Media Release

Be WinterWise on Ski Lifts this March Break

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Toronto, ON, March 12, 2009)

– Don’t let the ups-and-downs in temperature affect your excitement to ski and snowboard this March Break. The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) wants you to begin your run-on-fun at the slopes by getting to the top safely.

Did you know that over 85 per cent of ski lift incidents are rider-related? It’s not the mechanics of the lift, but rather people not following proper instructions.

When riding any type of ski lift, remember to listen to the lift attendants and be aware of all the signs during your ride. Not quite sure how to safely get on and off? Look for instructional posters and ask the attendant for help.

When riding the chair lift, always use the safety bar. And remember – lift the bar only when you’ve reached the "Raise Bar Here" sign.

The lift owners are looking out for your safety too. They ensure all lifts are safely installed, maintained and operated every season. Prior to operation in Ontario, all chair lifts, bar lifts and rope tows require a valid TSSA licence for each device. TSSA works with ski hill owners and operators to ensure safe operation and proper maintenance of all lifts.

This March Break, show how WinterWise you can be and take safety to the slopes. And while you’re at it - earn a chance to win! Visit www.safetyinfo.ca and enter the WinterWise Safety Tour Contest to have a chance at winning an amazing grand-prize package that includes: a $250 gift certificate for one of Ontario’s major snow resorts; a $250 SportChek gift card; and a Nintendo Wii Console, Wii Fit with Balance Board, and a We Ski video game.

Safety after all is win-win situation.

For these and other important public safety tips, visit www.safetyinfo.ca.

TSSA is an innovative, self-funded, non-government organization focused on delivering public safety services. It provides not-for-profit regulatory safety services in industry sectors such as fuels, amusement devices, elevating devices, ski lifts, boilers and pressure vessels, operating engineers, and upholstered and stuffed articles. The organization’s vision is to be the world leader in public safety services.

For more information, please contact:

Bernadette Celis, Public Education Advisor

Public Relations and Communications, TSSA

Telephone: 1-877-682-8772; Email: media@tssa.org

For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, please visit www.tssa.org.

WORKING TOGETHER TO STOP... FALLS FROM CARRIERS

The intent of this best practices document is to assist the ski industry with their training and operating procedures. The primary focus is to work to eliminate chairlift rider incidents. Through this initiative we can educate novice and young chairlift riders and ski industry personnel to promote, practice and participate in safe chairlift use and operation protocols throughout Ontario. The body best suited for delivery of each point is illustrated in brackets.

1. Talk to first lime riders about proper methods of loading, riding and unloading.(Ski Professionals, Ski Patrol, Lift Operations)

2. Younger riders may need multiple reminders of proper methods of loading, riding and unloading. (Ski Professionals, ski Patrol, Lift Operations)

3. Ensure that all signage is visible.(Lift Operations)

4. Ensure that all signage is understood.(Ski Professionals, Ski Patrol, Lift Operations, TSSA)

5. Introduce and promote the Look Load and Lower program.(Ski Professionals, Ski Patrol, Lift Operations, TSSA)

6. Consider taking poles away from novice and young riders.(Ski professional, Ski Patrol, Lift Operations)

7. Use additional personal in the line up to help organize and educate riders.(Ski professional, Ski Patrol, Lift Operations)

8. Critique the position of the lift operator(s) and provide constructive feedback if necessary (Lift Operations)

9. Critique the loading and unloading ramps and provide constructive feedback if necessary.(Lift Operations)

10. Verbalize to riders to lower restraining device and not to raise it too early.(Ski professional, Ski Patrol, Lift Operations)

11. Verbalize to young riders not to “shimmy out” onto the seat edge prior to the unloading ramp.(Ski professional, Ski Patrol)

12. Ensure the “Raise Restraining Device” sign is not located too far from unloading area.(Lift Operations, TSSA)

13. Reward young riders that practice safe riding.(Ski Professional,, Ski Patrol)

14. Strongly endorse a “no-nonsense” policy and enforce it.(Ski Professionals, Ski Patrol, Lift Operations)

15. Promote friendly communication and cross training between ski area departments. Work together to promote safety and
encourage best practices. (special encouragement between snow school and coaches, ski patrol and lift operations).