THE Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company has moved to reassure visitors of the safety and reliability of its operations despite the electricity shortages that have been plaguing South Africa over the past year. The cableway is currently closed for annual maintenance and due to reopen on August 3. This year’s maintenance includes a six-yearly overhaul and inspection by the Swiss Governing Body for Cable Ways (BAV). This includes taking the whole system and cable cars apart; testing all shafts and joints; replacing all nuts and bolts; and recalibrating and changing electric switches and load sensors. Mock rescues are also taking place. During a ‘behind-the-scenes’ media tour of the facilities, operations manager, Gary Browne, demonstrated several power backup systems that kick-in during power outages. These include a 400kW hydraulic drive at the lower station, which in turn is backed-up by another hydraulic drive. A smaller generator at the lower station powers emergency lights, computers and communication, while another generator and its own back-up system on the mountain can power the restaurant and the top station. Browne said the power backup takes about seven minutes to kick-in after a sudden power cut. Although the delay was uncomfortable for people in the cable cars, it was not unsafe. If the company received advance warning of an outage it initiated the backup while the cars were in the stations. He said the backup systems were tested every two weeks and serviced every three months. Marketing manager, Collette van Aswegen, said mountaintop wind monitors alerted the company to changing weather conditions. Sirens were sounded well ahead in time to warn visitors to descend. Some 800 people per hour could descend the mountain.  Each cable car had its own rescue system. Cabin masters controlling the cabin, in an emergency were able to lower people through the floor with the help of a rope and steel harnesses. A rescue car could also be activated. She said the company was planning to place a video on its website giving visitors a better insight into the cableway operations. Until September 15, two children accompanied by a paying adult travel for free, while all South Africans travel for free on their birthday on presentation of their ID. The restaurant on top is being refurbished for the new season.