Pennsylvania Code › Title 34 - LABOR AND INDUSTRY › Part I - Department of Labor and Industry › Chapter 7 - ELEVATORS, LIFTS, ESCALATORS, DUMBWAITERS, HOISTS ANDTRAMWAYS › Subchapter M - AERIAL PASSENGER TRAMWAYS › CHAIR LIFTS, GONDOLA LIFTS AND SKIMOBILES › Section 7.447 - Terminals and stations

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a)
Power source.
Electrical and internal combustion energy may be
					 utilized as a power source, under the requirements set forth in §
											7.427(a)
					 (relating to terminals and stations).
(b)
Prime movers.
Prime
					 movers shall have the capacity to handle the most unfavorable design loading
					 conditions. An auxiliary power unit with an independent power source shall be
					 provided which may readily be used to unload the line in the event of power
					 failure unless an exception is granted by the authority having jurisdiction.
					 Internal combustion engine exhaust shall be discharged in the
					 atmosphere.
(c)
Speed
					 reducers and gears.
Speed reducers and gears shall comply with
					 accepted standard practices, and have the capacity for starting the tramway
					 under the most unfavorable design load conditions.
(d)
Bearings, couplings, and
					 shafting.
All bearings, couplings, and shafting shall conform to the
					 provisions of § 7.427(d).
(e)
Clutches.
Any clutch device used between the prime mover and
					 the drive sheave shall meet the requirements for bearings and couplings
					 specified in subsection (d).
(f)
Acceleration and speed control.
The primary requirement is to
					 have means of preventing runaway speeds particularly when overhauling loads are
					 being carried. Specific provision other than brakes shall be made for
					 maintaining normal speed under overhauling loads. The power developed by such
					 overhauling load may be dissipated electrically, hydraulically, or
					 pneumatically. Provision shall also be made for slowing and stopping the
					 tramway drive automatically if the line velocity exceeds design values by more
					 than 15%. Drive equipment shall be designed to accelerate the line smoothly and
					 to avoid discomfort to passengers under any loading condition. When carriers
					 are detachable, they shall be accelerated and decelerated to and from the rope
					 speed at such rates as not to cause discomfort to passengers. When carriers are
					 fixed to the rope, there shall be an attendant to assist the passengers
					 mounting and dismounting. The drive shall be capable of rotating the unloaded
					 system at reduced speed for rope inspection. In the case of systems involving
					 detachable carriers, unbalanced loading shall be controlled by automatic car
					 counters or other suitable devices.
(g)
Brakes and stops.
Every
					 chair lift, gondola lift and skimobile shall be provided with at least the
					 following:
(1)
Brakes.
Every
					 such lift shall include the following brakes:
(i) An automatic brake to stop and hold the
					 system under maximum load when power is shut off or the lift is stopped for any
					 reason. Such brake shall be electrically released and applied by springs of
					 gravity, except in cases where another type of brake is specifically approved
					 by the authority having jurisdiction. In all cases the brake shall normally be
					 in the applied position. It shall be held open for operation of the tramway by
					 a device which is automatically cut out if power is shut off or the tramway
					 stopped. Such device shall, without exception, be placed in operation before
					 the tramway is started. The brake shall be applied to a drive shaft so that
					 there is no clutch, V-belt or chain drive, or similar device between the brake
					 and the drive wheel. This restriction on the location of the brake is not
					 required in cases where the gear pitch or gear reduction is such that the lift
					 cannot overhaul with a capacity load plus 10% after the interruption of
					 power.
(ii) A manually-operated
					 brake on the main drive sheave with controls located near the
					 operator.
(iii) A backstop to
					 prevent reverse rotation of the tramway, unless the gearing will prevent
					 gravity reversal.