Section 7.414. Maintenance

(a) Routine. A schedule for systematic maintenance shall be developed and set down in writing for all installations subject to the provisions of this Subchapter. Such schedule should be based on a maintenance manual which shall be provided by the designer of the tramway. The manual shall include the type of lubricant and frequency of lubrication of each element involving moving parts. It shall stipulate that parts showing excessive wear shall be replaced immediately and, if possible, establish yardsticks to define excessive wear. It shall include a schedule for checking and tightening all bolts especially on rope attachments. The maintenance schedule shall establish a specific period of time which will represent one complete cycle of maintenance operations, including all component parts, assigning a time within such cycle for the maintenance work on each component. The schedule shall include a daily check of all normal operating brakes, all communications, and all stopping devices, both manual and automatic. A daily check shall also be made to assure that the counterweight sheaves are free to turn. Also included shall be periodic checks of all emergency brakes. A signed complete log or diary shall be kept of the actual execution of maintenance work recorded daily. Such log shall not only state that the component is given attention on that day, but also the condition of the component if it shows any signs of deterioration, and also the replacement of any components. It shall also contain a daily record of the position of all counterweights and bull wheel carriages.

(b) Special inspections. Each tramway shall be inspected at least once each year by a specialist acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

(c) Special requirements for cables. Ropes and cables in all installations subject to the provisions of this Subchapter shall conform to the following:

(1) Track cables. All end connections and areas near saddles shall be inspected at established intervals of time for broken wires and worn spots. At longer intervals, the whole length shall be inspected. Such intervals shall not be longer than those recommended by the track cable manufacturer.

(2) Hauling ropes. The general condition of hauling ropes, including those of cable links for monorail lifts, and also including splices, shall be noted each day by the observation of one complete cycle under normal operating conditions. At established intervals, the whole length of rope shall be examined for conditions such as broken wires, worn spots, pitting, lubrication, and the like. Fixed grips shall be moved and the rope inspected at least once every 2 years, but not at longer periods than recommended by the tramway designer. For purposes of maintaining orderly and useful records, it is suggested that they be moved uniform distances and always in the same direction. Each time a fixed grip is moved, the rope which has been under and near the grip shall be examined for deterioration, and records should be made which will make it possible at any time during the life of the rope to locate the spots where grips have previously been located. On the link-type hauling ropes of monorail lifts with swaged button-end fittings, links should be removed at random and proof-tested for safety factor and signs of corrosion annually or more often as required.

(3) Counterweight and other ropes and cables. Counterweight and other ropes and cables are subject, when applicable, to the provisions specified for track cables and hauling ropes in paragraphs (1) and (2).

(4) All ropes and cables. Lubrication shall be carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the designer of the tramway. Retirement of rope from service shall occur on the basis of the general condition and history of the rope and its predecessors as indicated by the inspection reports. Consideration shall be given to the condition of the splices, the deterioration or corrosion, the surface wear and the number of broken wires in the worst rope lay.

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.449 (relating to line equipment); and 34 Pa. Code § 7.469 (relating to line equipment).