeway component or adjacent structure;

(e) Any structural, mechanical, or electrical malfunction or failure of a passenger ropeway component that results in a loss of control of the passenger ropeway as defined in ANSI B77.1 Section X.2.3.1 or ANSI B77.2 Section 2.2.1.7.2;

(f) Any wire rope damage which exceeds the requirement in ANSI B77.1 Section A.4.1.3 or ANSI B77.2 Section 3.4.1.1;

(g) Any structural, mechanical, or electrical malfunction or failure of a passenger ropeway component or its primary connection that has the apparent potential for causing bodily injury to any person, including but not limited to, the following;

(i) Terminal Structure

(ii) Bullwheel

(iii) Brake System

(iv) Tower Structure

(v) Sheave, Axle, or Sheave Assembly

(vi) Carrier

(vii) Grip

(18) "Portable Ropeway" means a ropeway expressly designed to be portable, operated without a permanent foundation, and that has a design range of maximum grade,

(19) "Pre-operational inspection" means an inspection made by a Ropeway Inspector prior to the operation of any new or modified passenger ropeway requiring an Acceptance Inspection and Test.

(20) "Qualified engineer" means any engineer who is licensed to practice engineering in the state of Utah and who has been approved by the Committee.

(21) "Qualified personnel" as used in ANSI B77.1 sections 2.1.1.11, 3.1.1.11, 4.1.1.11, 5.1.1.11, 6.1.1.11, and 7.1.1.11 means a qualified engineer.

(22) "Relocated ropeway" means any passenger ropeway moved to a new location.

(23) "Responsible charge" means effective control and direction of the installation or modification of a passenger ropeway.

(24) "Ropeway Inspector" means an engineer licensed to practice engineering in the state of Utah, independent of the ropeway owner, and approved by the Committee to inspect passenger ropeways.

(25) "Structure" means any edifice, including residential and public buildings, or any other structure or equipment that could reasonably be expected to interfere with the safe operation of a ropeway. Ropeway components required for the operation of the ropeway are not structures.

(26) "Surface lift specialist" as used in ANSI B77.1 section 5.3.4, means a Ropeway Inspector.

(27) "Tow specialist" as used in ANSI B77.1 section 6.3.4 means a Ropeway Inspector.

 

R920-50-4. General Requirements for all Passenger Ropeways.

(1) All passenger Ropeways operating in the State of Utah shall be registered annually with the committee, and no passenger Ropeway shall be operated for passengers without a valid certificate of registration.

(2) All ropeways require a qualified engineer to certify the design, manufacturing, and construction of the ropeway. A Qualified Engineer or Land Surveyor is required to complete the "as-built" profile and certification.

(3) Existing ropeways, when removed and reinstalled, shall be classified as new installations.

(4) All ropeway operators shall be covered by a liability insurance of a minimum of $300,000. The Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety Committee shall be notified of a lapse or termination of insurance coverage pursuant to the terms of the policy.

 

R920-50-5. Application to Register a Passenger Ropeways.

(1) Each year prior to operating a passenger ropeway the ropeway operator shall apply to the Committee, for a Certificate of Registration. In the event a new operator is assigned, the operator shall notify the Committee of such action and shall apply for a Certificate of Registration.

(2) Term - Passenger Ropeways shall be registered annually starting November 1st of each year, and each registration expires on October 31st next following date of issue.

(3) Application for Certificate of Registration for existing ropeways shall include the following;

(a) Annual General Inspection Report.

(b) Annual registration fee.

(c) Approved request for exception, if applicable.

(d) Certification of Compliance.

(e) Certificate of insurance.

(4) Application for Certificate of Registration for new ropeways shall include the following:

(a) Annual registration fee.

(b) Approved request for exception, if applicable.

(c) Certification of Compliance.

(d) Certificate of insurance.

(e) Certifications required in R920-50-6.

(f) Documents required in R920-50-7.

(g) Preoperational Inspection Report.

(5) Submittal of application for registration of ropeways - All applications for registration of new or existing ropeways shall be submitted in such form as the Committee shall designate and in accordance with requirements of these rules. Applications shall be made in writing and addressed to:

Utah Department of Transportation

Passenger Ropeway Safety Committee

Traffic and Safety Division

4501 South 2700 West

Salt Lake City, Utah 84119

 

R920-50-6. Certifications Required for Ropeways.

(1) The Certifications must include the following information:

(a) Name, address and telephone number of operator of the ropeway, name of ropeway supervisor, operator's designation of the ropeway.

(b) Designated certifying statement.

(c) A certification of design, manufacture and construction must also include the Name, address, seal, and Utah license of the qualified engineer making the certification.

(d) A certification of "as-built" profile must also include the Name, address, seal, and Utah license of the qualified engineer or land surveyor making the certification.

(2) A Certification of Compliance for Passenger Ropeway shall be made on the Application for Certificate of Registration for the Ropeway.

(a) The certification shall be signed and dated by the ropeway owner or area operator.

(b) The certification shall include the following statement: "I certify that the reports, requests and certificates attached hereto were provided and signed by the persons required by law to provide them, and the deficiencies noted in the inspection report have been corrected with the exception of those listed in the Request for Exception from Standards for Passenger Ropeway."

(3) A Certification of Ropeway Design for New or Modified Passenger Ropeways, must be submitted.

(a) The Qualified Engineer in responsible charge of the design shall certify to the Committee that the design, plans and specifications conform to the Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety Act, the Governing Standard and the Utah Ropeway Operations Safety Rules.

(b) The Certification must be submitted prior to the performance of the Acceptance Inspection and Test.

(c) The certification must state the following:

"I hereby certify that the design for this ropeway or ropeway modification is in complete compliance with the Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety Act, Governing Standard and the Utah Ropeway Operations Safety Rules."

(d) This statement shall be placed on the top of the drawing packet and signed and sealed by the qualified engineer. Each additional sheet of this drawing packet shall be sealed by the qualified engineer.

(e) The drawings and specifications shall include the Quality Assurance methods used for the evaluation of the re-used components and shall be submitted for review a minimum of 30 days prior to installation. Any component on the Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety Committee Lift Data Form must be addressed.

(4) A Certification of Manufacture for a passenger ropeway must be submitted by a Qualified Engineer of the manufacturing concern or concerns directly responsible for the supply of equipment for this ropeway.

(a) The Certification must be submitted prior to the performance of the Acceptance Inspection and Test.

(b) The certification must state the following:

"I hereby certify that the newly manufactured parts used in this ropeway, or ropeway modification, conform with the Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety Act, Governing Standard, the Utah Ropeway Operations Safety Rules and the drawings and specifications issued for this ropeway or ropeway modification by the Qualified Design Engineer."

(5) A Certification of Construction for Passenger Ropeways must be submitted by a Qualified Engineer directly responsible for the construction for the ropeway.

(a) The Certification must be submitted prior to the performance of the Acceptance Inspection and Test.

(b) The certification must state the following:

"I hereby certify that the construction and installation has been completed in accordance with the drawings and specifications issued for this ropeway or ropeway modification by the Qualified Design Engineer."

(6) A Certification of "as-built" profile for the Passenger Ropeway must be submitted by aQualified Engineer or Land Surveyor licensed in the State of Utah.

(a) The "as-built" profile must be submitted prior to the performance of the Acceptance Inspection and Test.

(b) The certification must state the following:

"I hereby certify that the attached "as-built" profile of the herein-identified ropeway is as represented on the attached profile drawing and that the completed ropeway conforms to the profile as identified in the plans and specifications prepared by the Qualified Design Engineer."

 

R920-50-7. Documents Required for Ropeways.

(1) A Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety Committee Lift Data Form must be submitted along with other requested supporting documents. This form must be submitted prior to the performance of the Acceptance Test.

(2) A copy of the acceptance test procedure proposed and submitted by the designer or manufacturer must be provided to the Committee for review at least fourteen (14) days before acceptance testing begins. The qualified engineer determines the acceptance test requirements.

(3) The owner or area operator shall notify the Committee in writing before the acceptance test that the continuous operation requirements of ANSI B77.1 section X.1.1.11 or ANSI B77.2 section 2.1.1.11.2 have been completed.

(4) A final acceptance test report must be submitted to the Committee prior to opening the lift to the public. The qualified engineer shall approve any changes to the acceptance test procedure.

(5) "As-built" drawings for each passenger ropeway shall be submitted no later than 60 days after the project is completed and the Acceptance Test is finished. Any variation from the design drawings shall be noted in the as-built drawings and approved by the Qualified Design Engineer.

(6) The area operator shall send a "letter of intent" to the Committee at least 45 days prior to beginning the construction of a new lift. The letter of intent must include the name of the qualified engineer, the design standard, the anticipated dates to begin and complete construction, and the available lift manufacturing data.

 

R920-50-8. Certificate of Registration.

(1) If the application for certificate of registration and supporting documentation attest that the ropeway complies with the Governing Standard and these rules, the Committee, if satisfied with the facts stated in the application, shall issue a certificate of registration to the operator.

(2) Identification number - For each ropeway, upon receipt of the first application for a certificate of registration, the committee shall assign an identification number to the ropeway, which shall remain as a permanent identification number for the life of the ropeway. All correspondence with the committee pertaining to any ropeway shall refer to the identification number assigned to that ropeway.

 

R920-50-9. Governing Standards.

(1) The governing standards in Utah include "ANSI B-77.1, 2006" and "ANSI B77.2, 2004" as modified by rule of the Committee. Use of these standards is authorized by Utah Code Annotated Section 72-11-201.

(2) The Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety Committee reserves the right to modify, add, or delete provisions included in the Governing Standard.

(3) Existing installations need not comply with the new or revised requirements of the Governing Standard and these rules except as set forth in R920-50-11 "Applicable provisions".

 

R920-50-10. Revised and Additional Provisions.

The revised and additional provisions of this section shall only apply when referenced in R920-50-11 "Applicable provisions".

(1) "New installations and relocated installations" ANSI B77.1 Section 1.2.4.3 is modified by the following requirement: New ropeways and relocated ropeways shall comply with the new or revised requirements of the Governing Standard and with these rules at the time of the acceptance test.

(2) "Auxiliary drives" Installations shall meet the requirements for auxiliary drives, as set forth in ANSI B77.1-1992, 2.1.2.1.1, 3.1.2.1.1, 4.1.2.1.1.

(3) "Electronic speed-regulated drives" Installations shall meet the requirements for electronic speed-regulated drives as set forth in ANSI B77.1-1992, 2.2.1.8.2, 3.2.1.8.2, 4.2.1.8.2, 5.2.1.8.2, 6.2.1.8.2.

(4) "Rope position monitoring" Installations shall meet the requirements for rope position monitoring, as set forth in ANSI B77.1-1992, 3.1.3.3.2, paragraph 6.

(5) "Friction type brakes" Installations shall meet the requirements for friction type brakes, as set forth in ANSI B77.1-1992, 2.1.2.5, 3.1.2.5, 4.1.2.5, 5.1.2.5, 6.1.2.5.

(6) "Fire Detection" All machine rooms that are in an enclosed structure located adjacent to the rope of the tramway (vaulted) shall have a fire detection system installed in accordance with the National Fire Alarm Code. This system shall initiate a visual and audible alarm monitored at the drive terminal operator station.

(7) "Grips, clips, and carrier testing" Testing shall be completed according to section ANSI B77.1 sections 2.3.4.3, 3.3.4.3, 4.3.4.3, and ANSI B77.2 section 2.3.4.4 except as modified in this subsection 1.

(a) Testing personnel shall be qualified in accordance with American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A-1992. Testing agency shall provide certification of qualification of personnel performing testing.

(b) Testing agency inspector shall certify to the owner or area operator that the passenger ropeway components tested were non-destructively tested in accordance with current acceptance criteria established by the designer or manufacturer, or in case the designer or manufacturer is no longer in business, by a Qualified Engineer;

(c) Sampling size and method of obtaining the sample shall comply with the Governing Standard or the manufacturer's requirement, which ever is more stringent;

(d) Rejection rate and retest procedures shall comply with current acceptance criteria established by the designer or manufacturer, or in case the designer or manufacturer is no longer in business, by a Qualified Engineer;

(e) Types of inspections to be performed and the procedures to be used shall comply with current acceptance criteria established by the designer or manufacturer, or in case the designer or manufacturer is no longer in business, by a Qualified Engineer;

(f) Criteria for acceptance/rejection of samples shall comply with current acceptance criteria established by the designer or manufacturer, or in case the designer or manufacturer is no longer in business, by a Qualified Engineer.

(8) "Wire rope inspection" Inspections shall be performed according to ANSI B77.1 Annex A.4.1 and ANSI B77.2 3.4.1 and shall be performed by a competent inspector defined by the Governing Standard and who is approved by the Committee. The wire rope inspector shall certify to the owner or area operator whether the wire rope in its present condition meets requirements for continued operation.

(9) "Operation and maintenance" All installations shall comply with the Operation and Maintenance requirements of the Governing Standard. These requirements are stated in ANSI B77.1, 2.3, 3.3, 4.3, 5.3, 6.3, 7.3, and ANSI B77.2 2.3.

(10) "Audible warning devices" Requirements for audible warning devices.

(a) Installations shall meet the requirements for audible warning devices as specified by ANSI B77.1, 2.2.10, 3.2.10.

(b) ANSI B77.1 Section 4.2.10 is modified by the following requirement: The aerial lift shall incorporate an audible warning device that signals an impending start of the aerial lift. After the start button is pressed, the device shall sound an audible alarm for a minimum of two seconds before the aerial lift begins to move. The audible device shall be heard inside and outside all terminals and machine rooms above the ambient noise level.

(11) "Conveyor Standards"

(a) Loading and unloading area requirements of ANSI B77.1 section 7.1.1.9 shall also accommodate the use of adaptive devices.

(b) Power units referred to in ANSI B77.1 section 7.1.2.1 may not have reverse capability.

(c) "Power supply cords" referred to in ANSI B77.1 section 7.2.1.5.6 shall be protected from snow grooming, skiers, and other equipment and shall be ground fault protected.

(d) The belt transition entry stop device referred to in ANSI B77.1 section 7.2.3.3 shall include redundant (double) sensors. Each sensor shall be part of an independent control circuit that can initiate an emergency shutdown of the conveyor. The device shall be so designed and maintained that no single point of failure can cause the entry stop device to malfunction. The device shall not be remotely resettable and shall require the operator to reset the device prior to restarting the conveyor.

(12) "Dynamic Testing Logs" Maintenance logs shall include documentation of the dynamic testing.

(13) "Air Space Requirements" ANSI B77.1-2006, 2.1.1.3, 3.1.1.3, 4.1.1.3, 5.1.1.3, and 6.1.1.3 and ANSI B77.2 section 2.1.1.2 shall also include the following: No structure (temporary or permanent) shall be permitted to encroach into the air space of the ropeway.

(14) "Portable Ropeways" Portable ropeways shall not be considered new ropeways when moved to different locations but remaining under the jurisdiction of the same operator.

(15) "Tows Requirements"

(a) The requirements of ANSI B77.1 section 6.2.3.2.b) shall also require the stop gate to extend across the incoming and outgoing rope.

(b) Handle Tows shall have stop gates above and below the rope.

 

R920-50-11. Applicable Provisions.

Installations shall comply with the "Revised and additional provisions" of R920-50-10 in the following areas, on or before the effective date, when specified. These provisions establish the minimum requirement.

(1) The following apply to all ropeways.

(a) New installations and relocated installations R920-50-10(1).

(b) Fire detection R920-50-10(6); effective November 1, 1995.

(c) Wire rope inspection R920-50-10(8).

(d) Operation and maintenance R920-50-10(9).

(2) The following provisions apply to an Aerial Tramway.

(a) Auxiliary drives R920-50-10(2); effective November 1, 1994.

(b) Electronic speed-regulated drives R920-50-10(3); effective November 1, 1994.

(c) Friction type brakes R920-50-10(5); effective November 1, 1995.

(d) Grips, clips, and carrier testing R920-50-10(7).

(e) Audible warning devices R920-50-10(10); effective November 1, 2001.

(f) Dynamic testing logs R920-50-10(12).

(g) Air space requirements R920-50-10(13); effective November 1, 2006.

(3) The following provisions apply to a Detachable Grip Aerial Lift.

(a) Auxiliary drives R920-50-10(2); effective November 1, 1994.

(b) Electronic speed-regulated drives R920-50-10(3); effective November 1, 1994.

(c) Rope position monitoring R920-50-10(4); effective November 1, 1994.

(d) Friction type brakes R920-50-10(5); effective November 1, 1995.

(e) Grips, clips, and carrier testing R920-50-10(7).

(f) Audible warning devices R920-50-10(10).

(g) Dynamic testing logs R920-50-10(12).

(h) Air space requirements R920-50-10(13); effective November 1, 2006.

(4) The following provisions apply to a Fixed Grip Aerial Lift.

(a) Auxiliary Drives R920-50-10(2); effective November 1, 1994.

(b) Electronic speed-regulated drives R920-50-10(3); effective November 1, 1994.

(c) Friction type brakes R920-50-10(5); effective November 1, 1995.

(d) Grips, clips, and carrier testing R920-50-10(7).

(e) Audible warning devices R920-50-10(10).

(f) Dynamic testing logs R920-50-10(12).

(g) Air space requirements R920-50-10(13); effective November 1, 2006.

(5) The following provisions apply to a Surface Lift.

(a) Electronic speed-regulated drives R920-50-10(3); effective November 1, 1994.

(b) Friction type brakes R920-50-10(5); effective November 1, 1995.

(c) Air space requirements R920-50-10(13); effective November 1, 2006.

(6) The following provisions apply to a Rope Tow.

(a) Electronic speed-regulated drives R920-50-10(3); effective November 1, 1994.

(b) Friction type brakes R920-50-10(5); effective November 1, 1995.

(c) Air space requirements R920-50-10(13); effective November 1, 2006.

(d) Tow requirements R920-50-10(15).

(e) Portable Ropeways R920-50-10(14).

(7) The following provisions apply to a Conveyor.

(a) Conveyor standards R920-50-10(11).

(b) Portable Ropeways R920-50-10(14).

 

R920-50-12. Exceptions to Standards.

(1) In the event that the ropeway does not conform with the governing standards and the Ropeway Operation Safety Rules , the Committee may issue a certificate of registration with an exception. Two types of exceptions may be granted after a Request for Exception from Standards is submitted.

(a) Annual Exception - This type of exception must be reviewed annually by the Committee. This type of exception is subject to cancellation at any time pursuant to a determination by the committee that a change is necessary.

(b) Limited Exception - This type of exception is granted only for a fixed time period to be determined by the Committee.

(2) The nature of the exception shall be stated in the Request for Exception from Standards.

(3) The Committee shall, as expeditiously as possible, and within thirty (30) days of receipt of a Request for Exception from Standards, notify the operator in writing of its action on the Request.

(4) The Request for Exception from Standards shall include the following information:

(a) Reasons for requesting an exception.

(b) Identify the ways that the ropeway does not conform to the governing standards or these rules.

(c) Procedures, with estimated time and cost, which would be required to bring the ropeway into conformance.

(5) Except as required in R920-50-12(7), the Committee shall issue a certification of registration with an exception if the operator satisfies the requirements stated in R920-50-12(4) and also supplies the following for new or existing ropeways:

(a) New Ropeways B

(i) A design certification by a qualified engineer attesting that the ropeway is so designed and equipped that its devices or methods provide features that are comparable in performance and safety to those that meet requirements set forth in the Governing Standard and the Ropeway Operation Safety Rules.

(ii) Any known items that require a Request for Exception from Standards for Passenger Ropeways must be submitted to the Committee before work begins.

(b) Existing Ropeways B

(i) A design certification by a qualified engineer attesting that the ropeway is so designed and equipped that it's devices or methods provide features that are comparable in performance and safety to the requirements of the Governing Standard and the Ropeway operation Safety Rules.

(ii) A statement by the operator certifying that the ropeway feature for which the exception is requested has been operated safely and without any passenger ropeway incident, as defined in R920-50-3(15) item (a) or (g), for at least 2 years prior to the date of the Request for Exception from Standards.

(6) In exceptional circumstances, the Committee may issue a certificate of registration with an exception even if the operator does not satisfy the requirements defined in the Governing Standard or the Ropeway Operation Safety Rules if the Committee determines that the ropeway is so designed and equipped that its devices or methods provide features that are comparable in performance and safety.

(7) Where doubt exists as to the safety of a ropeway, the committee may require an inspection to ascertain that the ropeway is so designed and equipped that its devices or methods provide features that are comparable in performance and safety to those of the governing standards and the Ropeway operation Safety Rules.

(8) The issuance of a certificate of registration with an annual exception shall not bind the committee to issue such a certificate for the ropeway involved in subsequent years, nor to issue such a certificate for another ropeway of same or similar design.

 

R920-50-13. Operation of Ropeways.

(1) Every passenger ropeway incident shall be reported to the Committee regardless of the time of year in which it occurs and regardless of whether or not the ropeway was open to the public at the time of the incident. The operator shall meet the requirements stated in R920-50-14.

(2) When a ropeway is modified the ropeway operator shall notify the Committee, or its appointed representative. The operator shall meet the requirements stated in R920-50-15.

 

R920-50-14. Incidents.

(1) Reporting of Incidents

(a) Every passenger ropeway incident, as defined in R920-50-3(18) shall be verbally reported to the Committee, or the Committee's appointed representative, as soon as reasonably possible, but no later than twenty-four (24) hours after the time of the incident. A written report shall be delivered to the Committee within five (5) days of the incident.

(b) The reports required by this section are to be maintained for administrative enforcement, licensing and certification purposes only. The reports are "protected" records under the Government Records Management Act, Utah Code Annotated, Section 63G-2-304 and are also governed by the provisions of Utah Code Annotated, Section 63G-2-207.

(c) When a passenger ropeway incident, as defined in R920-50-3(18) (a) or (g), occurs, the owner or area operator of the ropeway shall suspend operation of the ropeway and shall notify the Committee through the Committee's appointed representative. The owner or area operator of the ropeway, with the Committee or the Committee's appointed representative, shall perform a joint incident inspection of the ropeway. The inspection shall precede any authorization to resume public operation of the passenger ropeway.

 

R920-50-15. Modification of a Ropeway.

(1) The Committee, or its appointed representative shall determine the certifications that will be required.

(2) Depending on the nature and extent of the modification the Committee, or its appointed representative may require an Acceptance Inspection and Test.

(3) The following certifications may be required: design; manufacture; construction, and As-Built profile.

(4) The certifications must be submitted by a qualified engineer and attached to the cover of the modification documents. The modification documents shall include the drawings, descriptions, or specifications pertaining to the affected systems and their connections with existing systems.

(5) A revised lift data form shall be submitted.

(6) The ropeway shall not resume operating until authorized by the Committee, or its appointed representative.

 

R920-50-16. Inspections and Testing.

Inspections shall verify that the intent of the design and operational requirements imposed by the Governing Standard and these rules are met.

The Committee may order other inspections in accordance with Utah Code Annotated Section 72-11-211.

Ropeway inspectors may inspect ropeways at any time during the operation of the ropeway (spot check). All reports, logs, etc. shall be made available to them upon request.

(1) Acceptance Inspection and Test

(a) The Committee, or its appointed representative, will schedule acceptance inspection and test as the procedures are received.

(2) Annual General Inspection

All existing ropeway shall have an annual general inspection.

(a) A ropeway inspector shall make the inspection.

(b) The inspection shall occur prior to approval of any registration application.

(c) A report signed by the Ropeway Inspector listing items found either deficient or in noncompliance shall be filed with the owner.

(d) The report shall include the name and address of the inspector and the date of the inspection.

(e) The area operator shall notify the Committee, or its appointed representative of the annual general inspection. The area operator should give 7 days notice of the inspection.

(f) The owner shall correct all deficiencies and noncompliance items listed in the Ropeway Inspector's report.

(3) Incident inspection

Incident inspections shall occur as required in R920-50-14.

(4) Operational Inspection

An Operational inspections may be made periodically during each season of use.

(a) A ropeway inspector shall make the inspection.

(b) A report signed by the Ropeway Inspector listing items found either deficient or in noncompliance shall be filed with the owner.

(c) The report shall include the name and address of the inspector and the date of the inspection.

(d) The owner shall correct all deficiencies and noncompliance items listed in the Ropeway Inspector's report.

(5) Pre-operational inspection

A pre-operational inspection is required for new and modified lifts.

(a) A ropeway inspector shall make the inspection.

(b) The inspection shall occur prior to approval of any registration application.

(c) A report signed by the Ropeway Inspector listing items found either deficient or in noncompliance shall be filed with the owner.

(d) The report shall include the name and address of the inspector and the date of the inspection.

(e) If the inspection does not take place at the acceptance inspection and testing the area operator shall notify the Committee, or its appointed representative of the inspection. The area operator should give 7 days notice of the inspection.

(f) The owner shall correct all deficiencies and noncompliance items listed in the Ropeway Inspector's report.

 

R920-50-17. Ropeway Inspector and Qualified Engineer.

(1) General

(a) Any person performing inspection services must be a "ropeway inspector" as required by these rules, and any person performing design services must be a "qualified engineer", as required by these rules.

(b) The committee shall maintain up-to-date lists of qualified engineers and ropeway inspectors, which lists shall be open to inspection by the public.

(c) Any person desiring to be approved by the committee as a ropeway inspector or qualified engineer shall submit a written request to the committee enumerating his or her professional experience and attesting as far as possible to meeting the requirements stated in R920-50-17(2).

(2) Requirements

(a) Applicant shall satisfy the Ropeway committee that by his or her education, training and experience gained by participation in Ropeway inspections or designs as a principal or an assistant to a recognized Ropeway inspector or Ropeway designer, he or she is qualified to be, respectively, an approved inspector or Ropeway designer or both.

(b) Applicant shall satisfy the committee that he has a working familiarity and understanding of drawings and design data such as are furnished to design, construct, test, and inspect passenger ropeways, and that he or she has an understanding and working knowledge of the governing standard and these rules.

(c) The committee may approve qualifications based on experience gained by an applicant through work under direct supervision of a qualified ropeway inspector or qualified ropeway designer.

(d) The committee may approve employees of the state or individuals retained by the state as qualified ropeway inspectors. Such engineers may be given certain assignments where time is of the essence or a private engineer is not available or willing to undertake the inspection or investigation. It shall be the policy of the committee to use the services and talents of qualified private engineers wherever possible.

(3) Revocation or suspension of approval as ropeway inspector or qualified engineer.

The committee may revoke or suspend the approval of any qualified engineer or ropeway inspector who is found by the committee to have:

(a) Practiced any fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit in applying for approval; or,

(b) Caused damage to another by gross negligence in the practice of passenger ropeway designing, construction, or inspection; or

(c) Been engaged in acts of unlawful or unprofessional conduct.

 

R920-50-18. Violations.

Revocation of certificate of registration - Utah Code Annotated Section 72-11-213.

The terms in this rule are outlined in Utah Code Annotated Sections 72-11-212 and 72-11-213.

 

R920-50-19. Administrative Procedures.

Appeals from orders issued pursuant to any provision of R920-50 shall be governed by R907-1.

 

KEY: transportation safety, tramways, ropeways, tramway permits

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: February 13, 2007

Notice of Continuation: August 13, 2007

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 72-11-201 through 72-11-216; [63-46b-1]63G-4-102 et seq.