The recommendations in Book n. 8-2 (edition 2025) “Recommendations for the construction and operation of material handling uni-directional and reversible ropeway installations, cable cranes and material handling funiculars” addresses ropeway operators, manufacturers, inspection bodies, national authorities responsible for ropeways and notified bodies.

Considering the many years that have elapsed since the first publication of the “Recommendations for the Construction and Operation of Material Transport Ropeways and Cable Cranes” in 1980 the International Organization for Transportation by Rope, O.I.T.A.F., has decided to rewrite the document.

The latest edition of these recommendations is the result of the cooperative work, discussions and contributions made by delegates appointed by the manufacturers, designers, operators and supervisory authorities of the following European countries: Austria, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Switzerland.

The subject matter covered by this document is being dealt with in the following three chapters I. General Recommendations II. Permanent Material Handling Ropeways: Mono-cable and bi-cable uni-directional and reversible ropeway installations, cable cranes, rope cranes, jig back rope cranes, material handling funiculars III. Temporary Material Handling Ropeways: mono-cable and bi-cable uni-directional movement and reversible ropeway installations, cable cranes, rope cranes, jig back rope cranes.

This document is intended as a practical guide and helpful aid for all concerned designers, technicians, managers who design, manufacture, operate, maintain etc. material handling ropeway installations, as well as all other concerned persons, meant to facilitate the exercise of their responsibility and the correct execution of their job in a way which is mindful of all safety requirements and environment friendliness

These recommendations are not concerned with ropeway installations designed to carry persons nor material handling ropeway installations for pay loads up to 2000 kg, seen that specific recommendations have already been published for either of these two systems.

The Recommendations (Book n. 8-2) in Italian, English, German and French version can be downloaded under:  Technical recommendations in effect