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I.P.L.
- Inclined Stairway 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 2001. The most current edition is 1996, with a 1999 Addendum.
(See Note 1).
Some 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):
The Architect/Specifier should be aware that some jurisdictions
do not permit an Inclined Stairway Platform Lift to be installed
on an accessible route, or permit installation only in modified
form. Code requirements are continually evolving,(See note 1)
and If ADA compliance is required, contact Savaria Concord Lifts'
Architectural consultant for more information.
Note 2: Any lift installed on a stairway may be subject to review
for emergency egress, in addition to the requirements of the A17.1
and local elevator/lift rules. The local Building Inspector or
Fire Inspector should be consulted prior to installation of the
lift(s).
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 IPL is the ANSI/NFPA 70 (The National Electrical
Code)Article 620.(Referenced by Rule 2001.1f(1) of the ASME A17.1-1996
and Rule 3.10.71 of 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 IPL is the CSA B44.1/ASME A17.5
. (Referenced by Rule 2001.1f(2) of the ASME A17.1-1996 and Rule
3.10.7.2 of 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 required to be 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.
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
web pages for address)
2. NBC (National Building Code) available from BOCA (See other
web pages for address)
ICBO = International Conference of Building Officials
BOCA = Building Officials and Code Administrators
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