THE chairlift at Patriata (Murree) was installed decades ago. It has been providing fun to the tourists.

I wonder if the chairlift is being inspected and tested periodically for its load. A typical load test comprises loading the uphill chairs with bags of water, secured in boxes, weighing more than the worst case passenger loading scenario.

Is the system’s ability to start, stop, and forestall reverse operation being carefully evaluated against the system’s design parameters? The rope is the main item in a chairlift system. Is a frequent visual inspection of the rope being carried out besides undertaking periodic non-destructive testing? Electromagnetic induction testing detects a broken wire, corrosion, wear and tear, etc. Is the rope being regularly lubricated to protect it from corrosion thus ensuring safe operation?

The maintenance may require stopping the chairlift operation for a few days which is worth it and should be agreed to by the management. This is necessary for the safety of human lives involved.

Air-Cdre (r) Azfar A Khan

Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2017