10Communication
There is a constant need to maintain adequate
communication between the two operators at top
and bottom stations to ensure smooth operation
of gravity ropeway and to avoid any undesirable
accidents. Similarly, community should be
made aware of the risks associated and safety
precautions while operating a ropeway. Following
forms of communication equipments and
methods may be employed to ensure effective
communication between user communities and
the operators, both at the top and the bottom
stations. Especially, during emergencies, effective
communication is more important.
10.1 Telephone
Telephone/mobile phones are the most effective
communication means that can be used to
establish communication between the two
operators at the top and bottom stations. In
absence of telephone network, conventional
communication methods such as hitting the
rope to transmit the signal can be applied. Some
gravity ropeways are already using this method
and is found to be effective so far. When the rope
is hit once, it means the loads are ready above.
The load comes down after hitting twice from
top station and same response is given from the
bottom station after the goods are unloaded. It
is imperative to communicate with each other
prior to each operation for balancing the loads in
both the trolleys which is very crucial for ropeway
operation. Likewise, it is equally important to
know about the nature of load being loaded at the
top station beforehand so that the activities like
transferring, storing, trading and marketing of the
goods can be pre-planned at the bottom station.
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