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Handilift
- Vertical Wheelchair Platform Lift
Applicable National Codes and Standards - USA Private Residences
GENERAL
The National Standard used by most States and localities is the
ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators Part 21, Section
2100. The most current edition is 1996, with a 1999 Addendum.
(See Note 1).
Information note: The A17.1 only envisages one model of wheelchair
lift being installed at a Private Residence; however the reality
is that similar lifts that are available for Public Buildings
(which is a stricter Standard) are being regularly installed in
private Residences. Therefore the Architect/Specifier may want
to review the Handilift-Vertical Wheelchair Platform Lift for
Public Buildings on the Concord web page or CD-ROM for further
information and ideas, or contact Concord’s Architectural
consultant.
The following information reflects only the information in Part
21, Section 2100 "Vertical Wheelchair Lifts" of the
A17.1Standard or Section 5 of the A18.1:
"Guarding"; Rule 2100.1a; (A17.1)/ Rule 5.1.1(A18.1)
PAL Model (S) Typically an open style, outdoor unit, used for
access to a porch or verandah.(See Architectural Specifications)
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 1: 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):
Vertical Wheelchair Lifts installed in Private Residences are
not required to be in compliance with the ADA.
Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG)
Vertical Wheelchair Lifts installed in Private Residences are
not referenced by ADAAG.
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
2100.10i(1) of the ASME A17.1-1996 and Rule 5.10.9.1 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 2100.10i(2)
of the ASME A17.1-1996 and Rule 5.10.9.2 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 2100.10a (A17.1) and 5.10.1 (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 edition
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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