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FOREST SERVICE MANUAL
INTERMOUNTAIN REGION (REGION 4)
OGDEN, UT
FSM 7300 – BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES
CHAPTER 7320 – TRAMWAYS, SKI LIFTS, AND TOWS
Supplement No.: 7300-2009-1
Effective Date: June 8, 2009
Duration: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: HARV FORSGREN
Regional Forester
Date Approved: 06/03/2009
Posting Instructions: Supplements are numbered consecutively by Title and calendar year.
Post by document; remove entire document and replace it with this supplement. Retain this
transmittal as the first page(s) of this document. The last supplement to this title was 7300-20061 to FSM 7320.
New Document(s):
7320
13 Pages
Superseded Document(s) by
Issuance Number and
Effective Date
7320 (Supplement 7300-2600-1, 3/21/2006)
4 Pages
Digest:
7320.42 – Adds delegation of review and technical approval of passenger ropeways.
7320.5 – Adds definition for Alterations, Modifications, Ropeway Incident, Qualified and Staff
Engineers.
7321.2 – Adds minimum procedures in exhibit format for submittals and information
requirements for new and modification to aerial tramways, aerial lifts, surface lifts, tows and
conveyors (passenger ropeways).
7322 – Adds direction for Operations and Maintenance monitoring regarding incidents,
suspension, and inspections.
R4 SUPPLEMENT 7300-2009-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/08/2009
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 7300 – BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES
CHAPTER 7320 – TRAMWAYS, SKI LIFTS, AND TOWS
7320.3 - Policy
1. State of Utah. Passenger ropeway facilities located on National Forest Lands within
the State of Utah shall be jointly administered in accordance with the Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) FS# 05-MU-11046000-021 with the Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety
Committee. The Authorized Officer (as defined in FSM 2340.5) shall require the Permit Holder
(referred to as holder) to comply with the R920-50 Transportation, Operations, Traffic and
Safety - Ropeway Operations Safety Rules R920-50 when they are more restrictive.
2. States of Idaho, Wyoming, and Nevada. The Forest Service is the “Authority Having
Jurisdiction” for passenger ropeway facilities located on National Forest Land within these states
(see American National Standard for Passenger Ropeways-Aerial Tramways, Aerial Lifts,
Surface Lifts, Tows, and Conveyors – Safety Requirements, (referred to as ANSI B77.1
Standard), section 1.4).
7320.4 - Responsibility
7320.42 - Regional Forester
3. Delegation of authority for review and technical approval of site development and
passenger ropeway plans, designs, and construction proposals located on National Forest Land is
listed in section 7321 exhibit 01 for new construction and in section 7321 exhibit 02 for
Modifications/Alterations.
7320.5 - Definitions
Alteration. Any change to passenger ropeway which results in a modification and
requires certification by a Qualified Engineer.
Modification. (See ANSI B77.1 Standard, section 1.2.4.4.) An alteration of the current
design of ropeway which results in:
a. Change in the design speed of the system.
b. Change in design capacity by changing the number of carriers, spacing of carriers, or
load capacity of carriers.
c. Change in the path of the rope.
d. Any change in the type of brakes and/or backstop devices or components thereof.
e. Change in structural arrangements.
f. Change in power or type of prime mover or evacuation power unit.
R4 SUPPLEMENT 7300-2009-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/08/2009
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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CHAPTER 7320 – TRAMWAYS, SKI LIFTS, AND TOWS
g. Change of the control system logic.
Qualified Engineer. A qualified Professional Engineer who has acquired knowledge and
skills through study, training, and experience to practice passenger ropeway engineering in the
State concerned.
Ropeway Incident. Any passenger ropeway failure that results in death, serious injury, or
illness requiring medical attention, and/or property damage or that poses a risk to public health,
safety, or the environment (see FSM 6730).
Staff Engineer. A qualified Forest Service Professional Engineer who has acquired
knowledge and skills, through study, training and experience to provide passenger ropeway
engineering assistance to Authorized Officer, and Forest Staff Officer for Engineering, as
delegated by the Director of Engineering.
7321 - TRAMWAY PROJECT MONITORING
7321.1 - Project Authorization (Exceptions)
ANSI B77.1 Standard, section 1.2.3 permits the Forest Service as the “Authority Having
Jurisdiction” over ropeways on National Forest Land, to grant exceptions to the “literal
requirements or allow the use of other devices or methods that provide features comparable to
those included in the ANSI B77.1 Standard.”
1. Strict application of the requirements in the ANSI B77.1 Standard may not be
appropriate in every instance. Upon written request by the holder, the Authorized Officer, with
appropriate consultation with Staff Engineers (as required in FSM 7300-2000-1, 7321.21), may
grant exceptions from the requirements in the ANSI B77.1 Standard. The holder’s written
request for an exception must include the following:
a. Specification of the current condition via a written description, photographs, a
video or engineering drawings, and a statement as to why it does not conform to the
ANSI B77.1 Standard.
b. A description of the work that would have to be performed or the operational
condition that would have to be implemented to meet the ANSI B77.1 Standard,
including a statement as to how meeting the ANSI B77.1 Standard would constitute
an unreasonable operational or design condition and estimates of the time and cost
(for example, for engineering, materials, equipment, and labor) that would be
involved.
c. An example of why granting the exception would not create a safety hazard to the
public. The explanation should include but not be limited to the operational history
of the passenger ropeway, existing devices or methods that enhance the safety of the
R4 SUPPLEMENT 7300-2009-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/08/2009
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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CHAPTER 7320 – TRAMWAYS, SKI LIFTS, AND TOWS
passenger ropeway, and the history of similar passenger ropeways with similar
conditions.
d. If the exception is granted, work that would be performed or operational
conditions that would be implemented for public safety by the holder.
e. For new passenger ropeways, a letter with an original seal applied by means of a
rubber stamp, signature and date, by a Qualified Engineer attesting that the passenger
ropeway is to be designed and constructed using devises or methods that are
comparable to those required in the ANSI B77.1 Standard.
f. For an existing passenger ropeway, a letter with an original seal applied by means
of a rubber stamp, signature and date, by a Qualified Engineer attesting that the
passenger ropeway is to be designed and constructed using devices or methods that
are comparable to those required in the ANSI B77.1 Standard. In addition, a written
certification from the holder stating that the passenger ropeway has been operated
safely and without any passenger ropeway incident related to the feature for which
the exception is requested and certification is supported by information requested in
paragraph c.
g. Authorized Officer may grant an exception even if the holder does not satisfy all
the requirements in paragraphs e and f above if the Authorized Officer (FSM
7320.44) determines that the exception request does not involve a change in certified
equipment design or operating parameters for passenger ropeway.
2. The Authorized Officer shall notify the holder as expeditiously as possible in writing
of its action on the request. Granting the exception shall not bind the Forest Service to allow an
exception for another ropeway of the same or a similar design. The approval to operate with an
exception shall state whether the exception is for limited duration and/or requires review and
renewal upon application by the holder at a specified time or shall apply until such time as
changed conditions or new information indicate a review is necessary and a new exception
request is required. Where appropriate, the exception should specify periodic review to
determine if a new exception request is required. If the request for an exception is denied,
Authorized Officer may allow the holder to request the decision be reconsidered with additional
relevant information or appeal the decision through the disputes process stated within permit.
3. To address the safety concerns associated with a passenger ropeway, the Authorized
Officer may require special tests or review by a Qualified Engineer or Tramway Specialist (as
defined in FSM 7320.5) agreed upon by both Authorized Officer and the holder. The Qualified
Engineer or Tramway Specialist shall be independent of the holder. The special test or
independent review shall be conducted to ensure that the passenger ropeway is designed and
constructed using devices or methods that are comparable to those required in the ANSI B77.1
R4 SUPPLEMENT 7300-2009-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/08/2009
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 7300 – BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES
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Standard. Any special tests or independent review required under this provision shall be
conducted at the expense of the holder requesting the exception.
7321.2 - Minimum Procedures
Additionally for New Construction use section 7321 exhibit 01, for Modification/Alteration use
section 7321 exhibit 02. Use of these exhibits is mandatory.
7321.21 - Staff Engineers
Additionally for New Construction use section 7321 exhibit 01, for Modification/Alteration use
section 7321 exhibit 02. Use of these exhibits is mandatory.
7321.22 - Authorized Officers
Additionally for New Construction use section 7321 exhibit 01, for Modification/Alteration use
section 7321 exhibit 02. Use of these exhibits is mandatory.
R4 SUPPLEMENT 7300-2009-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/08/2009
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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CHAPTER 7320 – TRAMWAYS, SKI LIFTS, AND TOWS
7321 - Exhibit 01
New Construction
Minimum Procedures for New Construction
Regional Office, Director of Engineering
As a minimum, Director of Engineering shall follow these procedures:
1. Review and provide technical approval of site development, and passenger ropeway
plans, designs, and construction proposals located on National Forest Land.
Staff Engineers
As a minimum, Staff Engineers shall follow these procedures:
1. Conduct a review of proposed location and site development of passenger ropeway,
terminals, and other associated buildings.
2. Review required plans, calculations, specifications, and related data submitted by the
holder to determine that all plan submittals and other required certification(s) are valid, including
the Qualified Engineer’s design certification that the ropeway meets the current ANSI B77.1
Standard.
3. Review acceptance test procedures and monitor acceptance tests and inspections as
required by Authorized Officer and Director of Engineering.
Authorized Officers
As a minimum, Authorized Officers shall follow these procedures:
General Location Approval:
1. Require holder to submit passenger ropeway proposal with site development
information showing passenger ropeway, terminals, and other associated buildings;
2. Require the holder to submit any site specific studies and/or other pertinent
information such as American Disability Act accessibility, erosion control, etc. (see
ANSI B77.1 Standard, sections X.1.1.3- Location).
R4 SUPPLEMENT 7300-2009-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/08/2009
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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CHAPTER 7320 – TRAMWAYS, SKI LIFTS, AND TOWS
7321 - Exhibit 01 – Continued
Submittals for Design, Construction, Acceptance Testing and Inspection, and
Approval to Operate:
1. Require the holder to submit plans including calculations, drawings, and specifications
for all new passenger ropeways. Copies of these plans, calculations, drawings, and
specifications should be provided to the Forest Supervisor’s office, District Ranger’s office, and
Director of Engineering’s office.
2. Require all final plans, including calculations, drawings, and specifications, as well as
any revisions prepared by a Qualified Engineer be submitted in accordance with seal
requirements in the State concerned. At a minimum, each seal (wet, embossed, or electronic)
shall be signed and dated with the signature and date appearing across the face of each seal
imprint. Plan submittals shall also be certified by Qualified Engineer as being in accordance
with the most current edition of the ANSI B77.1 Standard. Certification of Design shall be
submitted prior to Acceptance Testing and Inspection (see item 5(a) below).
3. Require the holder to submit initial plans, design calculations, drawings, and
specifications a minimum of forty-five (45) days prior to construction date. The holder may seek
permission to accelerate the scheduled construction date provided that all submittals are valid
and completed to the satisfaction of the Authorized Officer. Such plans must be accepted by
Authorized Officer before the authorization of any work.
4. Initial design plans, calculations, drawings, and specifications prepared by a Qualified
Engineer shall include but not be limited to the following items:
a. Profile Drawing.
b. Foundation Drawings.
c. Applicable preliminary drawings or sketches of components unique in design or
nature to passenger ropeways (ANSI B77.1 Standard, section 1.5.1).
d. Design Calculations (Ropeline, Foundations, etc.).
e. Preliminary Passenger Ropeway Equipment Data (FSM 7321.21).
5. Require the holder to submit or make available for review the following items prior to
commencement of an acceptance test and inspection:
a. Certification of Design (ANSI B77.1 Standard, 1.5.1).
R4 SUPPLEMENT 7300-2009-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/08/2009
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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7321 - Exhibit 01 – Continued
b. Acceptance Test procedures 14 days prior to Acceptance Test (ANSI B77.1
Standard, sections X.1.1.11.2).
c. Final Passenger Ropeway Equipment Data (FSM 7321.21).
d. Construction Certification (ANSI B77.1 Standard, 1.5.3).
e. Final Drawing Log.
f. Certified Wire Rope Test Report per ANSI B77.1 Standard, A.2 and Magnetic
Rope Testing Report if wire ropes are relocated or meet any conditions in A.4.1.2)
g. Splice Certification (ANSI B77.1 Standard, sections X.3.5.3(d)).
h. Grip Non-Destructive Testing results (ANSI B77.1 Standard, sections X.1.4.3.1).
i. Grip Fatigue Testing Results (ANSI B77.1 Standard, sections X.1.4.3(e)), if new in
design or specifications revised.
j. Main Electrical Service Disconnect Acceptance from a State or local Electrical
Inspection Agency or Personnel, if applicable, available for review.
k. Fuel Tank Installation Compliance (for example, underground storage tanks of 110
gallons or more, above ground storage tanks of 660 gallons or more and piping to any
day tank within the terminal enclosure) from a State or local Fuel Tank Inspection
Agency or Personnel, if applicable (ANSI B77.1 Standard, Annex F, and compliance
with State and local laws), available for review. Any addition and/or change to
manufacturer’s fuel tank must be specifically approved by Qualified Engineer and
accepted by Authorized Officer.
l. Certification of double loaded chair passing around bull wheel without any
yielding of the chair tested, if applicable (ANSI B77.1 Standard, section 4.1.4.5.2).
m. Concrete compressive strength test results.
n. Verification of Continuous Operation (ANSI B77.1 Standard, sections X.1.1.11).
o. “As built” survey (ANSI B77.1 Standard, sections X.1.1.11.1(l)).
p. Operational and Maintenance Manual (ANSI B77.1 Standard, sections X.1.6),
available for review.
R4 SUPPLEMENT 7300-2009-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/08/2009
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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7321 - Exhibit 01 – Continued
6. Require the holder to submit or make available for review the following items prior to
final acceptance and public operation.
a. Owner’s verification of thorough inspection by qualified personnel to verify
compliance with plans and specifications (ANSI B77.1 Standard, sections
X.1.1.11.1).
b. Certification of Electrical System Acceptance Tests by Qualified Engineer, if
applicable (ANSI B77.1 Standard, sections X.2.11).
c. Final Acceptance Test Report (ANSI B77.1 Standard, sections X.1.1.11.2).
d. Final Acceptance Inspection Report (ANSI B77.1 Standard, sections X.1.1.11.1).
e. Evacuation Plan and Practice Documentation (ANSI B77.1 Standard, sections
X.3.2.5.7), available for review.
f. Software Security Procedure by lift manufacturer or Qualified Engineer, if
applicable (ANSI B77.1 Standard, sections X.2.12).
7. Require the holder to submit Certificate of Inspection letter (see FSM 7322).
8. Amend existing permit to include and reflect approved passenger ropeway and other
pertinent information (for example, slope transport feet).
R4 SUPPLEMENT 7300-2009-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/08/2009
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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7321 - Exhibit 02
Modification/Alteration
Minimum Procedures - Modifications/Alterations
Regional Office, Director of Engineering
As a minimum, Director of Engineering shall follow these procedures:
1. Review and provide technical approval of passenger ropeway modification plans,
designs, and construction proposals located on National Forest Land.
Staff Engineers
As a minimum, Staff Engineer shall follow these procedures:
1. Recommend what plan submittals and certification(s) are required for modifications
and provide passenger ropeway engineering assistance as required by Authorized Officer and
Director of Engineering.
2. Review required plans, calculations, specifications, and related data submitted by the
holder to determine that all plan submittals and other required certification(s) are valid, including
the Qualified Engineer’s design certification that the passenger ropeway meets the current ANSI
B77.1 Standard.
3. Review acceptance test procedures and monitor acceptance tests and inspections as
required by Authorized Officer and Director of Engineering.
Authorized Officers
As a minimum, Authorized Officer shall follow these procedures:
General Approval:
1. Require the holder to submit modification request and written proposal for
passenger ropeway modification.
R4 SUPPLEMENT 7300-2009-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/08/2009
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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7321 - Exhibit 02 – Continued
Submittals for Design, Construction, and Acceptance Testing and Inspection, and
Final Approval:
1. Require the holder to submit plans including calculations, drawings, and specifications
for all modified passenger ropeways. Copies of these plans, calculations, drawings, and
specifications should be provided to the Forest Supervisor’s office, District Ranger’s office, and
Director of Engineering’s office.
2. Require all final plans for modifications, including calculations, drawings, and
specifications, as well as any revisions prepared by Qualified Engineer be submitted in
accordance with seal requirements in the State concerned. At a minimum, each seal (wet,
embossed, or electronic) shall be signed and dated with the signature and date appearing across
the face of each seal imprint. Plan submittals shall also be certified by Qualified Engineer as
being in accordance with the most current edition of the ANSI B77.1 Standard.
3. Require the holder to submit initial plans, design calculations, drawings, and
specifications related to modification a minimum of 45 days prior to construction date. The
holder may seek permission to accelerate the scheduled construction date provided that all
submittals are valid and completed to the satisfaction of the Authorized Officer. Such plans must
be accepted by Authorized Officer before the authorization of any work.
4. Require holder to conduct any acceptance test and inspection required by
manufacturer, Qualified Engineer or State Standards (as required in FSM 7320.3) for
modifications specified below:
a. A change in the design speed of the system. An increase in the design speed that
was certified by manufacturer or Qualified Engineer at prior acceptance testing.
Note: A change in speed shall be included and reflected in design capacity in permit
and/or operating plan.
b. A change in design capacity by changing the number of carriers, spacing of
carriers, or load capacity of carriers. Changing load capacity is interpreted to mean
changing the number of passengers (i.e. double chair to triple chair). Carriers may be
added or removed to accommodate normal rope stretch or relocation in rope splice
area. If changing the number or spacing of carriers is within the certified design
parameters, it is not a modification. Note: A change in design capacity shall be
included and reflected in permit and/or operating plan.
R4 SUPPLEMENT 7300-2009-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/08/2009
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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7321 - Exhibit 02 – Continued
c. A change in the path of the rope. Any change in the path of the rope from the
certified design such as moving a tower, change in tower height or number of towers
or change in line gauge. ANSI B77.1 Standard, sections X.1.1.5.3 allows for a
change in height of the rope in order to meet normal changes in operational
requirements. Note: Moving a terminal may be considered as relocation and may
require approval.
d. A change in the type of brakes and/or backstop devices or components thereof. A
change to the application mechanism (energy used to set brake), such as weights to
springs, springs to hydraulics, or different types of weights, springs or hydraulics.
e. A change in structural arrangements. A change to the cross arm (i.e. removing
angle brace and making it self supporting), change in tower and terminal support, or
change in certified design of carriers.
f. A change in power or type of prime mover or evacuation power unit. Increasing or
decreasing horsepower of an electric motor or internal combustion engine, changing
from AC to DC, changing an internal combustion engine to electric or vice versa,
changing arrangement of the following power transmission equipment - gearbox,
fluid coupling, torque converter, V-Belt drive, pulleys, U-joints, shaft couplings, fluid
coupling to torque converter, V-Belt to gear box, and so forth.
g. A change to the control system logic. Any change to the function of control
software and/or relay logic. Any modification to the certified electrical design shall
be approved and signed by Qualified Engineer and shall be tested and shown to meet
the requirements of ANSI B77.1 Standard, and test results shall be recorded (see
ANSI B77.1 Standard, sections X.2.1 and X.2.11).
5. Require the holder to submit any acceptance test procedures developed by
manufacturer or Qualified Engineer for modifications specified in item 4 (a-g) above.
6. Require holder to furnish any certifications, as-built plans, maps or as-built survey
upon the completion of construction as deemed necessary by Director of Engineering.
7. Require holder to submit Certificate of Inspection letter (see FSM 7322).
8. Amend existing permit as needed to include and reflect passenger ropeway
modification and other pertinent information.
R4 SUPPLEMENT 7300-2009-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/08/2009
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
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7322 – TRAMWAY OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE MONITORING
1. State of Utah. For monitoring in the State of Utah, see Memorandum of
Understanding with the Utah Passenger Ropeway Safety Committee (Committee) FS# 05-MU11046000-021 and R920-50 Transportation, Operations, Traffic and Safety – Ropeway
Operations Safety Rules. In accordance with the MOU, if permission to operate is to be denied
or suspended by the Forest Service, the Authorized Officer shall notify the Committee of any
such action.
2. Permission to Operate. In conjunction with approval of operating plans, Authorized
Officer shall require the holder to submit a State of Utah compliance letter or State operating
permit along with Forest Service Certificate of Inspection letter, including any approval for
exception for evaluation and acceptance. This Certificate of Inspection shall accompany the
request for permission to begin public operation.
3. States of Idaho, Wyoming, and Nevada. If the holder submits a request not to correct
deficiencies listed in the inspection report, the Authorized Officer shall evaluate the request for
such exception in accordance with section 7321.1 prior to public operation.
Authorized Forest Service personnel shall document all deficiencies noted during monitoring
activities and provide written notification to the Authorized Officer for appropriate action.
4. Notification of Ropeway Incident. The Authorized Officer, through permit operating
plan, shall require the holder to provide verbal and written notification of any ropeway incident.
5. Suspension. As a result of any ropeway incident, the Authorized Officer may suspend
permit in whole or in part when necessary to protect the public health or safety or the
environment.
6. Notification of Inspection. The Authorized Officer, through permit operating plan,
shall require the holder to notify authorized Forest Service personnel of all inspection and
acceptance testing dates as soon as possible but at least seven days prior to any scheduled
inspections or tests.