Cable Car Operators Exhibit Nervousness Over World Cup Event
(Warning: This article discusses technical issues related to cable car systems and safety procedures. It's intended for informational purposes only.)
Thrills at the World Cup, Trouble at Semmering
In the midst of the winter sports excitement, the Semmering-Hirschenkogel cable car staff found themselves in a hair-raising predicament last December. After the likes of Federica Brignone, Wendy Holdener, and Katharina Liensberger had disembarked the 8-seater gondola at the summit, an employee stumbled upon a chilling discovery during an inspection.
Giant Slalom Gone Wrong, Life-Saver at SemmeringA glaring crack on the support of the cabin lift set alarm bells off not only at the Magic Mountain but also at various cable car operators worldwide.
Alert issued by Doppelmayr
The renowned Austrian cable car specialist Doppelmayr has since issued a warning to operators of similar lifts about the potential safety risk. Upon investigating the matter, it was found that material fatigue and the subsequent "fatigue crack" were the culprits.
All fixed and detachable chairlifts of the Girak-Garaventa company of the same type, built between 1997 and 2003, might face similar damage in the area of the support yoke or headrest, according to the warning.
Safety check urged
Consequently, the CS2501_100 safety notice was sent to all lift operators worldwide. "If this area has not been checked in previous inspections, we recommend performing a check as soon as possible. Due to the existing corrosion effects and the crack pattern, it was clearly evident that it was a fatigue crack," writes Doppelmayr in the notice.
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Cable car authority gets involved
Given the imminent danger, the cable cars at Semmering were temporally halted and reported to the top cable car authority within the ministry of transport.
Within a few hours, Doppelmayr technicians were on-site at Hirschenkogel to assess the damage, as conveyed by Viktor Babushchak, CEO of the Panhans-Holding-Group, to which the lifts belong.
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Damaged part replaced
The cable car specialist's actions were described as "highly professional." The crack on the lift support was "encapsulated and welded." After a subsequent safety inspection, the cable car authority granted the cable cars permission to continue operating until the end of the winter season.
In the course of the overhaul, the cracked part has since been replaced.
If you're curious about the intricacies of the Doppelmayr bulletin CS2501_100 and what it means for cable car operators, a close analysis of Doppelmayr’s technical expertise, supported by their commitment to safety and industry best practices, points to a more extensive understanding of material fatigue risks in certain cable car components. Regular inspections, timely maintenance, and replacement of worn components, coupled with thorough documentation of repair activities, are essential elements in ensuring the reliability and safety of cable car systems.
- The issue of material fatigue was found to be the cause of the glaring crack on the support of the cable car at Hirschenkogel, similar to those found in fixed and detachable chairlifts of the Girak-Garaventa company built between 1997 and 2003.
- The safety notice CS2501_100 was sent to all lift operators worldwide, urging them to check the area of the support yoke or headrest if it had not been checked in previous inspections.
- The cracked part on the lift support was encapsulated and welded after the safety inspection, allowing the cable cars to continue operating until the end of the winter season.
- The overhaul process, which included the replacement of the damaged part, was the result of Doppelmayr's commitment to safety and industry best practices, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections, timely maintenance, and thorough documentation of repair activities.
