Mega Snow Chute

Incident
A blockage occurred in a tall chute. The blockage went unnoticed and workers continued to introduce debris into the chute. The installers had calculated the weight of the unblocked chute to be 1500 lb. (680 kg).

Debris continued to accumulate in the chute until the blockage was finally discovered by the inattentive safety monitor. A crane was called in and the entire chute was lowered to the ground. The crane’s load indicator showed the total weight of the chute and blocked debris to be 15,000 lb. (6800 kg).

Upon inspection of the cable assemblies, no obvious signs of strain were noted. The chute sections were equipped with cable assembly pairs having a combined working load limit of 2000 lb. (900 kg). The breaking strain of the cable assembly pairs is 20,000 lb. (9000 kg).

 

Action
Although the cable assemblies showed no obvious sign of strain, the working load limits were greatly exceeded. All the cable assemblies should be replaced.

 

Conclusion
If, during the course of your job the working load limits of the cable assemblies are accidentally exceeded, consult a structural engineer and the Superchute® factory to determine whether the chute sections in that system must be refitted with new cable assemblies.

Changes have been made to the cable assembly since earlier versions. If you do not understand which height & weight limit applies to your chute stock please contact Superchute®.

The following 3 limits are for chute sections equipped with the original cable assemblies. To verify when the section was manufactured check the date stamp on the chute sections.⁽¹⁾

1. A chute section manufactured in Feb. 1999 or later and still equipped with original cable assemblies can carry a maximum of 60 sections (200 feet) or 2000 lb. of chute – whichever is reached first.⁽²⁾
2. A chute section manufactured between June 1996 and February 1999 and still equipped with original cable assemblies can carry a maximum of 30 sections (100 feet) or 1000 lb. of chute – whichever is reached first.⁽³⁾ If you would like to be able to build a taller chute (up to the limits described in “A.” above), contact the factory for retrofitting of the cable assemblies.
3. If the chute section was manufactured prior to June 1996, and is still equipped with the original cable assemblies, it can carry a maximum of 15 sections (50 feet) or 500 lb. of chute**, whichever is reached first.⁽⁴⁾
   These older cable assemblies feature lightweight metal alloy clips stamped with the words “KONG – BONAITI – ITALY”. The “KONG” clips are much weaker than the forged ones currently used. For this reason, chute sections with this clip on the cable assembly must only be used to build chute systems less than 50 feet in length or 500 lb. in weight (whichever is reached first). If you would like to be able to build a taller chute (up to the limits described above) contact the factory for retrofitting of the cable assemblies. The gate of the “KONG” clip must close fully. If the gate is not fully closed, its strength is greatly reduced.

 

Caution:

• The above information applies to new undamaged cable assemblies working together in pairs
• Misuse or wear and tear will reduce the strength of a cable assembly
• Maintain the safety factor: inspect cable assemblies regularly & replace if worn
• Do not mix and match with other chute brands – use the original Superchute® sections and parts only
• Section weight is stamped onto every chute section since 1997
• If you do not understand which height & weight limit applies to your chute stock please contact Superchute®

 

Notes:

(1) As of June 1996 the month and year of manufacture have been branded into every chute section. The month & year of manufacture is relevant only if the original cable assembly pair has not been upgraded or downgraded.

(2)(3)(4) Superchute® makes 6 chute diameters. Larger section sections are heavier and will reach the weight limit before the height limit. Before each installation calculate the precise weight of your chute system using the weight chart located in the chutes manual.