Ski Lifts and Tows Safety
SPS 333 is titled Passenger Ropeways. What is a passenger ropeway?
A passenger ropeway is any device that carries, pulls, or pushes people up a ski area hill. Passengers typically are on skis, snowboards, or tubes. Examples of passenger ropeways found in Wisconsin include aerial ski lifts, surface lifts (T-bar lifts, J-bar lifts, platter lifts), tows (fiber rope tows and wire rope tows), and conveyors.
Which codes apply to the passenger ropeways at my ski area?
SPS 333 ANSI B77.1-2011, adopted 11/01/2012, effective 11/01/2013
Are there new sign requirements associated with the newer ANSI B-77 standard?
Yes, although much of the wording on required signs remains the same, signs now also include international symbols. Listings of required signs and sample signs can be found in Annex D of the ANSI B-77 standard.
Do I need to notify DSPS if I intend to use a Third-Party Inspector this season?
Yes, by October 1 of each year in writing. SPS 333.12 (2)(b) SPS 333.12 (2)(B)
Our Ski Area uses a Third-Party Inspector for periodic inspections. When am I required to use a State Inspector?
State Inspectors must witness the Acceptance Tests and any Load Tests on a passenger ropeway that is new, altered, relocated, or been out of service for more than 2 years. *Note that Department plan review must also to be done for all new, altered, and relocated passenger ropeways.
Is reporting accidents to DSPS required?
Yes, injuries resulting from a passenger ropeway malfunction requiring more than first aid treatment must be reported within 2 days. Fatalities resulting from passenger ropeway malfunction must be reported to the Department within 24 hours.
How do I report accidents?
Accident Reporting Form SBD-211 To report injuries or fatalities call 608-266-1816 or 608-261-2503 during normal business hours or 1-800-943-0003 after business hours.
What training do operators or attendants need?
The operators and attendants need to be trained in operational and emergency procedures. This training needs to be documented. ANSI B77.1-2011 3.3.2, 4.3.2, 5.3.2, 6.3.2
Do the daily preoperational inspections need to be recorded?
Yes. Prior to public operation, daily preoperational inspections need to be performed and documented. ANSI B77.1-2011 3.3.2, 4.3.2, 5.3.2, 6.3.2
Do we need to keep track of any maintenance done on the equipment?
Yes. The log contains what components were serviced and the condition of the components, the date and signature. ANSI B77.1-2011 4.3.5.2, 5.3.5.2, 6.3.5.2, 7.3.5.2
What is an Operational Log?
It is a log kept for each passenger ropeway with daily entries. See ANSI B77.1-2011 4.3.5.1, 5.3.5.1, 6.3.5.1, 7.3.5.1 for specific information.
How may I obtain additional information regarding safety or code concerns at my ski area?
Use the Inspector Look-Up Tool to determine the DSPS inspector for your county.