CHAIRLIFT EVACUATION MANUAL - TOGGENBURG SKI … Evacuation/11-3-2015 Chair... · 2015-11-19 · Lift Evacuation Plan ... “Master Copy” maintained in the Patrol Room with copies

WOS: Toggenburg Ski Patrol / Chair Evac / 2015 Revisions / ChairEvac Procedure rev 11/3/15 1

CHAIRLIFT

EVACUATION

MANUAL


TOGGENBURG MOUNTAIN WINTER SPORTS CENTER

CHAIRLIFT EVACUATION MANUAL

- CONTENTS - Chairlift Evacuation

Objective ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3

Chairlift Evacuation Training ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3

Lift Evacuation Plan ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 Chairlift Evacuation Guidelines

General Procedure ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4

Individual Evacuation -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5

Emergency Lighting During a Power Outage - ---------------------------------------------------- 6

Mass Casualty (MCI) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 Evacuation Leader’s Check List ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 Chairlift Information

Number of chairs between towers & Unloading Times (5 min / passenger) ------------------ 9

Number of chairs between towers & Unloading Times (7 min / passenger) ----------------- 10 Organization Chart for Chairlift Evacuation ------------------------------------------------------------------ 11 Toggenburg Management - Telephone Numbers ----------------------------------------------------------- 11 Toggenburg Ski Patrol Board of Directors - Telephone Numbers ------------------------------------ 12 Toggenburg Ski Patrol Roster by ZIP Code ------------------------------------------------------------------ 13 Chairlift Evacuee Record ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 Courtesy Cards (Sample) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 Chairlift Evacuation Procedure

Twelve Steps ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17

Basic Belaying with Back-up Belayer ---------------------------------------------------------------- 19

Belaying with Harness and Figure 8 Friction Device ------------------------------------------- 20

Moving the Evacuation Rope to the Next Chair -------------------------------------------------- 22

Removing the Evacuation Rope from the Chairlift Cable ------------------------------------- 22

Special Chairlift Evacuation Situations Chair Stopping on Haul Cable Carrier Sheaves --------------------------------------------- 23 Non-cooperative Person ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23 Adaptive Skiing Equipment ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 24

Line Slinger Instructions --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26

Line Launcher Instructions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 27

Attaching the tag-line to the line launcher projectile -------------------------------------------- 28

Sheet Bend ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28 Contents of Chairlift Evacuation Equipment Bags --------------------------------------------------------- 29 Location of Chairlift Evacuation Equipment Bags --------------------------------------------------------- 29 Chairlift Evacuation Rope ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30 Rope Care ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30 Line Saver ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32 Chairlift Evacuation Training Log (Sample) ------------------------------------------------------------------ 33 NYSDOL Part 32.6 / ANSI B77.1 Section 4.3.2.5.7 - Provisions for Evacuation ------------------ 34 Inspection Logs – Completed logs located in Ski Patrol Office

Sample Chairlift Evacuation Equipment Inspection Log – Line Launcher -------------- 35

Sample Chairlift Evacuation Equipment Inspection Log – Bag # --------------------------- 36


Toggenburg Mountain Winter Sports Center

Chairlift Evacuation OBJECTIVE In the event of a chairlift malfunction, Toggenburg’s objective is to evacuate all passengers in a safe and efficient manner within two hours of the malfunction. All passengers will be evacuated from the mountain to shelter as safely and as quickly as possible. Chairlift Evacuation Training

Chairlift evacuation training will be conducted by the Toggenburg Ski Patrol in the fall of each year prior to

Toggenburg Mountain Winter Sports Center’s opening day.

Training on the various chairlifts will include instruction in how to perform the various functions involved

with chairlift evacuation, actual evacuation of passengers from the chairlift, and Evacuation Leader duties

and responsibilities.

Additional training will be done on an “as needed” basis, with at least one (1) additional chair-evac training

session held during the ski season.

Trainees will include Toggenburg’s Mountain Crew and Ski Patrol. Others, would be invited to participate

and would include Fabius Fire and Rescue, Ski School Instructors, and Arise Program instructors.

Training by the ski patrol will be documented with training logs kept in the Chairlift Evacuation Manual

“Master Copy” maintained in the Patrol Room with copies in the Mountain Crew’s copy of the Chairlift

Evacuation Manual.

LIFT EVACUATION PLAN Whenever a chair lift will not restart under its primary power source, the lift operator will go through "Operator Check Lists". If the lift will still not start, the operator will call the Mountain Crew and tell them that the lift is down and will not start and also notify Ski Patrol of the “Alert”. The Ski Patrol Chief of Hill (COH) will verify patrol members’ location and request them to gather at either the Ski Patrol Top Shack, the Patrol Room, or the bottom operator’s shack of the effected chairlift. The lift mechanic will report to the affected lift and determine the cause of the problem. The lift mechanic will inform Senior Management of the cause of the alert and the estimated time necessary to repair the lift. The Senior Manager will be responsible for deciding to empty the lift of all passengers and by what means. If the chairlift can run on auxiliary power the chairlift will run at slow speed to unload passengers. If a chairlift evacuation is necessary, the Senior Manager will inform the Ski Patrol COH that the chairlift evacuation plan is in effect. A chairlift will be evacuated if the repair time is estimated to be longer than fifteen minutes. The Senior Manager will announce the need for chairlift evacuation on all radio frequencies. The Ski Patrol’s Chief-of-Hill is the Evacuation Leader (EL). If the COH is on the affected lift, another patroller will assume the role of Evacuation Leader until the COH can be at the Evacuation Control Center. The Evacuation Leader will follow the procedures contained in the “Chair Lift Evacuation Guidelines” and

the "Evacuation Leader Check List".


Chair Lift Evacuation Guidelines

1. General Procedures

a) Evacuation is only initiated at the request of the Operations Manager or designated member of his staff. This request is made to Ski Patrol Chief of Hill (COH). The COH or designated Patroller is the Evacuation Leader (EL) and shall be responsible for the entire evacuation.

b) Management will issue the Evacuation Alert.

c) Power to the lift will be disconnected and locked out by the Mountain Crew Leader and the

Evacuation Leader. Lift attendants are instructed to abstain from attempting a restart of the lift until given permission from both the Operations Manager and the EL.

d) If on-duty ski patrollers are on the lift, area staff will evacuate them first. e) In consultation with the EL, the Operations Manager will determine whether outside assistance is

needed, e.g. to initiate 911 request for assistance, to request Fabius Rescue, call for additional ski patrollers, etc.

f) The EL command location will be in the Ski Patrol room or other area designated by Management

g) The El will assign a person to travel (ski or snowmobile) the length of the Chairlift to notify

occupants of Evacuation, Identify Special Needs people, & determine # of passengers.

h) The EL will form 3-person Rescue Teams consisting of:

A team Captain who coordinates the team’s activities with the evacuee, handles the tag line, and assists the evacuee at ground level.

One person trained in chairlift evacuation procedures who will be the prime belayer.

One person to act as the backup belayer, this person can be recruited from the bystanders.

Team Captains, if practical, are to be Ski Patrollers i) Gather equipment. One (1) set of Chairlift Evacuation Equipment is located in the Ski Patrol top

shack, and one (1) set in each of the base chairlift houses (total of 4 rescue packs).

j) The EL will assign Rescue Teams to lift towers, distributing teams as evenly as possible. There are 8 towers on the triple chair, 12 on South double chair, and 12 on the North double chair.

k) Each rescue team will have at least one radio for communication with the EL.

l) Communication between the Mountain Crew and Ski Patrol should be through the EL and

Mountain Crew Leader to minimize confusion.

m) Rescue Teams and equipment will be moved to their assigned location by skiing to the assigned site or by transport with area vehicles.

n) The Team Captains will explain evacuation procedure to each passenger before evacuation.

(Note: instruct passengers: not to jump, not to remove equipment, to keep calm, assist in medical emergency, how to keep warm).

o) Children must be evacuated from the chair before adults. Handicapped people must be

evacuated before their guide or coach if they are riding with one. On the triple chairlift if a chair is occupied by 3 people, the middle person is evacuated first.


Important Note: Arise and Ski participants at Toggenburg use the triple chair to get to the top of the mountain. If you have to evacuate them from the chairlift, you must evacuate one of the mentors first, the person with the adaptive equipment next, and the remaining mentor last.

p) During the evacuation no Ski Patroller will be allowed to climb a tower. Only Mountain Crew personnel are to climb lift towers, and only without ski boots.

q) Give priority to passengers in exposed areas and those that may need special attention.

r) Give first aid to passengers as needed. Check for shock, fatigue, frostbite, and symptoms of

hypothermia.

s) Team leaders shall give each passenger a “Courtesy Ticket” and direct them to the patrol room, or arrange transportation to the patrol room. The EL will ask each evacuated passenger to sign an evacuation roster. The EL or designee will sign the courtesy ticket. Evacuated passengers should be encouraged to warm up before going skiing again. The EL will arrange for emergency transportation if necessary.

t) Rescue Teams are to remove all equipment from the lift when the evacuation is completed.

u) The EL will dispatch a final sweep of the lift. The sweep personnel must check that:

All passengers are off the lift.

All skiers are clear of the lift and it’s approaches.

No skiers are still struggling to get from the lift to the patrol room.

No items of equipment have been left on the lift cable, chairs, or on the hill. v) After completion of the lift line sweep, management shall be notified by the EL that the lift is clear

for restarting and the EL will remove his/her lock from the lockout. w) After rescue operations are complete, all equipment will be brought to the patrol room for

inspection and evaluation. x) All chairlift evacuation equipment must be inspected. This will be done by the Toggenburg Ski

Patrol’s Chairlift Evacuation Advisor. After inspection, equipment that is safe for reuse is to be cleaned, dried, repacked, and returned to staging locations for future use. Equipment that must be replaced should be stored in the patrol room and marked clearly as “damaged” or “to be replaced.”

y) Any questions by the public about any phases of the evacuation are to be referred to

management. Ski Patrol members should not make any statements to the public or media unless specifically asked to do so by management.

z) The EL, Mountain Crew Manager, rescue personnel, and operations crews will conduct a follow-

up evaluation of the operation and submit a written report to management to improve the effectiveness of future evacuation. This evaluation should occur as soon after the evacuation event as practically possible.

2) Individual Evacuation

a) This type of evacuation is usually limited to areas adjacent to the loading or unloading areas and is generally required when a passenger fails to load or unload successfully.

b) Act quickly! Stop the lift immediately (emergency stop).

c) Evacuate with ladder if practical. d) Administer first aid if needed. e) Remove equipment if needed.


f) Assure all clear. g) Operator will restart lift after checking the area to see that all is clear. h) If the lift has to be stopped longer than 5-10 minutes, arrange to inform passengers on the lift

about the problem and ask them to remain patient.

i) After rescue operations are complete, all equipment will be brought to the patrol room for inspection and evaluation.

j) All chairlift evacuation equipment must be inspected. This will be done by the Toggenburg Ski

Patrol’s Chairlift Evacuation Facilitator. After inspection, equipment that is safe for reuse is to be cleaned, dried, repacked, and returned to staging locations for future use. Equipment that must be replaced should be stored in the patrol room and marked clearly as “damaged” or “to be replaced.”

k) After rescue operations are complete, all equipment will be brought to the patrol room for

inspection and evaluation.

l) All chairlift evacuation equipment must be inspected. This will be done by theToggenburg Ski Patrol’s Chairlift Evacuation Facilitator. After inspection, equipment that is safe for reuse is to be cleaned, dried, repacked, and returned to staging locations for future use. Equipment that must be replaced should be stored in the patrol room and marked clearly as “damaged” or “to be replaced.”

m) Evaluate cause for problem to improve effectiveness for future.

3) Emergency Lighting During a Power Failure

Emergency lighting is available through the use of area vehicle lighting and emergency flares. The emergency flares are available in each of the Top Lift Shacks. They are located in 3-ich PVC pipe which is capped at both ends and mounted on each of the chairlift top shack’s wall. Additional lighting is available through the 911 Emergency System.

4) Mass Casualty Incident (MCI)

Mass Causality Incidents will be addressed through the Triage Categories and initiating 911 Emergency response. MCI management procedures will be done in cooperation with local rescue organizations.


Chairlift Evacuation

Evacuation Leader’s (EL) Check List

Chief of Hill Name: _________________________________________ Date: _______________ Evacuation Leader’s Name: __________________________________Start Time: ___________ Operations Manager’s Name: _________________________________Position: ____________ Outside Assistance Requested: Yes____ No ____ Time: _______________

What/Who:______________________________________________________________ EL Command Location:________________________________________________________ ___ Lock out by Operations & Ski Patrol. Who has keys?______________________________ Weather Conditions: Temp:______ Wind:_________ Visibility:_________ Precip:____________ ___ Call main office and request help for call-ins & other non-evac assistance. ___ Call in additional patrollers – start with closest – see roster sorted by ZIP Code. ___ Assign person to travel (ski or snowmobile) the length of the Chairlift to notify occupants of

Evacuation, Identify Special Needs people, & determine # of passengers. Name: _________ ___ Form rescue teams and assign locations to begin Chairlift Evacuation. Give priority to

Special Needs Passengers (i.e. Injuries, Hypothermia, etc.) ___ Assign a radio to each evacuation team leader. Communication between the Mountain Crew

and Ski Patrol should be through the EL and Mountain Crew Leader to minimize confusion.

Team No.

Location Assigned Team Captain Team Member Team Member

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Note:

There are 8 Towers on the Triple Chair and 12 Towers on both Double Chairs.

Chairlift Evacuation Equipment locations are: Bag 1 & 5 – Top Shack; Bag 2 – Bottom Shack of North Double Chair; Bag 3 – Bottom Shack of South Double Chair; Bag 4 – Bottom Shack of Triple Chair


___ Provide each evacuee with a Courtesy Card. Cards are located in each equipment bag. ___ Obtain names and addresses of all evacuees. Use the log sheets provided in the Chair-evac

Manuel ___ Rescue teams to remove all rescue equipment from the chairlift when evacuation is

completed. ___ When all rescue equipment has been removed from the chairlift remove the lockout. ___ Assign Patrollers to do a final sweep of the chairlift. ___ Notify Operations Manager that evacuation operations are complete after the chairlift sweep is

finished.

Time evacuation operations were completed: _________________

___ Have rescue team leaders assure that all chair-evac equipment is returned to the Patrol Room for inspection and evaluation.

___ Arrange for chair-evac equipment inspection ASAP. ___ Conduct a follow-up evaluation of incident ASAP and submit a written report to Management.

The evaluation team is to include the EL, rescue personnel, operations crew, and the TSP chairlift evacuation program advisor.

NOTE: Each chair-evac bag contains 16 mylar emergency blankets which can be thrown up to passengers to use to shelter them from the weather. IMPORTANT:

Any questions by the public about any phases of the evacuation are to be referred to management. Ski Patrol members must not make any statements to the public or media unless specifically asked to do so by management.

Ski Patrollers are not allowed to climb towers, nor are they allowed to ascend ropes unless properly trained and approved by management.


Chairlift Information

Number of chairs between towers Unloading Times for Maximum Load (5 min / passenger)

Tower North Double Chairlift

South Double Chairlift Triple Chairlift

1 - 2 3 3 3

2 – 3 5 6 6

3 – 4 5 5 5

4 – 5 5 6 6

5 – 6 4 4 7

6 – 7 6 7 7

7 – 8 6 6 2

8 – 9 3 4 2

9 – 10 3 4

10 – 11 3 3

11 – 12 3 3

Max. Chairs 46 51 38

Max. Passengers 92 102 114

*Time to Unload 5 min/pas 5 min/pas 5 min/pas

4 Teams 1.92 hrs. 2.13 hrs. 2.38 hrs.

5 Teams 1.53 hrs. 1.70 hrs. 1.90 hrs.

6 Teams 1.28 hrs. 1.42 hrs. 1.58 hrs.

7 teams 1.09 hrs. 1.20 hrs. 1.36 hrs.

Areas of concern:

North Double Chair – None noted

South Double Chair – between towers 6 & 9 Use caution due to steep slope and frequent

icy surface conditions.

Triple chair – between towers 6 & 7 Use caution due to steep slope and frequent icy

surface conditions.

*Approximate time for fully loaded evacuation: (Consider Number of teams, number of

passengers, time per passenger – Assume 5 min)


Chairlift Information

Number of chairs between towers

Unloading Times for Maximum Load (7 min / passenger)

Tower North Double (12 Towers)

South Double (12 Towers)

Triple (8 Towers)

1 - 2 3 3 3

2 – 3 5 6 6

3 – 4 5 5 5

4 – 5 5 6 6

5 – 6 4 4 7

6 – 7 6 7 7

7 – 8 6 6 2

8 – 9 3 4 2

9 – 10 3 4

10 – 11 3 3

11 – 12 3 3

Max. Chairs 46 51 38

Max. Passengers 92 102 114

*Time to Unload w/ Max passengers

7 min/pas 7 min/pas 7 min/pas

4 Teams 2.7 hrs. 3.0 hrs. 3.3 hrs.




Areas of concern due to terrain:

North Double Chair – None noted

South Double Chair – between towers 6 & 9 Use caution due to steep slope and frequent icy

surface conditions.

Triple chair – between towers 6 & 7 Use caution due to steep slope and frequent icy surface

conditions.

*Approximate time for fully loaded chairlift evacuation: (Consider Number of teams, number of passengers, time per passenger – assume 7 min/passenger)


Toggenburg Mountain Emergency Contacts Office: 315-683-5842 General Manager Daryn Hickey Tel: Cell: 315-427-9738 Mountain Manager Eric Waite Tel: Cell: 315-413-1020 Marketing & Office Manager Jessie Novak Tel: Cell: 315-632-2194 Ski School Manager Jim Morris Tel: Home: 315-662-3665 Cell: 315-416-9319 Food & Beverage Services Manager Lance Wheatley Tel: Cell: 315-727-1926 Accounting Marion Budnar Tel: Home: 315-655-4836

Cell: 315-436-4145


Toggenburg Ski Patrol Board of Directors

Patrol Leader Cindy Hoalcraft Tel: Home: (315) 434-9371

Work: (315) 443-4809 Cell: (315) 243-9284 Assistant Patrol Leader Bill Goode Tel: Work: (315) 445-4500 Cell: (315) 559-2707 Assistant Patrol Leader Rich Pietrafesa Tel: Home: (315) 478-8312

Cell: (315) 952-2831 Patroller at Large Liz Kiggins Tel: Home (315) 637-9001

Work: (315) 432-6031 Cell: (315) 256-5902

Patroller at Large Rob Winter` Tel: Home: (315) 637-0112 Cell: (315) 391-4840 Treasurer Evelyn Tordoff Tel: Home: (315) 815-4012 Work: (315) 815-5092

Cell: (315) 744-7770 Secretary Walt Shepard Tel: Home: (315) 637-8060 Cell: (315) 427-2834





Sample Courtesy Card

Chairlift Evacuation Record

Chair/Tower ____Time_____

Passenger Name

__________________________ Home Address

________________

_____________ Home Telephone Number

( )___-_______

We at Toggenburg are sorry for the inconvenience you

experienced today. Please present this card to the customer service desk.

___________________________________ / _____________ Ski Patrol Authorizing Signature Date



Passenger Name

__________________________ Home Address

________________


( )___-_______






Passenger Name

__________________________ Home Address

________________


( )___-_______





Chairlift Evacuation Procedure 1. Attach the tag line (smaller diameter rope) to the carabiner on the throwing device which consists of

a softball with hook eye and a carabiner.

2. Throw the softball (throwing device) over the chairlift cable.

Note: Alternate methods of placing the evacuation rope over the lift cable are shown on pages 26 - 29 of this procedure and include a powered line launcher and a sling shot device.

3. Attach the evacuation rope (larger diameter rope) to the tag line and pull up over the cable.

4. Seat the line saver over the cable. Note: the line saver will be located within 2 - 4 feet of the loop near the rope’s leading end as it comes out of the stuff bag.

5. Attach the evacuation rope to the eye at the top of the evacuation seat with a self-locking carabiner. 6. Using a carabiner attach the tag line to the evacuation seat at the small hook eye located ~3/4 way

down the seat’s vertical component. 7. The Team Leader must reassure the evacuee that he/she will be safely removed from the chair and

explain and demonstrate how to put the evacuation seat’s rope sling into the “under arms” position. 8. The Team Leader must explain and demonstrate how to sit on the evacuation seat, hold onto the

seat’s upright, and push off from chair. 9. The Team Leader must check with all team members to assure they are ready to take the load before

the evacuation seat is moved to the evacuee. 10. Haul the evacuation seat up to the evacuee.

11. Slowly lower the evacuee to the ground.

Throwing Device

Locking

Carabiner Line Saver Evacuation Seat

Launching the Tag Line

Getting off the chair Slowly lower to the ground


12. In order to increase the friction on the evacuation rope and reduce the force required by the belayer, cross the belay end of the evacuation rope under (down-hill) the portion of the rope that will attach to the evacuation seat. The belayer changes side to do this and will now be on the south side of the chairlift cable. This will ease the amount of force the belayer has to apply while lowering an individual to the ground. Note: it will also increase the amount of force required to raise the evacuation chair into position. (See the pictures below.)

Low friction / High Force Setup. High Friction / Low Force Setup


Basic Belaying with Back-up Belayer

This least preferred method uses the belayer’s arms and body to control the decent of the evacuee with a back-up belayer available in case the primary belayer falls or looses control of the rope. Basic belaying position using arms and body:

a. Proper hand position.

b. Rope begins to slide

evacuee to be lowered

c. Friction is decreased by swinging the brake arm outward.

d. To stop the rope, increase friction by swing the brake arm across the chest

Team & Equipment Positions

Position of belayer & back-up belayer

Position of Belayer, Back-up Belayer, and Anchor Person (if available)

Team Leader

Belayer (Back-up Belayer not shown)

Evacuation Rope

Evacuation Seat

Tag Line

Chair-lift Cable


Belaying with a Harness and Figure 8 Friction Device This preferred belaying method uses a harness and figure 8 friction device to control the decent of the evacuee with a back-up belayer available in case the primary belayer falls or looses control of the rope.

1. Make a rescue harness using the 6-foot blue webbing sling.

Starting from the back wrap the webbing around your waist, holding the two loops in one hand reach down through your legs and grasp the loop of the sling that is hanging in the back and pull the webbing up between your legs.

Now take the webbing that came from the back, make two loops and pull each loop through the loops made at the beginning. Join the two resulting loops together and attach them through the carabiner. This makes a harness with loops around the waist and both legs.

2. Make a loop (bight) in the evacuation rope, place it in the figure 8 friction device, then attach the

figure 8 to the carabiner as shown below.

3. Control the decent of the evacuee by varying the amount of friction generated by moving the brake hand towards the hip to increase friction and towards the front to decrease friction.

4. When using a figure 8 friction device the following precautions must be taken:


Decent of the evacuee should be smooth and at a constant rate. A rapid rate of decent can generate heat in the friction device and possibly damage the rope.

The rescue rope needs to remain clean and untangled so it runs smoothly and continuously. Watch your feet and other body parts for entanglements.

6. Belaying positions are the same as for the basic belay procedure.

7. A third team member to act as an anchor is good safety practice. Recruit a bystander to assist if

necessary.

Belayer & Back-up Belayer

Belayer, Back-up Belayer,

& Anchor Person


Moving the Evacuation Rope to the Next Chair After each chair is emptied, the evacuation rope will be "flipped" over the chair and moved to the next one. To do this the Leader will position him or herself on the carrier grip spring side (North) of the haul cable approximately 3 to 6 feet downhill from the chair and approximately 6 feet outside of the chair. The Belayer will move to a similar position on the other side of the haul rope. The evacuation rope will be pulled down to the grip. The rope saver will remain on the haul cable. The Leader, on the side with the spring pack, will flip first. While the Leader is flipping, the Assistant will do nothing except hold on to his/her end of the evacuation rope. There should be no simultaneous flipping of the evac rope. The Belayer will then flip the rope to finish the job. If the evacuation rope does not completely fly over the grip, flip the rope back and try again. If the evacuation rope still does not completely fly over the grip (but goes over the spring pack), both team members should move 10 feet below the chair and close enough to shake hands. The Belayer will then flip the rope to finish the job. Next, reposition the rope saver back onto the haul rope and pull the evacuation rope to the next chair. When a tower is reached, the evacuation rope will be taken off the haul cable and moved below the tower and the whole process repeated.

Removing the Evac Rope from the Chairlift Cable To remove the evac rope flip the rope saver off of the haul rope. Slowly pull the evac rope from the haul rope. Be very careful not to pull the evac rope too fast because when the free end of the evac rope is near the haul rope it could start to whip and you might unintentionally tie a hitch around the haul cable. This could be a big problem getting it loose.


Special Chairlift Evacuation Situations

Chair Stopping on Haul Cable Carrier Sheaves In the event a chair stops over the sheaves at a lift tower the chair-evac team must call the

Mountain Crew and request assistance.

A member of the Mountain Crew will climb the tower and thread the evacuation rope between the

sheaves so that the end of the rope drops to the ground in front of the chair to be evacuated. The

line saver must be placed on the haul cable.

The evacuation team will then proceed with their chair-evacuation procedure.

When chair evacuation is complete the chair- evac team will pull the end of the rope back up to

the pulley carrier and the member of the Mountain Crew will free the rope and line saver.

SKI PATROLLERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO CLIMB TOWERS

Non-Cooperative Person

When a non-cooperative person is encountered during a chairlift evacuation, the evacuation

team leader will contact the evacuation leader (EL) and inform him/her of the location (Lift, chair

number, and nearest tower), the age of the person, and the reason for not wanting to be

evacuated. The evacuation team will then move to the next person to be evacuated, and come

back to the non-cooperative person when help arrives.

The EL will request assistance from the Mountain Crew. If there is no one available from the

Mountain Crew, the EL will contact 911 and request assistance.

The person sent to assist with the non-cooperative person will ascend to the chair and assist that

person onto the evacuation chair. That person will then be lowered to the ground using standard

chair-evac procedures.

Note: A second rope will be required for climbing to the non-cooperative person. Ski Patrollers

are not to ascend unless they have the proper training and are approved for such duty by

Toggenburg’s management team.


Adaptive Skiing Equipment

The Arise and Ski program at Toggenburg uses special adaptive skiing equipment which enables individuals with mobility, visual, or cognitive impairments to experience the thrills of skiing.

There are several types of adaptive skiing equipment, including sit-skis, mono skis, and bi-skis (collectively called SMBs). For chairlift evacuation purposes the SMBs are the evacuation device. Each of the different units is equipped with a nylon webbing safety harness permanently attached to the unit. This provides a single attachment point to fasten to our evacuation rope. All of the people using this type of equipment will be assisted by two trained assistants or mentors. Each of these assistants is knowledgeable in the chairlift evacuation procedures for these skiing devices.

Important Note: Arise and Ski participants at Toggenburg use the triple chair to get to the top of the mountain. If you have to evacuate them from the chairlift, you must evacuate one of the mentors first, the person with the adaptive equipment next, and the remaining mentor last.

Some SMBs are equipped with a retention device that attaches the SMB to the chair during the chairlift ride. When evacuating an SMB-user, this securing device (if used) must be released from the chair after the evacuation rope is attached and before starting to lower the passenger.

Outrigger users should not be asked to “drop” their forearm crutches. Loosing or breaking the outriggers will no longer allow the individual to be mobile once lowered from the chair. The outriggers should be lowered separately from the skier.

Bi & Mono - Skis


Once the evacuation rope and tag line are attached, lower the person slowly to the ground.

Note: All of the people using this type of equipment in the ARISE program will be assisted by trained assistants or mentors. Each of these assistants is knowledgeable in the chairlift evacuation procedures for these skiing devices.


Line Slinger Instructions

The Line Slinger combines a fishing reel and a slingshot to provide a lightweight, portable, and accurate device capable of propelling a weighted fishing line over lift cables up to 75 feet above the ground.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. A location midway between chairs should be selected and skiers and other people warned to stay clear of the area where the weighted line may fall. 2. The person with the line slinger should be positioned slightly to the side of the lift cable on the down-cable side. The Individual should face the lift cable and slightly up-hill. Aim to project the weight up BETWEEN the up-cable and the adjacent center cable. If the line is projected over more than the up-cable, you will have to start over. 3. To prepare the Line Slinger, press the drag release at the rear of the reel while cupping the weight in your hand. 4. Pull just enough line out of the reel to wrap around the front of the slingshot, back between the vertical side posts, and into the leather pouch. 5. Grip the pouch (the weight should be centered in it) with thumb and forefinger of left hand. Hold the Line Slinger with the right hand, keep right arm straight (elbow locked), and pull back toward left cheek. The distance pulled back will depend on the height of the cable. 6. If the weight, when fired, goes over the wrong cable or too many cables, care must be taken when reeling in the line. As the weight approaches a cable, it will tend to wrap around the cable it unless it is reeled in very slowly. 7. After a successful "sling", tie the tag line to the end of the fishing line. 8. Reel in the fishing line which will pull the tag line back over the chairlift up-cable. Then untie the fishing line from the tag line and tie the tag line to the evacuation rope. 9. Pull the tag line to lift the evacuation rope up and over the cable. (Proceed normally from here).

CAUTION: Do not aim the sling shot at people either on the ground or in lift chairs.


Line Launcher Instructions

(Lucky Launcher II)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. A location midway between chairs should be selected and skiers and other people warned to stay clear of the area where the projectile may land.

2. The person with the Line Launcher should be positioned slightly to the side of the lift cable on the down-cable side. The Individual should face the lift cable and slightly up-hill. Aim the projectile BETWEEN the up-cable and the adjacent center cable. If the line is projected over more than the up-cable, you will have to start over.

3. To prepare the Line Launcher tie the tag-line to the loop on the Projectile then slide the Projectile onto the launcher shaft.

4. Open the breech by depressing the breech lock thumb latch and tip the shaft assembly down to gain access to the chamber.

5. Insert a 22 caliber Blank cartridge into the chamber. Make certain the cartridge is fully seated. 6. Close the unit and press the thumb latch in to assure that it is fully closed. 7. Aim the unit in the direction you wish to fire the projectile, placing the shoulder stock firmly against

your shoulder. 8. Pull back the bolt to the locked position. 9. The Launcher is now ready to fire. Pull the trigger when ready. 10. To remove the spent cartridge, depress the breech lock thumb latch and tip the shaft assembly down

to gain access to the extracted shell casing. The extractor will not eject the shell but raise it enough to be easily removed.

11. Always remove the projectile from the barrel when not in use. 12. Proceed normally from here.

CAUTION: Do not aim the Line Launcher at people either on the ground or in lift chairs.

Projectile

Tag Line

Launcher


Attaching the Tag-line to the Line Launcher Projectile

Sheet Bend (Knot)

The Sheet Bend knot is used to attach the 1/8” nylon Tag Line to the Line Launcher Projectile or Line Slinger Mono-filament Line.

1. Using the metal wire loop on the Line Launcher Projectile pass the 1/8” Nylon Tag Line end up through the loop, around both portions of the loop, and then back under itself (fig. 1).

2. Next pull the knot tight (fig. 2) and finish getting ready to launch the line.

Pass the line loop over the end of the projectile

Pull the loop snug and you are ready to go.

Insert the tagline loop into the line launcher projectile loop


Contents of Chairlift Evacuation Equipment Bags Evacuation Rope (11 mm X 150 ft. kernmantle static nylon rescue line 6050lb. rating)

Yellow Stuff bag for Evacuation Rope

Line Saver attached to the rescue line near the leading end

Triple Lock Carabiner attached to end of Evacuation Rope

Throwing Device (softball with hook eye)

Locking Carabiner attached to Throwing Device

Line Slinger (Sling shot with line retrieval reel)

Two (2) - 200 ft. of 1/8 Inch kernmantle nylon tag line in stuff sack (350 lb. rating)

Two (2) - 6 ft. pre-tied Web Slings (for harness)

Triple Lock Carabiner for Web Sling

Figure 8 Friction Device

Laminated Instructions

Courtesy Cards

Mylar Emergency Blankets (16) With each of Chairlift Evacuation Equipment Bags are two (2) Evacuation Seats, and one (1) powered line launcher.

Location of Chairlift Evacuation Equipment

In-season storage of the Chairlift Evacuation Equipment is as follows:

Bag 1 (red) stored in the Ski Patrol’s Top Shack.

Bag 2 (red) stored in the North double chair’s bottom lift operator’s building.

Bag 3 (grey) stored in the South double chair’s bottom lift operator’s building.

Bag 4 (grey) stored in the triple chair’s bottom lift operator’s building.

Bag 5 (black) stored in the Ski Patrol’s Top Shack. With each of Chairlift Evacuation Equipment Bags are two (2) Evacuation Seats, and one (1) powered line launcher. Off-season storage of the Chairlift Evacuation Equipment will be in the Ski Patrol area.


CHAIRLIFT EVACUATION ROPE

Chairlift Evacuation ropes are Static Kernmantle ropes. The name is derived from German “Kernmantel” which means core jacket. These ropes are designed with a braided sheath (the mantle) over continuous stranded core (the kern). The continuous stranded core is designed to prevent spin under load and limit stretch. The braided sheath offers protection to the inner load-bearing core from dirt and abrasion. These ropes are low stretch and are not meant for severe dynamic (shock) loading. Static ropes are designed for hauling, rappelling, and other applications.

Internal structure of 10.7mm dynamic kernmantle climbing rope

Typical specifications

Static ropes

Diameter Typical breaking strength Typical weight

9mm (~11/32") 21 kN (4700 lb) 51g/m (0.55oz/ft)

10mm (~3/8") 27 kN (6000 lb) 66g/m (0.71oz/ft)

10.5mm (~13/32") 30 kN (6750 lb) 69g/m (0.74oz/ft)

11mm (~7/16") 34 kN (7650 lb) 75g/m (0.81oz/ft)

11mm or 12.5 mm static rope is used at Toggenburg for chairlift evacuation

ROPE CARE All ropes should be inspected for wear and damage after each use. Always inspect the entire length of the rope, even when you don’t use all of it. Keep in mind that it is difficult to inspect wet rope. It is best to dry it first before inspecting it. Let one person complete the entire inspection of one rope. If you start splitting this job between different persons, they might miss something important.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_rope

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kernmantle_climbing_rope_dynamic_Sterling_10.7mm_internal_yarns.jpg


HOW TO INSPECT YOUR ROPE 1) Look at it.... All of it! - Start at one end and look at every inch of the rope. Watch for signs that

might indicate possible damage such as discoloration, chemical odors, abrasion, cuts or

nicks in the outer sheath and visible differences in the diameter of the rope in one area in

relation to the rest of the rope.

2) Wrap it in Small Loops and Look! - Wrap the rope around your hand to form small loops at

different random points along the ropes length. Look at these small loops as you make them,

the consistency of the loop should be uniform throughout. If it’s not, you might have a

problem with the ropes core.

3) Feel the rope! - While you are looking at every inch of the rope, run it through your bare

hands and feel it for changes that might mean damage to the core. Changes may include any

inconsistencies in rope diameter, soft or “mushy” spots, or extraordinarily stiff areas.

"Boogers," which indicate internal damage to the kern, will appear as tufts of white threads

poking out from the mantle. Ropes that have been severely stressed will have tapered

sections to the rope, where it is visibly or palpably thinner.

4) Write it all down! - Write the results of your inspection on the Chair-evac Equipment Log. Be

sure to include anything you found in your inspection that might be or become a problem and

document other important information about the rope such as an occurrence of uncontrolled

or excessive loading, rope older than 10 years, contact with harmful chemicals, history of

use.

5) If in doubt, THROW IT OUT! If you are not sure about the integrity of a rope.....DON’T USE

IT! Consult the manufacturer if you need help. Make a note on the Log every time something

happens to the rope including usage, inspection, cleaning, drying, or problems.

CLEANING ROPE

1) Wash It - You can wash dirty ropes by hand or in a front-loading washing machine using

cold to warm water with a mild soap. Non detergent soaps are best, but a mild detergent

is acceptable if used sparingly. Soap used should not contain any bleaching agents.

Avoid top loading washing machines with agitators because they tangle the rope severely

and might even cause damage from friction produced by rubbing of the synthetic rope

against the synthetic agitator. Note: Ropes can shrink up to about 6% after washing.

2) Lubricate It - Ropes may dry out and lose some flexibility as a result of washing. You

can prevent this by occasionally adding a little fabric softener (about a cup of Fabric

Softener) to the rinse cycle during rope washing. Don’t use any more than this or it might

damage the rope.

3) Dry It - Dry your rope in a clean, dry area out of direct sunlight. Avoid 1) commercial

dryers, 2) placing wet ropes on a concrete surface, and 3) exposure to exhaust fumes.

For best results, the rope should be laid in a loose coil or coiled around two objects in a

low-humidity environment.


4) Write It Down - Remember to record the cleaning on the Equipment Log.

5) Keep It Clean - After repacking, store your rope in a clean, dark, dry environment, away

from exposure to acids, other harmful chemicals, noxious fumes or other abuse.

Line Savers

The Line Saver is used to reduce the wear caused by lift evacuation operations and to speed the

evacuation process itself.

How to Use:

1. Thread the end of the evacuation line (usually an 11mm Kernmantle style rope) through

the shorter end of the line saver and tie the appropriate loop in the end of the line.

2. Using the small diameter tag line, pull the end of the rope protruding from the longer side

of the line saver over the cable from the outside of the cable to the inside. It is crucial the

long end of the line saver goes to the Evacuee and the short end is to the outside of

the haul cable to the belay point on the ground.

3. As the Line Saver reaches the cable and give it a quick, gentle tug. The Line Saver will

then roll over the cable and position itself on top of the cable allowing the rope to easily slide

through the Line Saver.

4. The rescuer may then attach a Chair Lift Evacuation seat and raise it up to the

Evacuee. Because the Line Saver will reduce the friction of the rope over the cable, it is

essential that a proper belay system be established by the Patroller on the ground. The

Evacuee may then be positioned on the seat and lowered to the ground.

5. When moving to the next chair, the Line Saver can be flipped over the grip with a rolling

motion applied to the rope. This works best if both patrollers on each end of the rope

maintain a relatively slack line and move slightly ahead of the grip and are positioned

approximately 10 feet from either side of the cable. The next chair may then be evacuated.

Adapted from the Cascade Rescue Site.- Posted by Dana Jordan on September 24, 2014


Sample Chair Evacuation Training Log


NY State Code Rule CR32.6 / ANSI B77.1 Section 4.3.2.5.7 ANSI B77, Section 4.3.2.5.7 Evacuation The owner of each aerial lift shall submit to the Commissioner a detailed written plan for evacuation of passengers from cabins or carriers in the event of a power failure or breakdown. The procedures set forth in the evacuation plan shall be tested, at any location on the lift, in the presence of the Commissioner at his request. The Commissioner, when satisfied with the evacuation plan and the results of the test, shall notify the owner in writing of such acceptance. A copy of the accepted plan shall be kept on the premises and shall be readily available to the Commissioner's representative. A plan for evacuation of passengers from each aerial lift shall be developed and documented. The plan shall include: a) The definition of the line of authority in the event of an evacuation. This line of authority shall list:

1) the individuals or positions responsible for determining the need for an evacuation; 2) the individuals or positions responsible for ordering an evacuation; 3) the individuals or positions responsible for performing the evacuation, for first aid, and for ground care of evacuated passengers;

b) a description of the equipment necessary for evacuation and where it will be stored; c) provisions for adequate training in the functions performed in the evacuation process at least once each operating season. Such drills are to be recorded in the operational log of each aerial lift (see 4.3.5.1); d) a statement that sufficient number of experienced evacuation personnel will be readily available to

evacuate the entire lift within 2 hours of the lift stoppage and any conditions which might cause this time to be exceeded; [an estimate of the time necessary for the total evacuation of each aerial lift;]

e) a description of unusual terrain conditions and how each of these conditions will be dealt with during an evacuation;

f) an estimate of when the evacuation should begin in the event the aerial lift becomes inoperable; g) provisions for communications with passengers of an inoperable aerial lift, the frequency of such

communication, how soon after the aerial lift becomes inoperable such communication to the passengers will start, and the frequency of communications thereafter;

h) the methods of evacuation to be used for the typical passenger, incapacitated passenger, passengers using common adaptive ski equipment, and non-ambulatory passengers;

i) provisions for communication with the evacuation teams; j) provisions for suspending the evacuation in the event that the aerial lift is made operable during the

evacuation; k) provisions for control and assistance of evacuated persons until released; l) provisions for a post-evacuation report available for review by the Commissioner. All nonmetallic rope used for evacuation shall be of nylon or polyester (Dacron) fiber of either laid or braided construction. Laid rope of nylon shall be of a hard lay. These ropes shall be either of a static rescue type or a dynamic mountaineering type. Breaking strength, when new, shall be at least 15 times the maximum expected operating load but in no case less than 5000 pounds 22.3 kilonewtons). No natural fiber or polypropylene ropes shall be used. These ropes shall be carefully stored when not in use and shall be examined after each completed aerial lift evacuation and prior to each season of operation, both summer and winter, to ascertain that they are in satisfactory condition. Carabiners, if used, shall be of the locking type.


Sample Chairlift Evacuation Equipment Inspection Logs


Documents

CHAIRLIFT EVACUATION MANUAL - TOGGENBURG SKI … Evacuation/11-3-2015 Chair... · 2015-11-19 · Lift Evacuation Plan ... “Master Copy” maintained in the Patrol Room with copies