Subchapter 6. Elevator Safety Orders
Article 15. SPECIAL ACCESS ELEVATORS AND SPECIAL ACCESS LIFTS

§3094.2. Vertical Platform (Wheelchair) Lifts.

(a) For purposes of this section, the provisions of ASME A17.1-1993, Section 2000, Vertical Wheelchair Lifts, except Rule 2000.10a and Rule 2000.10i(2), are hereby incorporated by reference.

(b) Vertical platform (wheelchair) lifts shall comply with ASME A17.1-1993, Section 2000, Vertical Wheelchair Lifts, except Rule 2000.10a and Rule 2000.10i(2).

(c) Vertical platform (wheelchair) lifts with a rise of five feet or less may be installed without a runway enclosure if the landings and platform comply with ASME A17.1-1993, Section 2000, Vertical Wheelchair Lifts, Rule 2000.1c, except Rule 2000.1c(1), and the following:

(1) The device as required in ASME A17.1-1993, Section 2000, Rule 2000.1c(6), shall stop the downward motion of the platform within a maximum travel distance of 1 inch when activated. The platform shall not move more than the available movement of the device.

(2) The switches as required in ASME A17.1-1993, Section 2000, Rule 2000.1c(6), shall be positively opened by the device.

(3) The operating controls at the lower landing shall be located at least 24 inches from any moving parts of the platform and runway, but within line of sight of the platform.

(4) The pit depth shall be no more than 4 inches.

(5) A contrasting stripe shall outline the pit area.

(d) A separate means for disconnecting power to the lift shall be provided in the runway, accessible from the bottom runway landing, and used when accessing the pit or the underside of the platform.

(e) When the bottom runway door is equipped with an electric strike lock, a battery backup shall be provided to electrically unlock the door for emergency evacuation in case of power failure.

(f) Fully enclosed runways, when installed, shall be illuminated to provide not less than five foot-candles of illumination inside the platform at all times.

(g) Vertical platform (wheelchair) lifts shall have a manual lowering device. The lowering device is for use by others to lower the lift to the lower landing should the lift downward motion become impaired. The lowering device shall comply with the following:

(1) The device shall be secured against unauthorized use.

(2) The device shall be operable or accessible from outside the enclosure.

(3) When necessary to access the runway to operate the device, an opening in the runway with a lockable cover/panel shall be provided. The opening and cover/panel shall comply with the following:

(A) The opening shall be of sufficient size and located to allow safe access and reach to the lowering device; and

(B) The cover/panel shall be kept locked and the key shall be available on the premises during normal business hours under the control of an authorized person.

(h) Vertical platform (wheelchair) lifts shall be for use by persons with disabilities and shall not be used to transport materials.

(1) The lift capacity shall not be exceeded by materials belonging to the person with disabilities, children who are the responsibility of the person with disabilities, or the attendants accompanying the person with disabilities.

(i) Durable signs with lettering on a contrasting background shall be permanently and conspicuously posted at the landing indicating the following:

(1) The international symbol of accessibility;

(2) The lift shall not be used to transport materials or equipment;

(3) The lift capacity; and

(4) The telephone number to call in case of emergency.

(j) Runway doors over 4 feet in height and constructed of non-transparent material cover may be equipped with a vision panel. If the vision panel is provided, the vision panel shall:

(1) Cover an area of not less than 25 square inches;

(2) Be able to reject a six inch ball; and

(3) Be centrally located on the door where the center of the panel is not more than 42 inches above the landing floor level.

(k) Where runway and runway doors of transparent construction are provided, detailed drawings of the materials and fastenings shall be submitted to the Division for review prior to installation. The Division shall review the drawings for structural integrity between the door, framing members, and fastenings in accordance with generally accepted installation practices.

(l) Transparent materials used for enclosures, doors, or vision panels shall be labeled as complying with ANSI Z97.1-1984.

(m) All runway doors shall be mounted flush with the inside of the hoist way.

(n) On vertical platform (wheelchair) lifts where a runway enclosure is installed, and the enclosure complies with ASME A17.1-1993, Section 2000, Vertical Wheelchair Lifts, Rule 2000.1a, Runway Enclosure Provided, an intermediate landing, if provided, shall comply with the following provisions:

(1) The access to the platform at the intermediate landing complies with ASME A17.1-1993, Section 2000, Rule 2000.1a(3), and the lift complies with ASME A17.1-1993, Section 2000, Rules 2000.1a(4), (5), (6), and (7).

(2) The intermediate landing door shall be arranged so that it cannot be opened from outside the hoistway when the lift is in operation.

(o) Operating devices and controls shall comply with the following:

(1) All passenger operating devices and controls shall be of the continuous pressure type.

(2) Operating devices shall be designed so the “up” and “down” circuits cannot be operated at the same time.

(p) Vertical platform (wheelchair) lifts which require the wheelchair or conveyance to be rotated 90 degrees for egress shall comply with the following:

(1) The clear inside unobstructed platform dimensions may range from 42 inches to 48 inches on one side by 54 inches to 60 inches on the other side.

(2) Whenever the platform minimum width of 42 inches is increased, the platform maximum 60 inch length shall be decreased by the number of inches the width has been increased (see the Table in section 3093.46(b)).

(3) When the length of the platform is reduced, the platform width shall be increased by the same amount the length has been decreased.

(4) The side entry of the platform door on the long side shall be hinged at the end nearest to the platform door on the short side unless the door is power operated.

(q) Vertical platform (wheelchair) lifts which comply with ASME A17.1-1993, Section 2000, Vertical Wheelchair Lifts, Rule 2000.1a, Runway Enclosure Provided, may penetrate a floor if approved by local building authorities and fire authorities.

(r) The vertical platform (wheelchair) lift may be locked for security reasons but shall remain unlocked during normal business hours. Note:Installation of all vertical platform (wheelchair) lifts are subject to local building codes, fire regulations, and contractors licensure.

Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code; and Section 18943, Health and Safety Code.

HISTORY

1. New section filed 4-9-98; operative 5-9-98 (Register 98, No. 15).

2. Amendment of subsections (p)(1)-(2) and (r) filed 4-1-2008; operative 5-1-2008 (Register 2008, No. 14).