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P.A.L.
- Vertical Wheelchair Platform Lift
Applicable National Codes and Standards - USA Public Buildings
GENERAL
The National Standard used by most States and localities is the
ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators Part 20, Section
2000. The most current edition is 1996, with a 1999 Addendum.
(See Note 1). Vertical Wheelchair Lifts are typically referenced
in the Standard as one of three configurations;
a:) "Runway enclosure provided"; Rule 2000.1a (A17.1)
/ Rule 2.1.1 (A18.1)
PAL Model (S) When runway in building provided by owner or
PAL Model (EN) When runway (enclosure) provided by Concord.
b:) "Runway enclosure not provided";Rule 2000.1b (A17.1)
/ Rule 2.1.2 (A18.1)
PAL Model (SE) When partial runway (enclosure) provided by Concord.
c:) "Attendant Operated" ; Rule 2000.1c (A17.1) / Rule
2.1.3 (A18.1)
Pal Model (S) (Modified): For use only when permitted by local
enforcing authorities. Note that lifts that are designed to be
operated exclusively by an attendant are not ADA (Americans with
Disabilities Act) compliant.
Some States and areas adopt the standard in it’s entirety,
and some areas adopt the standard in part, or a local standard
may have been developed which has been legislated for use. Check
with your local enforcing authorities for the requirements in
your area.
Note: A new standard for "Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts"
has been published by ASME and is effective January 2000. The
standard is the "ANSI/ASME A18.1". This will be the
applicable standard for those states, cities, etc. which have
officially adopted the A18.1 in legislation. Until then, A17.1
will continue to be the standard of record for most (but not all)
jurisdictions. It is important to know the requirements of your
local jurisdiction.
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA):
The Architect/Specifier should be aware that a PAL Vertical Wheelchair
Platform Lift (Where permitted) is in compliance with the ADA
(Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements for lifts for the
physically disabled when installed on an accessible route.(With
the exception noted in "Attendant Operated Lifts" above)
Vertical Wheelchair Lifts are subject to certain restrictions
under the ADAAG requirements. (See ADAAG below). Code requirements
are continually evolving, If ADA compliance is required, contact
Savaria Concord Lifts' Architectural consultant for more information.
Note 2: Wheelchair lifts are often installed at or near a regular
or emergency egress stairway. When so installed, they may be subject
to review for emergency egress, in addition to the requirements
of the A17.1 or A18.1 and local elevator/lift rules. The local
Building Inspector or Fire Inspector should be consulted prior
to installation of the lift(s), if it is to be installed at or
near a stairway.
ADAAG
For complete and detailed information concerning the location
and usage of Lifts for Disabled persons in an accessible route,
the Architect/Specifier should have available the Americans with
Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). This is available
for free download from the Access Board’s Internet Web Page
at http://www.access-board.gov.
Note 3: A new proposal for ADAAG Rules is currently undergoing
the approval process. A copy of the proposed new ADAAG Rules is
also available from the above web site.
Installation
The applicable standard governing the requirements for field installation
and wiring of the Concord PAL Wheelchair Lift is the ANSI/NFPA
70 (The National Electrical Code)Article 620.(Referenced by Rule
2000.10i(1) of the ASME A17.1-1996 and Rule 1.10.9.1 of the A18.1).
The Architect/Specifier should be aware of the requirements of
this section especially as it applies to the location and installation
of the lift power supply. In most areas, the power supply to a
lift is the responsibility of other contractors, not the installing
Concord dealer. Check with your local Concord dealer, for assistance
and information concerning the requirements of this standard.
All field wiring of the lift components will be performed in accordance
with this standard by dealer Technicians who have been factory
trained by Concord.
Certifications
The applicable standard governing the requirements for Certification
of the Electrical Equipment of the Concord PAL Wheelchair Lift
is the CSA B44.1/ASME A17.5 . (Referenced by Rule 2000.10i(2)
of the ASME A17.1-1996 and Rule 2.10.9.1 of the A18.1). This is
the North American harmonized standard for certification of electrical
equipment used with all elevating devices for the Physically Disabled
which are covered by the ASME A17.1 and A18.1 Standards. The Architect/Specifier
should be aware of this requirement and ensure that all lift electrical
equipment specified for use on the project is certified to this
standard. Certification must be by a Federal OSHA approved, Nationally
Recognized Testing Laboratory, and the certification mark must
clearly indicate the approved testing laboratory. Some examples
of certification laboratories are: CSA (Canadian Standards Association);
UL (Underwriter’s Laboratories); ETL (Electrical Testing
Laboratories); WH (Warnock-Hersey Testing Laboratories); and there
are others. Concord equipment is certified to American Standards
by CSA (Canadian Standards Association).
Operating devices
To ensure that the operating devices, ie: push buttons, key switches,
etc. are at the proper height and of the proper design for ease
of use by Physically Disabled persons, the American National Standards
Institute , ANSI A117.1 Standard, "Providing Accessibility
and Usability for Physically Disabled People" is referenced
in Rule 2000.10a (A17.1) and Rule 2.10.1 of A18.1 . There are
requirements within the A117.1 which impact on the design of the
building in areas approaching the lift entrances. The Architect/Specifier
should be aware of these requirements. The most current adition
is 1999.
Building Codes and Standards
Depending on the area of the USA where the lift is to be installed
, the local building codes may have requirements which will affect
the design and installation of lifts for the Physically Disabled.
Reference should be made by the Architect/Specifier to the actual
building code legislated in their area.
It may be (for example):
1. UBC (Uniform building Code) available from the ICBO (See other
pages for address)
2. NBC (National Building Code) available from BOCA (See other
pages for address)
ICBO = International Conference of Building Officials
BOCA = Building Officials and Code Administrators
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