Skilifts.org / SORT Forum

No, all public (even if it's a private resort, it still carrys members of the public) passenger transporting ropeways are governed by the ANSI or CSA.

Well, I'm currently working on the lift installation sheets and it looks like HSQs can run 1200 fpm and the ANSI B77 code will allow it, because that's the speed the Shooting Star Express at Mt. Hood Meadows runs. However, I don't think they ever run it that fast. Jibij can back me up on that.

I don't think the ANSI B77 code limits the speed of a detachable lift (anyone out there with a code book handy verify that?) but the code does limit the speed of fixed grip lifts based on the carrier capacity.

I'll try to find that in the B.77 tomorrow at work, but for now I don't even think they limit speeds based on carrier capacity anymore. When I worked in Washington (Crystal and Baker) I was under the impression that: singles- 550 FPM, doubles- 500, triples- 475, and quads- 450. However, I've noticed that we run all our fixed grips at 500 regardless of whether they're doubles or triples (we have no fixed quads) so maybe I was mistaken.

I believe that ANSI specs the following max speeds for fixed grips, but I'll be interested in hearing what the actual code states:

single @ 600 fpm
double @ 550
triple @ 500
quad @ 450

Then the code also specifies max load & unload speeds for foot passengers which applies to gondolas and other aerial tramways that service passengers without sliding devices attached to their feet.

It appears those are the correct speeds as stated in ANSI B-77 (1999) table 4.1. The only difference is that it states 'other lifts' at 450 FPM- I assume they are thinking about sixpacks in there, although there aren't any fixed sixes in North America that I know of. The interesting thing is that 4.1.1.5 states 'speed relative to the loading surface' meaning that one could run the lift faster, in theory, if one had a loading carpet.