Cableway and aerial lift safety

The cableway sector, which includes aerial lifts and ski tows, is a critical mode of transport for both recreational and professional users, including skiers, hikers, and athletes. Ensuring the safety and operational reliability of cableway installations is crucial to minimise risks and ensure compliance with stringent regulatory standards like the Cableway Directive 2000/9/EC.

TÜV SÜD’s aerial lift safety services support stakeholders throughout the lifecycle – from installation to operation and maintenance – offering expert guidance and regulatory compliance to reduce disruptions and guarantee operational efficiency.

Maintaining safety and availability of cableway installations, while managing risks associated with mechanical and operational failures, is an important consideration for every stakeholder in the cableway industry. There is an increasing emphasis on enhanced safety measures, regular inspections, and adherence to international standards to maintain the credibility of the industry.

Regulations have kept pace with this need for safety. Complying with the requirements of the Cableway Directive 2000/9/EC for both new installations and the ongoing operation of cableways is a critical consideration for manufacturers and operators. Ensuring compliance with such regulations not only protects users and minimises risks but also enhances brand trust.

With rising awareness about the importance of stringent safety protocols, stakeholders are investing more in certification and quality assurance to meet both safety and environmental requirements. An independent third-party assessment can ensure the quality and reliability of cableway installations, meeting both cable car design standards and market requirements.

TÜV SÜD is a leading aerial lift safety specialist. With over 55 years of experience in the inspection and certification of cableways, we offer unparalleled expertise in aerial lift safety.

Our experts provide world-class knowledge for designers, manufacturers, and operators of cableways and ski tows. We provide testing, certification, technical advisory, and employee training services, covering all stages of the cableway lifecycle.

As a recognised Notified Body and an active contributor to international cable car design standards, we are accredited to certify safety components and subsystems of your cableways to the requirements of the Cableway Directive. Our expertise ensures global acceptance of our certifications.

Our experts offer comprehensive testing, aerial lift inspection, and consulting services to support the safety, quality and cost effectiveness of your installations and ensure compliance with national and international regulations.

Our aerial lift service portfolio includes:

Testing and inspection

TÜV SÜD tests and inspects cableway installations throughout their lifecycle. This includes after commissioning before public operation, after equipment repair or replacement and on a regular annual basis. We also test cableways for material handling as covered by the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Our tests and inspections include:

    • Thorough examination of all cableway components, including safety devices and safety functions performed by the electrical control system.

    • Operational testing (e.g. brake performance testing).

    • Wire rope, haul rope and track rope testing using the magnetic induction method.

    • Preparation of safety reports.

    • Fire safety.

    • Non-destructive testing of clamps, drives, hangers and cabins.

    • Wall-thickness measurements on hanger pipes.

    • Stress measurement on vehicles, sheaves and other components.

    • Vehicle service life assessment.

    • Damage assessment.

    • Testing of hoisting equipment, gates and lifts.

Aerial lift certification according to the Cableway Directive

    • We certify all subsystems and safety components as per the Cableway Directive 2000/9/EC for design and production.

Aerial lift certification of cableway operation

    • This unique service from TÜV SÜD enables operators to become a certified cableway operation by evaluating the suitability, consistency and usability of the entire operation and maintenance procedures.

Aerial lift consulting and training services

    • We offer consultation throughout your cableway installation lifecycle, including feasibility studies, comparisons between different cableway systems during the planning phase, independent evaluation of manufacturers’ proposals, and valuation of your installation. Our services also include employee training on directives and safety awareness, workplace evaluation, and provision of occupational health and safety experts.

Management services

    • We provide quality assurance and certification as per ISO 9001 and advisory services on environmental services as per ISO 14001.