Lift Evacuation Module - Certified
Module Overview
The lift evacuation module is designed to test the Candidate’s knowledge of lift evacuation from both a practical and mountain operations standpoint. This module will explore key areas of planning, communication, and execution of a lift evacuation, which includes assessment, proper use of essential equipment, adherence to safety procedures, skilled evacuation techniques, effective communication, risk mitigation/documentation procedures, and tactics for continuous improvement.
This is a blended module that consists of a pre-exam preparation component and two at-exam components.
Pre-Exam preparation
The lift evacuation module is designed to test the Candidate’s knowledge of lift evacuation from both a practical and mountain operations standpoint. This module will explore key areas of planning, communication, and execution of a lift evacuation, which includes assessment, proper use of essential equipment, adherence to safety procedures, skilled evacuation techniques, effective communication, risk mitigation/documentation procedures, and tactics for continuous improvement.
This is a blended module that consists of a pre-exam preparation component and two at-exam components.
Pre-Exam preparation
- Candidates will be provided with a generic trail map before the exam that has a specific lift identified on the trail map. Candidates will be expected to develop a well-defined, thorough lift evacuation plan for the designated lift that will be discussed as part of the Oral Interview
- Candidates shall submit their lift evacuation plan at registration for the exam.
- Oral Interview
- Outdoor Practical Lift Evacuation demonstration
Component Details
Interview
The indoor interview portion of the evaluation will cover all aspects of lift evacuation and related high angle rescue scenarios. The lift evacuation plan that the Candidate brings to the interview will be used as a basis for discussing planning, risk management, logistics, equipment, and communication considerations that were used when developing the lift evacuation plan. The Candidate should be prepared with a working knowledge of high angle
rescue scenarios that include unseated passengers, ascension techniques and passenger tramways that may not be readily utilized at their home areas. The Candidate will be expected to have detailed knowledge of the evacuation procedures used at their home area, including suggestions on how to improve the process employed by their local area. The interview is not expected to exceed 60 minutes in length.
Interview
The indoor interview portion of the evaluation will cover all aspects of lift evacuation and related high angle rescue scenarios. The lift evacuation plan that the Candidate brings to the interview will be used as a basis for discussing planning, risk management, logistics, equipment, and communication considerations that were used when developing the lift evacuation plan. The Candidate should be prepared with a working knowledge of high angle
rescue scenarios that include unseated passengers, ascension techniques and passenger tramways that may not be readily utilized at their home areas. The Candidate will be expected to have detailed knowledge of the evacuation procedures used at their home area, including suggestions on how to improve the process employed by their local area. The interview is not expected to exceed 60 minutes in length.
Outdoor Lift Evacuation Demonstration
The outdoor practical component of the evaluation will allow the Candidate to demonstrate their local areas evacuation procedure to the exam team.
The outdoor practical component of the evaluation will allow the Candidate to demonstrate their local areas evacuation procedure to the exam team.
- The Candidate will have twenty (20) minutes to set up, demonstrate, and remove the evacuation system that they are proficient with on the lift that has been designated safe for use by local area management and the Module Chair.
- No passengers will be evacuated from the chairlift, but the evacuation system may be load tested by an Examiner from ground level.
- The Candidate is expected to have a detailed knowledge of the evacuation system they are using and be able to demonstrate with a high degree of proficiency and efficiency its implementation.
- Candidates may be asked to answer questions or explain the procedures they are demonstrating during the practical portion of the evaluation.
- If the Candidate needs assistance during the demonstration, members of the exam team can be asked to assist.
Scoring Criteria and Critical Indicators
Scoring Criteria
Critical Indicators
Interview
Successful Candidates will be able to proficiently discuss the above topics at a level indicating they could work with ski area management to develop and document a comprehensive lift evacuation plan and process that could be well executed if implemented.
Critical focus areas for this component which Examiners may reference, include but are not limited to:
Lift Evacuation Demonstration
Successful Candidates will be able to efficiently and expeditiously demonstrate the use of their evacuation system showing their competence leading a belay team, being able to adapt to variable situations, appropriately manage their equipment and follow a logical evaluation process. Critical focus areas for this component, include but are not limited to:
Scoring Criteria
- Interview: Pass/Fail
- Lift Evacuation Demonstration: Pass/Fail
- Both components must be passed in the same year to pass this module.
Critical Indicators
Interview
Successful Candidates will be able to proficiently discuss the above topics at a level indicating they could work with ski area management to develop and document a comprehensive lift evacuation plan and process that could be well executed if implemented.
Critical focus areas for this component which Examiners may reference, include but are not limited to:
- Documentation: Review of the provided lift evacuation plan and a Candidate’s ability to document the evacuation process, including any special scenarios or considerations based on terrain, weather, or local protocols.
- Regulatory organizations and standards organizations that influence lift evacuation protocols and policies.
- Safety Protocols: Thorough knowledge of safety protocols practices that are consistent with those protocols
- Knowledge of Evacuation Equipment: Demonstrates a strong working knowledge of evacuation equipment including ropes, harnesses, belay devices, etc., Pros and cons to various types of equipment as well as detailed knowledge of the equipment used at the Candidate’s local area
- Knowledge of tramways: broad understanding of different types of tramways, including mechanical and electrical systems that are employed
- Knowledge of regional standards: understanding of regional governing bodies for chairlift regulations in the Candidate’s home area, as well as a working understanding of governing bodies in other regions
- Decision Making: Making sound decisions based on situational assessment and conditions.
- Adaptability: Ability to adapt techniques and strategies based on changing conditions or unexpected challenges.
- Team Coordination: Understands the need to work effectively as a team, coordinating roles and responsibilities.
- Post-Evacuation Review: Able to articulate methods/tactics to evaluate the evacuation and identify areas for improvement.
- Education/Training: Demonstrates the ability to discuss high angle rescue scenarios and procedures that would allow the Candidate to work with area management to develop an effective lift evacuation and training plan.
Lift Evacuation Demonstration
Successful Candidates will be able to efficiently and expeditiously demonstrate the use of their evacuation system showing their competence leading a belay team, being able to adapt to variable situations, appropriately manage their equipment and follow a logical evaluation process. Critical focus areas for this component, include but are not limited to:
- Safety Protocols: Demonstrating thorough knowledge and adherence to safety protocols throughout the evacuation process.
- Effective Communication: Clear and effective communication with virtual evacuees, team members, and evacuation team.
- Equipment:
- Knowledge: Detailed knowledge of the equipment that the Candidate is using to demonstrate.
- Skill: Proficiency in using the evacuation equipment such as ropes, harnesses, belay devices, etc. that the Candidate brings with them.
- Care: Equipment management pre / during / post demonstration ensures equipment will be effective during use and sustain a reliable service life.
- Speed and Efficiency: Conducting the evacuation swiftly and efficiently while maintaining safety standards and clear communication.
- Monitoring and Support: Ensuring continuous monitoring of evacuation scene, evacuees and any personnel providing support.
- Team Coordination: Working effectively within a team, coordinating roles and responsibilities.
- Education/Training: Competent enough with demonstrating lift evacuation procedures to be able to instruct these procedures in a group environment