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P.A.L.
- Vertical Wheelchair Lift
Applicable National Codes and Standards - CANADA Public Buildings
GENERAL
The National Standard used or referenced by all Provinces and
Territories is the Canadian Standards Association CSA B355-94,
" Lifts for Persons With Physical Disabilities". The
most current edition is 1994, with a September 1994 Addendum.
(See Note 1) (Section 7.6, in Part).
Some Provinces and Territories adopt the standard in it’s
entirety, and some Provinces and Territories adopt the standard
in part, with local modifications, or a local standard may have
been developed which has been legislated for use. (Nova Scotia
has their own standard and they are just now in the process of
adopting the B355 in legislation.) In Canada, the regulation of
elevators and lifts is a Provincial responsibility; there are
no county or municipal rules. (Other than Building or Fire Code
enforcement where it may conflict with an elevator/lift installation).
Various options of the PAL are available as the following models:
a:) "Runway enclosure is provided" (Enclosed Vertical
Platform Lift); Clause 5.1.2 (B355-94)
PAL Model (S) When a runway in the building is provided by the
owner or
PAL Model (EN) When runway (enclosure) is provided by Concord.
b:) "Full Runway enclosure is not provided";(Enclosed
Vertical Platform Lift); Clause 5.1.2(B355-94)
PAL Model (SE) When partial runway (enclosure) is provided by
Concord.
c:) "Runway enclosure is not provided"; (Unenclosed
Vertical Platform Lift); Clause 5.1.3 (B355-94)
PAL Model (S) (Modified): For use only when permitted by local
enforcing authorities.
The Architect/ Specifier should be aware that the B355 does not
reference access to, location or usage of lifts for the Physically
Disabled. This requirement has been left to the local authority
to write the applicable rules. Check with the local enforcing
authorities for the requirements in your Province or Territory.
Note 1: The Current edition of the CSA B355-94 is under review
and it is expected that a new edition will be published by CSA
in the spring of 2000.
Barrier Free design
The CSA B651 Standard "Barrier Free Design" references
the CSA B355 where Wheelchair Platform Lifts are to be installed.
Installation
The applicable standard governing the requirements for field installation
and wiring of the PAL is the CSA C22.1 (The Canadian Electrical
Code).(Referenced by Clause 8.1 of the CSA B355-94). 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 PAL is the CSA B44.1/ASME A17.5
. (Referenced by Clause 8 of the CSA B355-94).** This is the North
American harmonized standard for certification of electrical equipment
used with all elevating devices which are covered by the CSA B355-94
standard. 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 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 Canadian Standards
Association CSA B651-90 Standard "Barrier Free Design"
references the CSA B355. There are requirements within the CSA
B651 which impact on the design of the building in areas approaching
the lift entrances. The Architect/Specifier should be aware of
these requirements.
Building Codes and Standards
Depending on the Province or Territory where the lift is to be
installed , the local regulations and building codes may have
requirements which could affect the location, access and usage
of lifts for the Physically Disabled. Reference should be made
by the Architect/Specifier to the applicable regulations and/or
building codes legislated in their area.
** The CSA B44.1/ASME A17.5 harmonized Standard was not published
at the time of the publication of the CSA B355-94 therefore the
reference is to the new edition of CSA B355 to be published later
in 2000. However, all jurisdictions are currently referencing
this standard as a requirement for certification of electrical
equipment.
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