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FOREST SERVICE MANUAL
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS (WO)
WASHINGTON, DC
FSM 7300 – BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES
CHAPTER 7320 – PASSENGER ROPEWAYS: TRAMWAYS, FUNICULARS,
SKI LIFTS, CONVEYORS, AND TOWS
Amendment No.: 7300-2012-1
Effective Date: October 25, 2012
Duration: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: JAMES M. PEÑA
Associate Deputy Chief, NFS
Date Approved: 10/23/2012
Posting Instructions: Amendments are numbered consecutively by title and calendar year.
Post by document; remove the entire document and replace it with this amendment. Retain this
transmittal as part of this document. The last amendment to this title was 7300-2004-1to
FSM 7310.
New Document
7320
19 Pages
Superseded Document(s) by
Issuance Number and
Effective Date
7320
(Amendment 7300-2000-1, 10/31/2000)
6 Pages
Digest:
7320 - Changes the chapter caption from “Tramways, Ski Lifts, and Tows” to “Passenger
Ropeways: Tramways, Funiculars, Ski Lifts, Conveyors, and Tows.”
7320.31 - Removes code and caption.
7320.42 - Adds delegation of review and technical approval of passenger ropeways.
WO AMENDMENT 7300-2012-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/25/2012
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 7300 - BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES
CHAPTER 7320 - PASSENGER ROPEWAYS: TRAMWAYS, FUNICULARS, SKI LIFTS,
CONVEYORS AND TOWS
Digest--Continued:
7320.5 - Changes terminology from “tramways” to “passenger ropeways.” Adds or modifies
definitions for “modification,” “passenger ropeway incident,” “qualified passenger ropeway
engineer,” and “regional passenger ropeway engineer.”
7321.1 - Adds procedures for granting exceptions from the requirements in American National
Standard Institute Standard B77.1 and B77.2.
7321.2 - Adds minimum procedures in exhibit format for submittals and information
requirements for new and modified aerial tramways, aerial and surface lifts, conveyors, tows,
and passenger ropeways.
7321.3 - Establishes codes and captions and sets forth direction for minimum procedures for
passenger ropeway projects.
7322 - Adds direction regarding passenger ropeway incidents, inspections, and monitoring.
WO AMENDMENT 7300-2012-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/25/2012
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 7300 - BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES
CHAPTER 7320 - PASSENGER ROPEWAYS: TRAMWAYS, FUNICULARS, SKI LIFTS,
CONVEYORS AND TOWS
Table of Contents
7320.1 - Authority....................................................................................................................... 4
7320.2 - Objectives ..................................................................................................................... 4
7320.3 - Policy ............................................................................................................................ 4
7320.4 - Responsibility ............................................................................................................... 5
7320.41 - Washington Office, Director of Engineering.......................................................... 5
7320.42 - Regional Foresters .................................................................................................. 5
7320.43 - Regional Director of Engineering ........................................................................... 5
7320.44 - Authorized Officers ................................................................................................ 7
7320.5 - Definitions .................................................................................................................... 8
7321 - PASSENGER ROPEWAY PROJECTS ............................................................... 9
7321.1 - Project Authorization.................................................................................................... 9
7321.2 - New Materials, Techniques, and Exceptions ............................................................. 10
7321.3 - Minimum Procedures ................................................................................................. 12
7321.31 - Inspections ............................................................................................................ 12
7321.32 - Construction.......................................................................................................... 13
7321.33 - Modifications ........................................................................................................ 16
7322 - PASSENGER ROPEWAY OPERATIONS ........................................................ 18
7322.1 - Incident Review and Notification ............................................................................... 18
7322.2 - Notification of Inspection and Testing ....................................................................... 19
7322.3 - Monitoring .................................................................................................................. 19
WO AMENDMENT 7300-2012-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/25/2012
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 7300 - BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES
CHAPTER 7320 - PASSENGER ROPEWAYS: TRAMWAYS, FUNICULARS, SKI LIFTS,
CONVEYORS AND TOWS
7320.1 - Authority
FSM 2701 lists the Federal laws and regulations that allow occupancy and use of National Forest
System (NFS) lands by entities other than the Forest Service. The principal U.S. Department of
Agriculture regulations applicable to Forest Service special use authorizations are at 36 CFR Part
251, Subpart B.
7320.2 - Objectives
Monitor passenger ropeways authorized by the Forest Service to:
1. Address concerns relating to public health, safety, and the environment.
2. Address holder compliance with applicable safety standards and technical
requirements in the special use authorization for planning, location, design, construction,
operation, and maintenance (FSM 2340).
7320.3 - Policy
1.
Require the holder to ensure that all passenger ropeways comply with the current
edition of American National Standard Institute (ANSI) Standard B77.1 and B77.2,
Safety Requirements for Passenger Ropeways (ANSI B77.1 and B77.2) (FSM 2721.39
and 2721.6) or applicable State standards, if they are more restrictive. The Forest Service
effective date of the most current edition of the ANSI B77.1 and B77.2 Standards shall be
1-year from the ASC B77 Committee approval date.
2. Require the holder prior to public operation to have all passenger ropeways inspected
annually by a qualified passenger ropeway engineer or passenger ropeway specialist at
the holder’s expense. Require the holder to have the inspection documented in a report
and to make the report available for Forest Service review. At a minimum, require the
holder to have an annual general inspection conducted in accordance with the applicable
inspection and testing requirements in ANSI B77.1 or B77.2 Standard.
3. Prior to public operation of a passenger ropeway, require the holder to provide a letter
certifying that any deficiencies identified in the inspection report were corrected and that
the facilities are ready for public use.
4. Monitor passenger ropeways for compliance with the terms of their special use
authorization, even in States that have an obligation to inspect passenger ropeways under
State law.
WO AMENDMENT 7300-2012-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/25/2012
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 7300 - BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES
CHAPTER 7320 - PASSENGER ROPEWAYS: TRAMWAYS, FUNICULARS, SKI LIFTS,
CONVEYORS AND TOWS
7320.4 - Responsibility
See FSM 2342.04, 2704, and 2710.4.
7320.41 - Washington Office, Director of Engineering
The Washington Office, Director of Engineering is responsible for:
1. Developing, issuing, reviewing, and monitoring engineering directives, including
standards and criteria, for National Forest System (NFS) programs (FSM 7320.41).
2. Supporting National Ropeway Service Team and regional passenger ropeway
engineers in monitoring compliance with applicable safety standards and technical
requirements of special use authorizations for passenger ropeways.
7320.42 - Regional Foresters
Regional Foresters are responsible for:
1. Providing direction, consultation, assistance, technology transfer, and training to the
forests and districts for all aspects of passenger ropeway monitoring.
2. Obtaining assistance from National Ropeway Service Team when regional passenger
ropeway engineering, knowledge, experience, and ability to determine compliance with
ANSI B77. 1 and B77.2 is not sufficient.
3. Reviewing and providing approval of site development plans, building designs and all
construction proposals for passenger ropeways to be located on NFS lands. In
accordance with FSM 7310.42, paragraph 3, the technical responsibility for review and
approval for these facilities is delegated to the Regional Director of Engineering.
4. Coordinating with State authorities in locations where State boards share
responsibilities associated with installation, operation, inspection, and other activities
associated with passenger ropeways.
7320.43 - Regional Director of Engineering
Regional Directors of Engineering are responsible for:
1. Existing Installations.
WO AMENDMENT 7300-2012-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/25/2012
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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CONVEYORS AND TOWS
a. Recommending actions to Authorized Officers when exceptions from ANSI B77.1
and B77.2 are requested by the holder.
b. Assisting Authorized Officers by maintaining an inventory by passenger ropeway
type, including reversible aerial tramways, funiculars, fixed-grip chairlifts,
detachable-grip chairlifts, surface lifts, conveyors, and wire and fiber rope tows.
c. Assisting Authorized Officers by monitoring inspections to ensure that inspection
reports are adequate, including accurate reporting of the condition of passenger
ropeways.
d. Documenting any additional deficiencies noted during passenger ropeway
monitoring and providing notification of the deficiencies to Authorized Officers for
appropriate action.
e. Assisting Authorized Officers and special use administrators by providing
technical expertise and training on passenger ropeways.
2. New Construction.
a. Reviewing and providing technical approval of site development plans, building
designs and all construction proposals for passenger ropeways to be located on NFS
lands.
b. Reviewing site selection and development for passenger ropeways, terminals, and
other associated buildings and recommending to the Authorized Officer whether to
require the holder to submit any site-specific studies and other pertinent information,
such as documentation of compliance with applicable accessibility requirements.
c. Reviewing the sufficiency of required plans, calculations, specifications, related
data, and certifications submitted by the holder, including certification by the
qualified engineer that the passenger ropeway meets ANSI B77.1 and B77.2.
d. Reviewing procedures for acceptance tests and monitoring acceptance tests and
inspections.
e. Making engineering recommendations to the Authorized Officer regarding new
passenger ropeway construction.
f. Filing plans, calculations, specifications, and other documents in accordance with
regional practice.
WO AMENDMENT 7300-2012-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/25/2012
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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CHAPTER 7320 - PASSENGER ROPEWAYS: TRAMWAYS, FUNICULARS, SKI LIFTS,
CONVEYORS AND TOWS
3. Modifications.
a. Reviewing and providing technical approval of plans, designs, and construction
proposals for all modifications to passenger ropeways located on NFS lands.
b. Recommending to the Authorized Officer requirements for plan submittals and
certifications for modifications to passenger ropeways located on NFS lands and
providing passenger ropeway engineering assistance.
c. Reviewing the sufficiency of required plans, calculations, specifications, related
data, and certifications submitted by the holder, including certification by the
qualified engineer that the passenger ropeway meets ANSI B77.1 and B77.2.
d. Reviewing procedures for acceptance tests and monitoring acceptance tests and
inspections.
e. Making recommendations to the Authorized Officer regarding proposed
construction or reconstruction of passenger ropeways.
f. Filing plans, calculations, specifications, and other documents in accordance with
regional practice.
7320.44 - Authorized Officers
See FSM 2340.5 and FSH 2709.11, section 10.5, for general guidance on Authorized Officers.
Authorized Officers are responsible for:
1. Overseeing and supporting all aspects of permit administration for passenger
ropeways.
2. Obtaining engineering assistance:
a. For review of plans and designs for passenger ropeways for compliance with
ANSI B77.1 and B77.2.
b. For review and acceptance of changes to annual operating plans that involve
passenger ropeway monitoring (FSM 2341.4).
c. For on-site monitoring of passenger ropeway operations.
WO AMENDMENT 7300-2012-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/25/2012
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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3. Obtaining regional passenger ropeway engineers or qualified passenger ropeway
engineering consultants, as necessary.
4. Obtaining a recommendation from a regional passenger ropeway engineer before
granting an exception to ANSI B77.1 or B77.2, when an exception is requested by the
holder (FSM 7321.2).
5. Providing opportunities for appropriate Forest Service personnel to obtain sufficient
technical expertise and training to monitor passenger ropeway operations and appropriate
personnel to conduct inspections to determine compliance with terms of permit (form
FS-2700-5b).
6. Following procedures in FSM 7321.2, 7321.31, 7321.32, and 7321.33.
7320.5 - Definitions
Modification. Any change to a passenger ropeway which results in a modification as
defined in ANSI B77.1 and B77.2, thereby requiring certification by a qualified
passenger ropeway engineer.
National Ropeway Service Team. The National Ropeway Service Team is a small cadre
of Forest Service ropeway engineering experts who provide technical expertise and
monitoring of planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of ropeways
nationwide.
Passenger Ropeway. Any device, other than an elevator, that carries, pulls, or pushes
passengers along a level or inclined path by means of a haul rope or other flexible
element that is driven by a power unit remaining essentially at a single location.
(ANSI B77.1, section 1.4).
Passenger Ropeway Incident.
a. An incident involving a passenger ropeway resulting in death, permanent
disability, or personal injuries that are life-threatening or that are likely to cause
permanent disability.
b. A structural, mechanical, or electrical malfunction or failure of a component or
any operational actions that impairs the function or operations in a way that could
affect public safety.
WO AMENDMENT 7300-2012-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/25/2012
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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CHAPTER 7320 - PASSENGER ROPEWAYS: TRAMWAYS, FUNICULARS, SKI LIFTS,
CONVEYORS AND TOWS
Passenger Ropeway Monitoring. Assessing the adequacy of passenger ropeway
performance, including evaluation of management and safety systems, based on
applicable standards and relevant information and data and requiring any necessary
adjustments based on that assessment.
Passenger Ropeway Specialist. An individual who has acquired the requisite knowledge,
experience, and ability to determine compliance with ANSI B77. 1 and B77.2 through
study, training, and experience to perform passenger ropeway inspections.
Portable Passenger Ropeway. A passenger ropeway that is expressly designed and
certified to be movable; and has a specified minimum and maximum profile range that
ropeway has been designed to operate within.
Qualified Passenger Ropeway Engineer. A qualified professional engineer who has
acquired the requisite knowledge, experience, and ability to determine compliance with
ANSI B77.1 and B77.2 through study, training, and experience to practice passenger
ropeway engineering in the State where a passenger ropeway is located.
Regional Passenger Ropeway Engineer. A Forest Service engineer designated by one or
more Regional Directors of Engineering who has acquired the requisite knowledge,
experience, and ability to determine compliance with ANSI B77.1 and B77.2 through
study, training, and experience to provide passenger ropeway engineering assistance to
Regional Foresters, Forest Supervisors, and Authorized Officers.
Risk Assessment. A documented analysis of risks and mitigations associated with a
passenger ropeway, including the need for protective measures that is conducted by a
qualified passenger ropeway engineer.
7321 - PASSENGER ROPEWAY PROJECTS
7321.1 - Project Authorization
Regional passenger ropeway engineers and passenger ropeway specialists shall assist Authorized
Officers with assessment of technical requirements associated with all phases of proposed
passenger ropeway projects, including environmental analysis, planning, location, design,
construction or reconstruction, post-construction inspection, and acceptance testing.
WO AMENDMENT 7300-2012-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/25/2012
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSM 7300 - BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES
CHAPTER 7320 - PASSENGER ROPEWAYS: TRAMWAYS, FUNICULARS, SKI LIFTS,
CONVEYORS AND TOWS
7321.2 - New Materials, Techniques, and Exceptions
The Authorized Officer may have to consider technological advances in materials and techniques
adopted by passenger ropeway designers and manufacturers. If an applicant proposes a
passenger ropeway that was made using materials or techniques not covered by ANSI B77.1 or
B77.2, the Authorized Officer shall require the applicant to submit design and testing
information for or a risk assessment of the proposed passenger ropeway prepared by a qualified
passenger ropeway engineer (FSM 7320.5).
Per ANSI B77.1 and B77.2, sections 1.2.3, strict application of the provision required by ANSI
B77.1 or B77.2 may not be appropriate in every instance. Whenever it is proposed or deemed
necessary to depart from provisions, the Forest Service or a State that has authority to regulate
passenger ropeways may allow the use of other devices or methods that are comparable to those
included in ANSI B77.1 or B77.2 or grant other exceptions to the requirements in ANSI B77.1
and B77.2. All exceptions must be granted in writing and must be included in the permit file for
the corresponding passenger ropeway.
Where passenger ropeways on NFS lands are located in a State that has authority to regulate
passenger ropeways, the Regional Forester may enter into a memorandum of understanding
(MOU) with the State to establish procedures to grant exceptions to ANSI B77.1 and B77.2.
If a MOU providing for the State to grant exceptions is not executed, the Authorized Officer
shall retain the authority to grant exceptions to ANSI B77.1 and B77.2 for passenger ropeways
on NFS lands, pursuant to the following procedures:
1. Strict application of the requirements in ANSI B77.1 and B77.2 may not be
appropriate in every instance. Upon written request by the applicant, the Authorized
Officer, after consultation with the National Ropeway Service Team or regional
passenger ropeway engineers (FSM 7320.44), may grant a permanent or temporary
exception, as appropriate, from the requirements in ANSI B77.1 and B77.2. Except as
provided in FSM 7321.2, paragraph 2, the applicant’s or holder’s written request for an
exception must include:
a. A depiction of the current condition via a written description, photographs, a
video, or engineering drawings and a statement as to why the current condition does
not conform to ANSI B77.1 and B77.2.
b. A description of the work to be performed or the operational conditions that would
have to be implemented to meet ANSI B77.1 and B77.2, including a statement as to
how meeting ANSI B77.1 and B77.2 would constitute an unreasonable operational or
design condition, and an estimate of the time and cost, for example, engineering,
materials, equipment, and labor, that would be involved.
WO AMENDMENT 7300-2012-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/25/2012
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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CONVEYORS AND TOWS
c. A statement as to why granting the exception would not create a safety hazard. At
a minimum, the statement should include the operational history of the passenger
ropeway, if applicable, any devices or methods that enhance the safety of the
passenger ropeway, and the history of similar passenger ropeways operating under
similar conditions.
d. The work to be performed or the operational conditions that would be
implemented by the applicant or holder under the exception, if it were granted.
e. For new passenger ropeways, a letter with an original seal, consisting of a rubber
stamp, signature, and date of a qualified passenger ropeway engineer, attesting that
the passenger ropeway is to be designed, constructed, and operated using devices or
methods that are comparable to those required in ANSI B77.1 and B77.2.
f. For an existing passenger ropeway:
(1) A letter with an original seal, consisting of a rubber stamp, signature and date of a
qualified passenger ropeway engineer, attesting that the passenger ropeway is
operated using devices or methods that are comparable to those required in ANSI
B77.1 and B77.2 and
(2) A written certification from the holder stating that the passenger ropeway has
been operated safely and without any passenger ropeway incidents related to the
feature for which the exception is requested and stating that the request for an
exception is supported by the information required in FSM 7321.2, paragraph 1c.
A risk assessment of granting the exception may also be required, as appropriate.
2. Authorized Officers may grant an exception even if the applicant or holder does not
satisfy all the requirements in FSM 7321.2, paragraphs e and f. Exception may be
granted if the Authorized Officer, after consultation with National Ropeway Service
Team or regional passenger ropeway engineers determines that the exception request
does not involve changing the equipment design or operating parameters certified by
qualified passenger ropeway engineer.
3. The Authorized Officer shall notify the applicant or holder in writing of grant or
denial of an exception request. Granting an exception does not obligate the Forest
Service to allow the same or similar exception for another passenger ropeway of the same
or similar design. The decision to grant the exception must state whether the approval is
for limited duration and requires renewal upon application by the applicant or holder at a
specified time or applies until the Authorized Officer determines changed conditions or
new information indicate that re-approval is required. The approval shall require periodic
review to determine if re-approval is needed.
WO AMENDMENT 7300-2012-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/25/2012
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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CHAPTER 7320 - PASSENGER ROPEWAYS: TRAMWAYS, FUNICULARS, SKI LIFTS,
CONVEYORS AND TOWS
4. To address any concerns associated with granting a request for a passenger ropeway
exception, the Authorized Officer may require special tests or review by a qualified
passenger ropeway engineer or passenger ropeway specialist (FSM 7320.5) agreed upon
by both the Authorized Officer and the holder. The qualified passenger ropeway
engineer or passenger ropeway specialist shall be independent of the permit holder. Any
special tests or independent review required must be conducted at the expense of the
applicant or holder requesting the exception.
7321.3 - Minimum Procedures
7321.31 - Inspections
At a minimum, Authorized Officers shall include provisions below in operating plans to ensure
that the following annual general inspection requirements are met:
1. Holder is to obtain at the holder’s expense, an annual inspection of the holder’s
passenger ropeways by a qualified passenger ropeway engineer or passenger ropeway
specialist before commencement of operations each year. Require the holder to have the
inspection documented in a report that is certified by the passenger ropeway engineer or
passenger ropeway specialist and that contains the following statement:
This is a report of the audio/visual field survey of [holder’s name]’s
passenger ropeways on National Forest System lands per ANSI B77.1
or B77.2. The survey has been performed in accordance with the
general inspection provisions of ANSI B77.1 or B77.2 as interpreted
by Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) B77.
This survey is not intended to provide engineering information,
advice, or consultation to [holder’s name] beyond that required by the
general inspection provisions of ANSI B77.1, as interpreted by
ASC B77.
2. Inspection report to specify any items of noncompliance and the work that must be
done to bring those items into compliance. Require the report to be made available to the
Authorized Officer.
3. Holder is to submit an annual certificate of inspection for the holder’s passenger
ropeways for written approval by the Authorized Officer before commencement of
operations each year. A certificate of inspection, signed by an officer of the holder’s
company, attesting to the adequacy and safety of the installations and equipment shall be
received by the Authorized Officer prior to recommencing public operation stating as a
minimum:
WO AMENDMENT 7300-2012-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/25/2012
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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Pursuant to [holder’s name]’s permit for passenger ropeways,
[holder’s name] has had an inspection of the passenger ropeways
performed to determine their compliance with ANSI B77.1 or B77.2.
[Holder’s name] has received the results of that inspection and has
made and documented corrections of all deficiencies noted in the
inspection report. The passenger ropeways authorized by [holder’s
name]’s permit are ready for public use.
At a minimum, Authorized Officers shall follow procedures below for annual general
inspection of passenger ropeway:
a. Upon a determination that the certificate of inspection is sufficient, written
approval may be provided to the holder.
b. Review the holder’s passenger ropeway operation and maintenance procedures to
ensure compliance with operating plan requirements (FSM 2341.4).
c. Review and act upon any request for an exception by the holder.
7321.32 - Construction
At a minimum, Authorized Officers shall follow the following procedures for passenger ropeway
design, construction, acceptance testing and inspection:
Review an application for construction of a passenger ropeway for compliance with clauses II.A
through II.E in form FS-2700-5b, Ski Area Term Special Use Permit.
1. Require applicants to submit site development information showing the location of all
passenger ropeways, terminals, and other associated buildings.
2. Require all plans, design calculations, drawings, and specifications for passenger
ropeways and any revisions to them to be prepared by a qualified passenger ropeway
engineer and to be submitted, per professional licensure seal requirements in the State
where the passenger ropeways will be located, to the Authorized Officer, the Forest
Supervisor, District Ranger, and Regional Director of Engineering. Plans, design
calculations, drawings, and specifications include but are not limited to:
a. Profile drawings;
b. Foundation drawings;
WO AMENDMENT 7300-2012-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/25/2012
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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c. Preliminary drawings and sketches of components unique in design or function to
passenger ropeways;
d. Design calculations for rope lines, foundations, and other components; and
e. Preliminary equipment data (FSM 7321.32).
3. Require applicants to submit initial plans, design calculations, drawings, and
specifications at least 45 days prior to commencement of construction. All required
submissions must be accepted by the Authorized Officer in writing before
commencement of any construction. Applicants may request approval from the
Authorized Officer to accelerate the scheduled construction date. The Authorized Officer
may grant the request, provided that all required submissions are sufficient. Approval to
accelerate the scheduled construction date must be in writing and must be granted before
commencement of any construction.
4. Require applicants to submit or make available for review the following items prior to
an acceptance test and inspection:
a. The design certification, per ANSI B77.1 and B77.2;
b. The acceptance test procedures, 14 days in advance, per ANSI B77.1 and B77.2;
c. Final passenger ropeway equipment data (FSM 7321.32);
d. The construction certification, per ANSI B77.1 and B77.2;
e. The final drawing log;
f. The certified wire rope test report and magnetic rope testing report, if wire ropes
are relocated (ANSI B77.1, Annex A);
g. The splice certification, per ANSI B77.1 and B77.2;
h. Grip non-destructive testing results, per ANSI B77.1 and B77.2;
i. Grip fatigue testing results, if the design is new or the specifications have been
revised, per ANSI B77.1 and B77.2;
j. Documentation of acceptance of the main electrical service disconnect by a State
agency with authority to regulate passenger ropeways or by a local electrical
inspection agency;
WO AMENDMENT 7300-2012-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/25/2012
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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k. Certificate of compliance of fuel tank installation by a State or local agency with
authority to regulate fuel tanks when applicable. Any addition or other modification
to a fuel tank must be certified by a qualified engineer;
l. Certification of a double-loaded carrier passing around a bull wheel without any
yielding, if applicable (ANSI B77.1 and B77.2);
m. Concrete compressive strength test results (ANSI B77.1 and B77.2);
n. Verification of continuous operation (ANSI B77.1 and B77.2);
o. An as-built survey (ANSI B77.1 and B77.2); and
p. Operation and maintenance manuals (ANSI B77.1 and B77.2).
5. Require applicants to submit or make available for review the following items prior to
public operation of a passenger ropeway:
a. The certification of electrical system acceptance tests by a qualified engineer, if
applicable (ANSI B77.1 and B77.2).
b. The final acceptance test report (ANSI B77.1 and B77.2).
c. The final acceptance inspection report (ANSI B77.1 and B77.2). Final acceptance
inspection should comply with requirements outlined in X.1.1.11.1
d. The final evacuation plan and documentation of the actual testing of the evacuation
equipment and procedures at the most difficult location (ANSI B77.1 and B77.2).
e. Software security procedures developed by a lift manufacturer or a qualified
passenger ropeway engineer, if applicable (ANSI B77.1 and B77.2).
6. Require applicants to furnish any certifications, as-built plans, and maps upon
completion of construction.
7. The Authorized Officer, in consultation with regional passenger ropeway engineer
must determine in writing whether all required submissions may be accepted based on
their sufficiency. Acceptance in writing of all required submissions is a prerequisite to
authorization of a passenger ropeway for public operation.
WO AMENDMENT 7300-2012-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/25/2012
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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7321.33 - Modifications
Authorized Officers shall review applications for modification of a passenger ropeway for
compliance with clauses II.A through II.E of form FS-2700-5b, Ski Area Term Special Use
Permit.
At a minimum, Authorized Officers shall follow the following procedures for design,
construction, acceptance testing and inspection, and approval of a modification to a passenger
ropeway:
1. Require holders to submit a written request for a modification (FSM 7320.5).
2. Require all plans, design calculations, drawings, and specifications (FSM 7321.32,
para. 2) for a modification and any revisions to them to be prepared by a qualified
passenger ropeway engineer and to be submitted, per professional licensure seal
requirements in the State where the passenger ropeways will be located, to the
Authorized Officer, Forest Supervisor, District Ranger, and Regional Director of
Engineering. Plans must also be certified by a qualified engineer per ANSI B77.1 and
B77.2.
3. Require applicants to submit initial plans, design calculations, drawings, and
specifications for a modification at least 45 days prior to commencement of construction.
All required submissions must be accepted by the Authorized Officer in writing before
commencement of any construction. Holders may request approval from the Authorized
Officer to accelerate the scheduled construction date. The Authorized Officer may grant
the request, provided that all required submissions are sufficient. Approval to accelerate
the scheduled construction date must be in writing and must be granted before
commencement of any construction.
4. Require applicants to submit any acceptance test procedures developed by the
manufacturer or a qualified engineer and conduct an acceptance test and inspection for
any of the following modifications:
a. An increase in the design speed of the system that was certified by the
manufacturer or a qualified engineer during acceptance testing. An increase in the
design speed must be included in permit or operating plan.
b. A change in the design parameters for the number of carriers, spacing of carriers,
or load capacity of carriers, that is, the number of passengers that can be carried (for
example, changing from double-chair to triple-chair). Adding or removing carriers to
WO AMENDMENT 7300-2012-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/25/2012
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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accommodate normal rope stretch or relocation from a rope splice and changing the
number or spacing of carriers within the design parameters does not constitute a
modification for purposes of FSM 7321.33, paragraph 4.
c. A change in the path of the rope from the certified design parameters, which may
be caused, for example, by moving a tower, changing the tower height or number of
towers, or changing the gauge of the ropeway. Moving a terminal or tower may
require prior written approval from the Authorized Officer. Per ANSI B77.1, a
change in the height of the rope to address normal changes in operational
requirements, such as adjusting terminals and/or towers rope height because of snow
depth does not constitute a modification for purposes of FSM 7321.33, paragraph 4 if
within the original certified design parameters. Portable passenger ropeways when
moved shall not be considered modifications (see FSM 7320.5).
d. A change in the type of brakes or backstop devices or their components, such as a
change in the application mechanism that sets the brake (converting from weights to
springs or springs to hydraulics or using different types of weights, springs, or
hydraulics); a change in the type of brake pump (converting from manual to electric);
a change in the brake pump configuration; or relocation of the actuator for the hand
pump.
e. A structural change, such as a change in the tower cross-arm, the tower and
terminal support, or the certified structural design of carriers or welding; adding
reinforcement steel on a bull wheel; adding gussets to carriers; repairing a damaged
structural component; changing the support or depression assembly to a combination
sheave assembly; changing the number of sheaves in an assembly; adding, moving, or
changing lifting frames, ladders, platforms, or catwalks; or adding a communications
line.
f. A change in the power or type of motor, such as increasing or decreasing the
horsepower of an electric motor or internal combustion engine; changing from
alternating to direct current; changing an internal combustion engine to an electric
engine; changing the arrangement of the gearbox, fluid coupling, torque converter,
V-belt drive, pulleys, U-joints, and shaft couplings; changing a fluid coupling to a
torque converter; and changing a V-belt to a gear box.
g. A change in the control system logic, such as replacement or upgrade of a control
system or any change in the function of control software or relay logic and
modification of operation, supervision, or protection circuits, including changing rope
position detectors or the type of deropement switch (for example, switching from a
break fork to a proximity switch) and converting the anti-collision system from
analog to digital drives. Any modification to the certified electrical design must be
WO AMENDMENT 7300-2012-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/25/2012
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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tested and shown to meet the requirements of ANSI B77.1 and B77.2, and those test
results must be recorded (ANSI B77.1 and B77.2) before the modification can be
approved. Any modification to the certified electrical design must be approved and
signed by a qualified passenger ropeway engineer.
Require applicants to submit any acceptance test procedures developed by the
manufacturer or a qualified passenger ropeway engineer and conduct an acceptance test
and inspection for any other modifications when required by the manufacturer, a
qualified passenger ropeway engineer, or a State agency with authority to regulate
passenger ropeways (FSM 7320.3).
5. Require applicants to furnish any certifications, as-built surveys, plans, and maps upon
completion of the modification.
6. The Authorized Officer, in consultation with regional passenger ropeway engineer
must determine in writing whether all required submissions may be accepted based on
their sufficiency. Acceptance in writing of all required submissions is a prerequisite to
approval of a modification.
7322 - PASSENGER ROPEWAY OPERATIONS
7322.1 - Incident Review and Notification
1. Authorized Officers shall refer to FSM 2716 for requirements related to passenger
ropeway incidents. Provisions outlined in FSM 2716.71 related to notification shall be
included in the operating plan for all special use authorization for passenger ropeways.
2. When a passenger ropeway incident results in death or serious injury, the Authorized
Officer may immediately suspend operation of ropeway involved in the incident (36 CFR
251.60(f). Immediate suspension must be in accordance with 36 CRF 251.6(f).
3. The Authorized Officer shall require the holder to notify the ropeway manufacturer, if
applicable, of an incident, failure, or malfunction which seriously affects the continued
operation of the passenger ropeway.
4. The Authorized Officer shall require the holder to preserve “incident scene” including
the conditions or equipment that caused death or serious injury in accordance with Forest
Service incident review policy and state, county or law enforcement agency
requirements.
WO AMENDMENT 7300-2012-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/25/2012
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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7322.2 - Notification of Inspection and Testing
The Authorized Officer shall include a provision in the operating plan that requires the holder to
notify the Forest Service of all dates for inspection and acceptance and dynamic testing as soon
as possible, but at least 7 days prior to any scheduled inspections or tests.
7322.3 - Monitoring
National Ropeway Services Team, regional passenger ropeway engineers, permit administrators,
and other specialists shall assist the Authorized Officer in monitoring holders’ operation and
maintenance of passenger ropeways. See FSM 2340.5 for further direction on monitoring
passenger ropeways. At a minimum, National Ropeway Services Team, regional ropeway
engineers, permit administrators, and other specialists shall monitor compliance with the
following requirements:
1. The general inspection required by ANSI B77.1 and B77.2 and FSM 2721.39 and
FSM 2721.6;
2. The holder's self-inspection procedures for ensuring that the condition of passenger
ropeways is accurately documented in the general inspection report (ANSI B77.1 and
B77.2);
3. Required operation and maintenance procedures (ANSI B77.1 and B77.2);
4. The holder’s passenger ropeway operation and maintenance certifications and other
submissions required by the permit; and
5. The holder's procedures for ensuring that required passenger ropeway records are
accurate and attest to actual conditions (ANSI B77.1).