Audit of Alpine Rental Equipment following ASTM F1064-21 standards
Acknowledgements
Information in this report was obtained from the following sources:
• ISO: 13993:2019. Rental Ski Shop Practice — Sampling and Inspection of Complete and Incomplete Alpine Ski-Binding-Boot Systems in Rental Applications. 2nd Edition. 2019-03.
• ASTM: F1064-21. Standard Practice for Sampling and Inspection of Complete and Incomplete Alpine Ski/Binding/Boot Systems in Rental Applications.
• ASTM: F939-19. Standard Practice for Selection of Release Torque Values for Alpine Ski Bindings.
• ISO:9462. Alpine Ski-Bindings - Requirements and Test Methods. 4th Edition, 2014-10.
• ISO:8061. Alpine Ski-Bindings — Selection of Release Torques Values. 5th Edition. 2019-10.
• ISO:11088. Alpine Ski/Binding/Boot (S-B-B) System — Assembly, Adjustment, and Inspection. (“ISO - ISO 11088:2018 - Alpine ski/binding/boot (S-B-B ...”) 6th Edition. 2018-05.
• ISO: 11110:2015(en). Winter-Sports Equipment — Test Devices for The Setting of The Functional Unit Ski/Boot/Binding — Requirements and Tests. 2nd Edition. 2015-08.
• ISO 5355:2019. Alpine Ski-Boots – Requirements and Test Methods.
• Alpine Technical Manuals from the following manufacturers:
o Armada 2020/21
o Atomic 2020/21
o Elan 2019/20
o Fisher 2016/17
o Look 2020/21
o Marker 2016/17
o Salomon 2020/2021
o Tyrolia
List of Definitions, Initialisms and Acronyms Used in Report
COMPANY Misery Mountain Ski Area
BGL BOARDWORKS GEAR LAB inc. operating as Boardworks Gear Lab.
RENTAL FLEET The Company’s inventory of rental skis, boots, and bindings that are for customer use. Rental ski pole are excluded from this audit.
CELL All boots of the same make, model, age, and shell size.
COMPLETE SYSTEM
The rental alpine skis, boots, and bindings as a package.
INCOMPLETE SYSTEM Where the customer supplies one or more pieces of their own ski equipment, such as boots.
RENTAL CUSTOMER FLOW The steps and progression through the rental shop, the customer goes through to acquire and ultimately use the equipment.
CORRECTION FACTOR The value that must be added or subtracted from the initial visual indicator setting to bring the test result within the Inspection Tolerance (or Inspection Range). (Salomon Tech Manual Alpine 2020/21)
DIRECTIONS OF RELEASE Unless otherwise specified, the directions of release to be evaluated are forward lean and clockwise and counterclockwise in twist.
TEST DEVICE A device which meets ISO standard 11110 or ASTM standard F1061 and has been checked and maintained in the manner specified by the device manufacturer.
TEST RESULT OR RELEASE TORQUE
The middle quantitative value of three tests made in the same direction.
ISO International Standards Organization
ASTM American Standards for Testing Materials – International
STATUE OF LIMITATIONS AB – 10 years.
BC -
SK -
1. Executive Summary
BOARDWORKS GEAR LAB entered into agreement with Misery Mountain Ski Area to undertake an audit of the company’s alpine rental fleet, to make recommendations in areas of deficiencies, to inspect for compatibility, interchangeability, appropriate function on the rental fleet, and to validate release indicators using an ISO and ASTM approved release test device.
The objective of the audit was to provide reasonable assurance to the stakeholders, that the Company’s rental fleet is considered safe for consumer use, the in-season audit procedures and record keeping is equivalent to industry standards, and the rental department staff are professionally trained and certified.
The scope of the audit included Misery Mountain Ski Area’s ski alpine rental fleet as presented, and covered activities during the period of August 23-25, 2021.
This audit was preformed during in-season, but the processes and methodology used were that of a pre-season audit. The sampling and inspection verification exercise was conducted using the ISO and ASTM procedures for Alpine Ski Rental Facilities, and the binding manufacture’s current recommendations. Future audits should be scheduled during the off-season, prior to opening.
The outcome of the audit revealed that while the rental department manages its alpine rental fleet through an in-house control framework, minor weaknesses have been identified, with low to moderate risk exposures. Improvements are required to address these risk exposures specifically in the areas of staff certification, in-season audits, and the equipment inventory database.
As a result of this exercise, the alpine ski rental department management has implemented controls to mitigate the risks as outlined above. In addition, industry standards were adopted such as the use of industry specific templates and tools.
It is of the Author’s opinion that the Company can anticipate its alpine rental fleet and the internal practices encompassing the rental department, noting the changes above, to possess minimal risk to the stakeholders.
2. About the Audit
A. Background
In 2001, the International Standards Organization developed ISO 13993: Rental Ski Shop Practice — Sampling and inspection of complete and incomplete alpine ski-binding-boot systems in rental applications. “This document is intended to provide guidelines for performing functional inspections and adjustments of alpine ski-binding-boot systems. (It) specifies a uniform method for the sampling and inspection of complete and incomplete alpine ski-binding-boot systems used in rental operations (and) is intended for any facility which rents complete and incomplete alpine ski-binding-boot systems.” (“ISO 13993:2019(en))
Additionally in 2021, the American Standards for Testing and Materials updated designation F1064-21: Standard Practice for Sampling and Inspection of Complete and Incomplete Ski/Binding/Boot Systems in Rental Applications, stating “Adhering to these guidelines may help to reduce the risk of injuries resulting from improper mechanical functioning of releasable binding systems.” (ASTM F1064-21)
With the standardization of Ski Rental Shop Practices (and Applications), Insurance Underwriters are looking ever more closely at the way these shops conduct business. Adhering to the aforementioned standards will mitigate risk and has become the basis for liability coverage. In the US, following these standards is mandatory. Here in Canada, it is recommended, but it is only a matter of time before these standards become compulsory as well.
To this end, BOARDWORKS GEAR LAB entered into agreement with Misery Mountain Ski Area to undertake an audit of the company’s alpine rental fleet, to make recommendations in areas of deficiencies, to inspect for compatibility, interchangeability, and appropriate function on the rental fleet, as well as to validate release indicators using an approved release test device.
In support of meeting ISO, ASTM, and the binding manufactures requirements, BOARDWORKS GEAR LAB completed a review Misery Mountain Ski Area ski rental department and associated processes. The audit comprised of a critical analysis of technical procedures and that include the customer rental flow, the ski system maintenance program, and record keeping. A sample testing of the ski/boot/binding interface, in accordance with ASTM F1064 Standard Practice for Sampling and Inspection of Complete and Incomplete Alpine Ski/Binding/Boot Systems in Rental Applications was also completed.
B. Audit Objective and Scope
The objective of the audit was to preform a Preseason Inspection (ASTM 1064-21) to provide reasonable assurance to the stakeholders, that the Company’s rental fleet is considered safe for consumer use, the in-season audit procedures and record keeping is equivalent to industry standards, and the rental department staff are properly certified and trained.
The scope of the audit included Misery Mountain Ski Area’s alpine rental fleet and covered activities during the period of August 23-25, 2021.
C. Audit Approach and Assumptions
During this period of August 23-25, 2021, observations were made of simulated rental customer flow (both outtake and intake), procedures and workflow, and documentation control.
CERTIFICATION OF STAFF: A review of certification records and past rental shop staff:
Best practices dictate that all rental department staff be certified under the binding manufacturer’s technical certification process. If this is impossible or unattainable in specific situations, at minimum, one staff member who is a certified technician must be on shift during operating hours. This staff member should be assigned to the binding adjustment station during the customer rental process, as “the staff member who signs the Company’s workshop or rental form must be currently certified”. Salomon/Atomic/Armada 2020/21 Shop Practices Manual & Spare Parts
A current Staff Certification Summary can be found in Appendix B.
SKI AUDIT: The ski audit preformed is not part of any requirement by ISO or ASTM. The results are intended to guide management decisions on ski maintenance practices and frequency of such. A sampling of skis was checked to be reasonably sharp, have no obvious structural cracks or missing structural materials, and to have a reasonably flat base with minimal concave or convex characteristics. These items could be potentially detrimental to the ski’s performance and thus, pose a possible risk to the skier or the skiing experience. In addition, Inventory Control Numbers were checked for legibility and cross referenced to the Inventory Database to ensure accuracy and complete documentation.
BOOT AUDIT: A random selection of rental boots (at least one boot from each cell in the sample) was visually inspected for damage, wear, contamination, broken or missing parts, or inferior materials at contact points with the binding. A “Boot Lug Gauge” Sun Valley Ski Tools: http://svst.com/Boots/Router-Bit-and-Accessories/Boot-Lug-Gauge-Adult.html was used to confirm the toe/heel dimensions, ensuring conformance to ISO 5355: Alpine ski-boots — Requirements and test methods.
All sample boots were cleaned with a mild detergent and water. Any boots found requiring repair or had parts missing, were set aside for the Company’s staff to repair, and another boot selected. All boots that were considered unrepairable were also set aside for staff to strip (for parts) and dispose. Five (5) single boots with sole lengths as specified in Table A for the binding type were selected to be evaluated: adult, junior, or child. In addition, one boot per cell was evaluated (if applicable) on any new boots to the rental inventory.
Tests were performed using our Proprietary Test Equipment and a pair of specially selected reference bindings. A binding was adjusted to the release indicator setting specified in Table A for the binding type. The binding was then fitted to the boot and the Release Torque was determined. An average of the Release Torque for CW (clockwise) and CCW (counterclockwise) twist release was recorded. Five (5) twist tests were preformed, and the middle boot was selected as the Reference Boot for the twist test. Again, five forward lean tests were completed and again, the middle boot was select as the Reference Boot for the forward lean tests. If a boot failed, all boots from that cell were evaluated. Boots that failed and could not be repaired were set aside for staff to strip and dispose.
BINDING AUDIT: A random selection of rental ski bindings was inspected and then evaluated using the specially selected reference boot. Areas of the bindings that contact the boot were cleaned and pre-season binding maintenance was completed.
A visual and/or a manual check was completed to the following: AFD condition, the brakes’ function, release indicator readability and travel, and screw tightness. The heel track and toe track (if applicable) was also checked to ensure that the Single Code agrees with the sole length Single Code of the Reference Boot.
With the Reference Boot in the binding, verification of the elastic travel of the toe piece was made by striking the boot toe with a mallet and checking that the toe piece returned the boot quickly and completely to centre.
Verification of elastic travel of the heel piece was completed by lifting the boot while depressing the heel piece cocking lever and checking that the heel piece returns the boot quickly and completely to the latched position. A manual release of the binding was preformed three (3) times in each direction, then lubrication was applied to all boot/binding interfaces with a mild liquid detergent and water solution.
With the Ski Binding Test Device, we determined the Release Torque for each direction of release - forward lean and both directions in twist. A “Pass” in the bindings’s maintenance record was given if Test Results were within the Inspection Range provided in Table B. If the Test results in any directions of release is outside the Inspection Range, the ski was set aside.
Bindings that failed went through a trouble - shooting procedure (Appendix B) to identify and correct the deviation or malfunction. If this procedure did not correct the problem, the binding was removed from inventory. A “Fail” was noted in the binding’s maintenance record if, after troubleshooting, test results in any direction of release that were outside the In-Use Range. A replacement for the “failed” unit is
required with a retest before returning the ski to service. If after troubleshooting, the Test Results were outside the Inspection Range, but within the In-Use Range, a Correction Factor to the unit was applied to the ski and documented in the Inventory Database.
All test documentation is recorded in Appendix A. Tests were preformed at room temperature between 10C and 25C. Skier Codes were specified by the binding manufacturer and the ASTM and/or the ISO Load Rates were used.
NOTE: On completion of the Preseason Inspection, the liquid detergent was cleaned from the equipment the binding was lubricated prior to returning it to service.
RECORDS OF PRESEASON AUDITS: Pre-Season Audit procedures outlined above, and the audit results are to be kept on file for five (5) years or the statute of limitations in this province, whichever is longer.
IN-SEASON AUDITS: In - season inspections are to be performed on complete rental systems to ensure that the equipment is adjusted appropriately and continues to function correctly. Typically, 5 % of the rental inventory is to be evaluated during each two-week sampling period. The random sample should be equally divided between equipment that is available for rental and equipment that which has just been rented. The equipment in the “as rented” category is from real skiers in the condition in which it was either dispatched or returned, while the “available for rent” equipment may be set up for fictitious skiers. (“Marker Technical Manual 2021/2022 - 103”) Only single skis, not pairs, should be evaluated, and testing at the toe is only required in one direction. A count shall be maintained of the test results which exceed allowable limits. The magnitude and frequency of these deviations will determine the frequency of future inspections. Shops which “fail” an inspection must sample daily until the source of the problem is found and corrected. Then, as inspection results improve, the frequency of sampling and inspection can be relaxed.
Table ??? indicates the allowable class I deviations.
In-Season Audit Procedures to follow:
1. Randomly select a pair of bindings that have passed the pre-season inspection from each binding type, Adult, Junior, Child.
2. Lubricate all boot/binding contact points with a mild liquid detergent.
3. Without regard to whether the boot is new or used, sort the sample by sole type and length according to the 20 mm Sole Length Categories defined by the Release/ Retention Adjustment Chart.
4. In each Sole Length Category rank the boots by sole length and select the middle boot.
5. In each Sole Length Category fit the appropriate reference bindings to this “typical” boot and adjust the two bindings to release as close as practical to the Reference Torque in Table A. Use the Reference Torque corresponding to Ski Code L for the Adult binding, J for Junior binding, and F for the Child binding.
6. Rinse the lubricant from one binding and mark it “clean.” Mark the other “lubricated.”
7. Evaluate each boot in the Sole Length Category with the clean Reference Binding and then the lubricated Reference Binding in both twist and forward lean (only one direction in twist is required for the clean binding).
8. Set aside any boots for which the lubricated Test Result is more than 20% less than the clean test result in the same direction of release or the lubricated test result in any direction of release is outside of the Inspection Range provided in Table A for Ski Code used to set up the Reference Binding (L, J, or F).
9. Repeat the Visual check on all boots that have been set aside, correct any defects noted, and retest. Remove from inventory boots that fail the retest.
10. Check all other boots from the same cell (make, model, year, and shell size) as those that failed.
11. In-Season Audit procedures outlined above, and the audit results are to be kept on file for five (5) years or the statute of limitations in this province, whichever is longer. A copy of this form may be found in Appendix E.
Items for the staff to watch for:
• If the boot contacts the binding, brake, or AFD in areas other than the designated contact points, it may be incompatible with the binding.
• Boot material: If the sole at the contact points with the binding or AFD can be scratched with a fingernail, the boot may be of inferior quality and incompatible with the binding.
• Boot sole condition: If the boot sole is damaged, worn, or contaminated at contact points with the binding or AFD in a manner which can not be corrected, the boot may be incompatible with the binding, Verify boot sole dimensions.
• Rubber and/or metal sole protectors: If such materials contact the binding or AFD the boot may be incompatible with the binding.
• Mold flashings: Flashing which can be seen or felt at contact points with the binding, brake, or AFD must be carefully removed.
• Remove from inventory all boots that have failed the visual check.
RECORDS OF INCIDENT REPORTS: An incident report is a formal document that details the facts related to an incident involving any rental equipment. Any incident that involves rental equipment should be recorded, no matter how insignificant it may seem. The report usually relates to an accident or injury that has occurred, but it can also pertain to equipment damage.
Pictures
Reports are proprietary information
Incident reports should be completed as soon as possible following an incident or injury. Incident reports indicate that there may be lapses in the rental shops’ procedures or training. "Analyzing these reports can help organizations implement necessary changes, improvements, and corrective actions to prevent future incidents." The report is considered proprietary and should only be used or circulated within the company, but if severe enough, it may be used in a court of law.
Records of Incident Reports are to be kept on file for five (5) years or the statute of limitations in this province, whichever is longer. A sample of an Incident Report may be found in Appendix E. Legal counsel should be sought for advice on other information that may be required and is not contained on this sample.
EQUIPMENT INVENTORY DATABASE: All rental skis, bindings, and boots must have an identification number and a method to record maintenance and testing information. If bindings are switched from one pair of skis to another, this should be noted on the records. Records must be kept on file for five (5) years or the statute of limitations in this province, whichever is longer.
3. Findings and Recommendations
A) Introduction
The outcome of the audit revealed that while the rental department manages its alpine rental fleet through an in-house control framework, weaknesses have been identified, with low to moderate risk exposures that require management attention. Improvements are required to address these risk exposures specifically in the areas of staff certification, in-season audits, and the equipment inventory database.
B) Certification of Staff
Technical Certification appears to be in order, but the daily staff assignment of workstations should be reviewed. It was found that, at times, the staff member adjusting the rental bindings for customer use was not Certified. It was also noted that the staff signing-off on the rental agreement was not Certified or was not the person who adjusted the bindings.
C) Ski Audit
The ski inspection process found minimal wear or instances of structural cracking. Only two (2) of the ski sets audited had concave bases but appeared to be well serviced – sharp and waxed. We recommend keeping a close watch on this issue as the season progresses.
D) Boot Audit
E) Binding Audit
Non-Indemnified Bindings
“Older models of bindings no longer on the Schedule of Indemnified Bindings may still be serviced, however Liability Indemnification is not offered for these models of bindings. (Shops) wishing to service these models of bindings can reduce their liability risk by requiring an additional waiver and release agreement and attaching it to the Workshop Form. Such waivers should be reviewed by (the Company’s) own legal counsel to ensure compliance with applicable laws.” (“2021-2022 Indemnified Bindings - SKI BUM”)
Please note correction factors
F) Record Keeping
I. Pre-Season Audits
II. In-Season Audits
III. Incident Reports
IV. Equipment Inventory Database
V. Records of Staff Technical Certification
G) Conclusion
H) Author’s Statement
To the best of my knowledge and belief:
The statements of fact contained in this report are true and correct.
The reported analyses, opinions, and conclusions are limited only by the reported assumptions and limiting conditions and are my personal, impartial, and unbiased analyses, opinions, and conclusions.
My engagement in this assignment was not contingent upon developing or reporting predetermined results.
My compensation for completing this assignment is not contingent upon the development or reporting of a predetermined direction that favours the cause of the client, the attainment of a stipulated result, or the occurrence of a subsequent event related to the intended use of this appraisal.
My analyses, opinions, and conclusions were developed in conformity with ISO, ASTM, and the binding manufacturer’s recommendations effective on the date of this report.
Date 3
Signature Date
I) Table A
ISO 9462:2014(E). pg.14
Release Indicator Settings
Five (5) single boots with sole lengths as specified in Table A
binding was adjusted to the release indicator setting specified in Table A
J) Table B
ISO 13993:2019(E). pg.
(informative)
Table B.1 — Range class I deviations and sample sizes. Annex B
Total Rental Skis Inventory Minimum Sample Size Allowable Class I Deviations
1 to 199 16 3
200 to 299 20 4
300 to 399 30 6
400 to 499 40 8
500 to 99 50 10
600 to 699 60 12
700 to 799 70 14
800 to 899 80 16
900 + 80 16
K) Table C
ASTM F939
TABLE X1.1 Release Value Selection
Weight Height Skier
Code Min
Nm Max
Nm
5 18
22to29lbA (10to13kg) A 8 29
30to38lbB (14to17kg) B 11 40
39to47lb(18to21kg) C 14 52
48to56lb(22to25kg) D 17 64
57to66lb(26to30kg) E 20 75
67to78lb(31to35kg) F 23 87
79to91lb(36to41kg) G 27 102
92to107lb (42 to 48 kg) 4ft, 10 in. + (148 cm –) H 31 120
108to125lb(49to57kg) 4 ft, 11 in. to 5 ft, 1 in. (149 to 157 cm) I 37 141
126to147lb(58to66kg) 5ft, 2in.to5ft,5in.(158to166cm) J 43 165
148to174lb(67to78kg) 5ft, 6in.to5ft,10in.(167to178cm) K 50 194
175to209lb(79to94kg) 5ft, 11in.to6ft,4in.(179to194cm) L 58 229
210 lb + (95 kg +) 6 ft, 5 in. + (195 cm +) M 67 271
N 78 320
O 91 380
P 105 452
122 536
142 640
A –
B -
L) Appendix A
Test Results
"An adjustment report is established by the ski shop and delivered to the user." (“Salomon Alpine Tech Manual 2018/19 by Salomon - Issue”) It shall contain at least the following information:
a) Skier's parameters (age, mass, height).
b) Indicator setting.
c) Correction factor, if used.
d) Binding manufacturer with binding model or inventory number.
e) Boot manufacturer with boot model, sole length, and specific sole configuration, if applicable.
f) Ski manufacturer with ski length or inventory number.
g) Skier type and release preference requested by the skier.
h) Further modifications requested by the skier.
i) Additional information on the rental shop's specific process regarding this document, i.e., ISO 13993:2019.
j) Warning that the equipment and the rental process cannot provide full protection from injury if an accident occurs.
k) Indication of which component is owned by the skier, if applicable.
l) Testing conducted in accordance with ISO 11088.
M) Appendix B
Season Technician Name Manufacturer Certification Exp. Date File Copy
Y/N
Staff Certification Summary
N) Appendix C
FIG. X3.3 In-Season Sampling: ASTM F1064 − 11 (2016)
O) Appendix D
Test Equipment Used
Name and address of the manufacturer or distributor,
Model designation,
Classification,
Recommended Operating Range (ROR),
Limitations and correction factors,
Specific limitations and correction factors, coded for concise labeling and explained in the instructions,
Date of calibration.
"This International Standard is to be used in conjunction with ISO 9462 and ISO 8061.
A test report for the description and documentary proof of all calibration processes shall be provided together with the test device. This test report shall include the following information:
A. Reference to this International Standard, i.e., ISO 11110;
B. Equipment number.
C. Date of construction.
D. Basic method (tibia and/or weight) and software version; e) acceptance date and values of first calibration.
E. Date of delivery.
F. Location of the device (address).
G. Calibration values obtained at the specific service interval.
H. Field for indication of
a) Date,
b) Kind of test,
c) Result, and
d) Symbol (signature).
I. Manufacturer’s recommended calibration interval
P) Appendix E
In-Season Audit Sample Form.