13 NCAC 15 .0403             LOAD TESTS

(a)  Test Required.  Load tests will not be required on a regular basis.  The Director may, however, at his discretion require a load test to be made on devices of the following types:

(1)           devices having suspended passenger seats or spaces,

(2)           devices normally operated at speeds or with movements creating severe centrifugal forces,

(3)           devices so elevated that structural failure is likely to cause passengers to be injured by falling, or

(4)           devices on which the Director has ordered such a test upon finding it necessary to assure safety.

(b)  Evidence of Test.  Unless a load test is made in the presence of a representative of the Director, the Director may accept a certified copy of such test made by a person qualified to perform such tests, showing whether the device withstood the test without failures in any material respect and setting forth such other relevant information as the Director may require.  Until such a statement is so filed it shall be presumed that the device has not withstood the test as required.

(c)  Nature of Test.  Each passenger seat or space shall be weighted with at least 170 pounds dead weight, except that in a device intended only for small children each seat or space shall be weighted with at least 90 pounds as recommended by ASTM F 1159.  While so loaded the device shall be so operated at maximum normal speed as to test the full operation or all control devices, speed limiting devices, brakes and other equipment provided for safety.

(d)  Effect of Test.  If the device fails to withstand a load test it shall be deemed unsafe and shall not be used until and unless it has withstood a subsequent load test without failure in any material respect. If the device has withstood a load test without failure in any material respect it shall be required to be so tested again only if rebuilt or modified or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that a further test is necessary to assure safety and the Director orders such test to be made.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 95‑111.4;

Eff. August 1, 1987;

Amended Eff. May 1, 1992;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 5, 2016.