Changes in the UNE-EN 1709 standard

We inform you of the changes in the UNE-EN 1709 standard relative to the safety requirements of cable transport facilities for people – Examination prior to commissioning, maintenance and controls in operation.

The widespread application of ropeways as public transport in urban areas advised a thorough review of the standard UNE-EN 1709 both in its content and in the periodicity of inspections.

The EN 1709:2019 standard thus replaces the EN 1709:2004. It should be noted that the scope of this standard has changed from “Examination prior to commissioning, maintenance and operational controls” to “Examination prior to commissioning, instructions for maintenance, inspection and operational controls“. In particular, the inspection intervals and methodology of special inspections have varied substantially (section 6.3.7).

From now on, for structural constituents subjected to high fatigue loads, the first special inspection is no longer distinguished from the following, and must now be performed every 15 years or 30,000 operating hours.

The periodicities of the special inspections of the brakes, calipers, suspensions also change in the new version of the standard.

All other safety components subject to fatigue loads shall be inspected with non-destructive tests, a first time after 15 years or after 30,000 hours of operation and thereafter every 10 years or after 20,000 hours of operation.

Withdrawal of the reference: According to Annex II of the COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2019/1923 of November 18, 2019 on harmonized standards on cable transport facilities drawn up in support of Regulation (EU) 2016/424 of the European Parliament and Council, EN 1709-2004 will be withdrawn on April 30, 2021.

For more information, please contact us at semsa@semsa.ad

Share