ADAAG Manual

Platform Lifts [4.11]

Scoping [4.1.3(5)]

In new construction, platform lifts can be used instead of ramps or elevators only in providing access to:

• performing areas in assembly occupancies

• wheelchair seating locations in assembly occupancies

• incidental space or rooms not open to the public with a maximum occupancy of five

Platform lifts are also permitted where ramp or elevator access is infeasible due to existing or other constraints.

Incidental Rooms and Spaces

These can include work areas such as equipment control rooms, projection booths, radio and news booths, press boxes, and other occupiable spaces of incidental use where the maximum occupancy is five and that are not open to the general public.

Wheelchair Seating Locations

ADAAG requires that lines of sight provided for people using wheelchair locations in assembly areas be comparable to those for the general public. Where the seating capacity exceeds 300, wheelchair locations are required to be dispersed in most cases. Platform lifts can be used to provide access to wheelchair locations in order to meet the line of sight or dispersion requirements of 4.33.3.

Performing Areas

Performing areas include spaces typically elevated or depressed and used primarily for purposes of entertainment, including stages, arena floors, and orchestra pits. Lifts can be used to provide access to these areas and, if located on the same level, other areas intended for use by performers but not the public, such as dressing and locker rooms.

Site Constraints

Platform lifts are permitted where "existing or other constraints" make ramp or elevator access "infeasible." This is intended to cover altered facilities where limited space or other constraints preclude construction of a complying ramp. An example might include construction of a new infill building with a historic facade which must be maintained (thus predetermining the entry floor level) and where space for a ramp is not available.

Other Requirements [4.11.2]

Platform lifts must comply with all applicable state and local codes and with the ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, Section XX (1990). The ASME code provides specifications for vertical wheelchair lifts and inclined wheelchair lifts. (It also covers inclined stairway chairlifts, but this type of lift, if the chair is fixed in place, does not meet ADAAG requirements for a platform that accommodates wheelchairs). Questions on the ASME standard should be directed to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers at (212) 705‒8500.

Vertical Wheelchair Lifts

Vertical lifts are intended for people who use wheelchairs although others may be able to use them under the ASME code if a seat is provided. However, if a fixed seat is provided, the minimum space required for wheelchairs must still be provided. Folding or flip-down seats can be used. The ASME code specifies a maximum travel distance of 12 feet and prohibits penetration of floors.

Inclined Wheelchair Lifts

Inclined wheelchair lifts, which are often installed along stairways, provide a platform accommodating a person using a wheelchair or scooter. Codes generally prohibit inclined lifts from reducing the required width of egress routes. The ASME standard allows inclined lifts with enclosures and those without. Those not enclosed, which art often stowed in a folded position, must be attendant-operated under the ASME standard. ADAAG's requirement for independent operation [4.11.3] prohibits most, if not all, lifts that must be operated by an attendant.

Platform Size and Surface

To be part of an accessible route, lift platforms must provide the amount of clear space required for wheelchairs in ADAAG 4.2.4. The minimum dimensions are based on the approach. Where entry and exit are on the narrow dimension, the space must be at least 36 inches wide and at least 48 inches long. Where entry and exit are at a right angle to each other, the space must be at least 60 inches long so that maneuvering room for the necessary turn is provided. Platform surfaces must be firm, stable, and slip-resistant as required in 4.5. In addition, changes in level between ¼ to ½ inch must be beveled with a slope 1:2 maximum; changes in level more than ½ inch must be treated as a ramp.

Operation

Platform lifts must be independently usable. Lifts that are required to be "attendant-operated” by the ASME code, such as inclined wheelchair lifts that are not enclosed, do not meet this requirement. All lifts addressed by Chapter XX of the ASME code are required to be key operated. Permanently fixed keys can provide the level of "unassisted" use and operation required by ADAAG. (Issuance of keys to specific individuals is acceptable for lifts serving incidental, not public, spaces used by a specific set of users, often employees). Controls must meet requirements in 4.27 for controls and operating mechanisms.