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TELESCOPE OPERATIONS

MANLIFTS

Warning

As with any electromechanical device, special cautions must be taken to ensure safety. Accidents associated with incorrect or inappropriate operation are just a few of the hazards associated with this system. Only trained personnel shall operate a manlift. Any problems observed with the manlifts should be reported at once. For additional safety rules, review the information plaques located in each manlift.

General

To allow easier access for personnel and the movement of parts and equipment to various locations on the GBT, a manlift system was installed. This system consists of two manlifts. The first (manlift #1) is located next to the first level stairwell and provides access up to the elevation axis. The other (manlift #2) rising along the telescope feed arm, provides access to the dish surface and receiver room. Both are driven by electric motors with rack and pinion drives and incorporate various safety features. Only trained and qualified individuals are permitted to operate the manlifts. For further details, please review the manufacturer’s operations and maintenance manual.

Info

The manlifts can be controlled from either the inside or on top using the applicable control panel. The interior control panel main control station is used for normal operation. It includes an on/off switch, lights switch, final limit override switch, and buttons for stopping, alarm situations, and selecting a specific floor (level) to travel to. The roof control stations are provided for maintenance or emergency use only. These controls include a combination operate/stop/drop test switch and buttons for directional movement (either up or down) only. Procedures for using the roof control stations will not be covered.

Routine Manlift Operation/Use

STEP ACTION
1 If the manlift is at the level you wish to enter, open the gate, lift the door, and enter. If the manlift is not at the level you wish to enter, simply call it to your level by the pressing the call box button located next to the entry gate. The button will flash green and the manlift will travel to your level and stop.
2 After entering, ensure the gate is latched and the door is fully closed.
3 Press the numbered button on the control panel corresponding to the level you wish to travel. The manlift will begin moving within a few moments, stopping at the level selected.
4 Upon reaching your destination, lift the door and open the gate. Ensure both are closed/latched after exiting.
NOTE An unlatched gate or open door at any entry level will disable the manlift, preventing its movement.

Operation During a Failure

For emergency situations, the manlifts are equipped with audible alarms, emergency lighting, phones, and features to stop and hold the cars in the event of a power or other failure. The manlifts are also equipped with a centrifugal brake system to allow a controlled descent to the first available level during an emergency. This procedure covers use of this manual brake release system.

STEP ACTION
NOTE Call for assistance if you become stuck in a manlift or are unable to operate the manual brake release. Assistance will be provided based on the cause of the manlift failure. Instruction for operating the manual brake release are posted inside the manlift.
1 Follow the emergency brake release instructions located in the manlift unless directed otherwise.
2 Depart the manlift upon reaching the first gated level only if you can do so safely.
WARNING Do not try to open the manlift door/gate unless you are stopped at an entry level. The fall protection harness located in each manlift is for use only in extreme situations and by qualified/trained personnel.

-- DavidRose - 6 Feb 2008

Topic Manlifts . { Edit | Attach | Ref-By | Printable | Diffs | r1.4 | > | r1.3 | > | r1.2 | More }
Revision r1.4 - 06 Feb 2008 - 19:25 GMT - DavidRose
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