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«

ASME A18.1, Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and

Stairway Chairlifts, 2005 Edition, as required
by States and Municipalities, including
Arizona, Indiana, Minnesota, Texas, Vermont,
Wisconsin, Nevada, Colorado, et. alia.
 Safety Standard
for Platform Lifts.
and Stairway
Chairlifts

AN AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~

No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
 Errata ':i,

to
ASME A18.1-200S:,
Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway
Chairlifts

On page 42 the first paragraph in para. 6.8, and on page 46 the first paragraph in para. 7.8
were incorrectly revised in the 2005 edition. They are being reinstated, by this errata, in their
original form as they appeared in the 2003 edition. The correct paragraphs are presented below.

6.8 Safeties and Governors

All platforms shall be provided with a safety, except for
platforms of direct-plunger hydraulic lifts or self-locking drives
utilizing a lead screw or other positive gearing that will stop
and hold the carriage with rated load within 100 mm (4 in.) of
down travel after power is removed.

7.8 Safeties and Governors

All carriages shall be provided with a safety, except for plat-
forms of direct-plunger hydraulic lifts or self-locking drives
utilizing a lead screw or other positive gearing that will stop
and hold the carriage with rated load within 100 mm (4 in.) of
down travel after power is removed.

THE AMERICAN SOCIElY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS

Three Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5990

April 2006

1111111 ~I "~I ~IIII"II~IIIIIIII

A0145E

Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~

EmS
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME.
 Safety Standard
for Platform Lifts
and Stairway
Chai rlifts .

AN AMERICAN NATIONAL STAND_ARD

~
~
The American Society of
Mechanical Engineers Three Park Avenue • New Yoirk, NY 10016
I

Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~

No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. . ~
 Date of Issuance: November 29, 2005

The next edition of this Standard is scheduled for publication in 2008. This Standard will become
effective 6 months after the Date of Issuance. There will be no addenda issued to this edition.

ASME issues written replies to inquiries concerning interpretations of technical aspects of this
Standard. Interpretations are published on the ASME Web site under the Committee Pages at http://
www.asme.org/codes/ as they are issued.

ASME is the registered trademark of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

This code or standard was developed under procedures accredited as meeting the criteria for American National
Standards. The Standards Committee that approved the code or standard was balanced to assure that individuals from
competent and concerned interests have had an opportunity to participate. The proposed code or standard was made
available for public review and comment that provides an opportunity for additional public input from industry, academia,
regulatory agencies, and the public-at-Iarge.
ASME does not "approve," "rate," or "endorse" any item, construction, proprietary device, or activity.
ASME does not take any position with respect to the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any
items mentioned in this document, and does not undertake to insure anyone utilizing a standard against liability for
infringement of any applicable letters patent, nor assumes any such liability_ Users of a code or standard are expressly
advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, is
entirely their own responsibility.
Participation by federal agency representative(s) or person(s) affiliated with industry is not to be interpreted as
government or industry endorsement of this code or standard_
ASME accepts responsibility for only those interpretations of this document issued in accordance with the established
ASME procedures and policies, which precludes the issuance of interpretations by individuals.

No part of this document may be reproduced in any form,

in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of the publisher.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Three Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5990

Copyright © 2005 by
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS
All rights reserved
Printed in U.S.A.

Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~

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 CONTENTS

Foreword .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Committee Roster ..................................................................... v
Correspondence With the Al8 Committee .............................................. vi
Summary of Changes .................................................................. vii
1 Introduction .................................................................... 1
2 Vertical Platform Lifts ........................................................... 5
3 Inclined Platform Lifts .......................................................... 19
4 Inclined Stairway Chairlifts ...................................................... 26
5 Private Residence Vertical Platform Lifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
6 Private Residence Inclined Platform Lifts ......................................... 38
7 Private Residence Inclined Stairway Chairlifts .................................... 44
8 Driving Means .................................................................. 48
9 Engineering Type Testing and Design ............................................ 52
10 Routine, Periodic, and Acceptance Inspections and Tests .......................... 56
Figures
2.6.7 Plaftform Lift Corridor Call Station Pictograph. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
9.7 Minimum Loads to Sustain and Lower Based Upon Inside Net
Platform Area ............................................................... 55
Tables
1.5-1 Reference Documents .......................................................... 6
1.5-2 Procurement Information.... ....... ..... ..... . ...... ..... . ............ .... ..... 7

iii
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
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 FOREWORD

/ This Standard is one of the numerous standards developed and published by The American
Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) under procedures accredited as meeting the criteria for
American National Standards. The consensus committee that approved the Standard was balanced
to ensure that individuals from competent and concerned interests have had an opportunity to
participate.
This Standard is intended to serve as the basis for state,municipal, and other jurisdictional
authorities in drafting regulations governing the installation, testing, inspection, maintenance,
alteration, and repair of platform lifts and stairway chairlifts. It is also intended as a standard
reference of safety requirements for the guidance of architects, engineers, insurance companies,
manufacturers, and contractors, and as a standard of safety practices for owners and management
of structures where equipment covered in the Scope of this Standard is used.
This Standard is available for public review on a continuing basis. This provides an opportunity
for additional public input from industry, academia, regulatory agencies, and the public-at-Iarge.
Safety codes and standards are intended to enhance public health and safety. Revisions result
from committee consideration of factors such as technological advances, new data, and changing
environmental and industry needs. Revisions do not imply that previous editions were inadequate.
It should be pointed out that any governmental jurisdiction has authority over any particular
installation. Inquiries dealing with problems of a local character should be directed to the proper
authority of such jurisdiction. It is recommended that, prior to adoption, all pertinent state and
local laws or ordinances be reviewed and where there is a conflict with any of the requirements
of this Standard an exception to such conflicting requirement be noted, quoting the section of
the law that applies.
Equipment covered by this Standard was originally incorporated as a 1983 supplement to
ANSI! ASME A17.1-1981, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. In ANSI! ASME A17.1b-
1983, a new Part XXI covering private residence inclined stairway chairlifts and inclined and
vertical wheelchair lifts was added. Part XX was added to cover these same devices installed in
buildings other than private residences.
In 1996, as a result of the effort to harmonize the ASME A17.1 Code and the CAN/CSA-B44
Safety Code for Elevators, a new Main Committee on Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts was
established. The Committee developed the first edition, which incorporates Parts XX and XXI,
as well as the applicable cross-references in ASME A17.1-1996, up to and including ASME
A17.1a-1997.
The first edition of this Standard was approved by the ASME Committee on Platform Lifts
and Stairway Lifts, was approved and designated as an ASME Standard by the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) on June 21, 1999, and was issued on July 26, 1999. The A18.1a-2001
addenda was approved on January 30, 2001 and issued on March 26, 2001. The A18.1b-200l
addenda was approved on December 11, 2001 and issued on April 11, 2002.
Second editon of this Standard was approved by ANSI on July 29, 2003, and was issued on
September 12, 2003.
Following approval by the A18 Standards Committee and ASME, and after public review,
ASME A18.1-200S was approved by the American National Standards Institute on May 6, 2005.

iv
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~8
£m
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME.
 ASME A18 COMMITTEE
Safety Standard for
Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts
(The following is the roster of the Committee at the time of approval of this Standard.)

OFFICERS

G. L. Harmon, Chair
D. W. Boydston, Vice Chair
E. Cho, Secretary

COMMITTEE PERSONNEL

D. C. Balmer, Concord Elevator, Inc.

R. Murphy. Alternate, Concord Elevator, Inc.
P. Barnhart. Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
B. D. Black. Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association
J. C. Bovis. Jon Bovis Consultants
D. W. Boydston. Handi-Lift, Inc.
J. Martin, Alternate, Accessibility Lifts, Inc.
P. Caploon. State of New Jersey
F. D. Carty, United Lift Service Co., Inc.
N. D. Chaitin. McKinley Equipment Corp.
w.. M. McKinley, Alternate, McKinley Equipment Corp.
P. Chance. Inclinator Company of Central Pennsylvania
E. Cho. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
P. Edwards. Integrity Group Co., Inc.
D. Hallman. DME Access, Inc.
G. L. Harmon. National Wheel-O-Vator
K. Brinkman PEt Alternate, National Wheel-O-Vator
G. E. Hedman PEt University of Illinois
M. K. Mazz. The Access Board
S. J. Windley. Alternate, The Access Board
M. L. McDonald. Access Disability Advisor, Inc.
J. L. Meyer, State of California
P. M. Puno. Alternate, State of California
B. Page. Bruno Independent Living Aids
T. A. Andrus. Alternate, Bruno Independent Living Aids
R. L. Phillips. Georgia Department of Labor
G. A. Rogers. Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund
M. Townsend. Garaventa (Canada) Ltd.
R. B. Weber. Weber Accessibility System, Inc.
E. J. Zuercher. Ascension, A Division of AGM

v
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society ofMee,hanical Engineers. ~
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 CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE A18 COMMITTEE

General. ASME Standards are developed and maintained with the intent to represent the
consensus of concerned interests. As such, users of this Standard may interact with the Committee
by requesting interpretations, proposing revisions, and attending Committee meetings. Corre-
spondence should be addressed to:
Secretary, AlB Standards Committee
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Three Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016-5990
Proposing Revisions. Revisions are made periodically to the Standard to incorporate changes
that appear necessary or desirable, as demonstrated by the experience gained from the application
of the Standard. Approved revisions will be published periodically.
The Committee welcomes proposals for revisions to this Standard. Such proposals should be
as specific as possible, citing the paragraph number(s), the proposed wording, and a detailed
description of the reasons for the proposal, including any pertinent documentation.
Interpretations. Upon request, the AlB Standards Committee will render an interpretation of
any requirement of the Standard. Interpretations can only be rendered in response to a written
request sent to the Secretary of the AlB Standards Committee.
The request for interpretation should be clear and unambiguous. It is further recommended
that the inquirer submit his/her request in the following format:
Subject: Cite the applicable paragraph number(s) and the topic of the inquiry.
Edition: Cite the applicable edition of the Standard for which the interpretation is
being requested.
Question: Phrase the question as a request for an interpretation of a specific requirement
suitable for general understanding and use, not as a request for an approval
of a proprietary design or situation. The inquirer may also include any plans
or drawings which are necessary to explain the question; however, they should
not contain proprietary names or information.
Requests that are not in this format will be rewritten in this format by the Committee prior
to being answered, which may inadvertently change the intent of the original request.
ASME procedures provide for reconsideration of any interpretation when or if additional
information that might affect an interpretation is available. Further, persons aggrieved by an
interpretation may appeal to the cognizant ASME Committee or Subcommittee. ASME does not
"approve," "certify," "rate," or "endorse" any item, construction, proprietary device, or activity.
Attending Committee Meetings. The AlB Standards Committee regularly holds meetings, which
are open to the public. Persons wishing to attend any meeting should contact the Secretary of
the AlB Standards Committee.

vi
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 ASME A18.1-200S
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Following approval by the ASME A18 Committee and ASME, and after public review, ASME
A18.1-2005 was approved by the American National Standards Institute on May 6, 2005.
The 2005 edition of ASME A18.l includes revisions that are identified by a margin note, (05).
The following is a summary of the latest revisions and changes.
. Page Location Change
3 1.3 Definition of lever hydraulic driving
machine added
5 1.4 Added
1.5 Para. 1.4 redesignated as 1.5
6 Table 1.4-1 Redesignated as 1.5-1
7 Table 1.4-2 Redesignated as 1.5-2
9 2.1.3.3 Revised
2.1.3.4 Revised
10 2.1.3.6 Revised
13 2.5.1.1 Revised
14 2.5.2 Revised
15 2.7.1 Revised
16 2.8 Revised
17 2.8.8 Added
18,19 2.12 Added
2.13 Para. 2.12 redesignated as 2.13
3.1.2.3 Revised
23 3.6.10 Added
26 3.12 Added
3.13 Para. 3.12 redesignated as 3.13
31 5.1.1.2 Revised
5.1.1.7 Revised
34, 35 5.5.1.1 Revised
5.5.2 Revised
5.7.1 Revised
36, 37 5.8 Revised
5.8.8 Added
42 6.8 Revised
46 7.8 Revised
52 8.3.2 Revised
55 Fig. 9.7 Revised

vii
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
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 viii
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
 ASME A18.1-2005

SAFETY STANDARD FOR

PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

1 INTRODUCTION The provisions of this Standard are not intended to

prevent the use of systems, methods, or devices of equiv-
1.1 Scope alent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effec-
tiveness, durability, and safety to those prescribed by
1.1.1 Equipment Covered by This Standard. This this Standard provided that there is technical documen-
safety Standard covers the design, construction, installa- tation to demonstrate the equivalency of the system,
tion, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, and method, or device.
repair of inclined stairway chairlifts and inclined and The specific requirements of this Standard shall be
vertical platform lifts intended for transportation of a permitted to be modified by the authority havirig juris-
mobility impaired person only. The device shall have a diction based upon technical documentation or physical
limited vertical travel, operating speed, and platform performance verification to allow alternative arrange-
area. Operation shall be under continuous control of ments that will assure safety equivalent to that which
the user/attendant. The device shall not penetrate more would be provided by conformance to the correspond-
than one floor. A full passenger enclosure on the plat- ing requirements of· this Standard.
form shall be prohibited.
1.3 Definitions
1.1.2 Equipment Not Covered by This Standard. This section defines various terms used in this
Equipment not covered by this Standard includes, but Standard.
is not limited to, the following:
alteration: any change to equipment other than mainte-
(a) elevators, escalators, moving walkways, material
nance, repair, or replacement.
lifts, and dumbwaiters within the scope of ASME
AI7.lb-1997 and later edition approved: acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
(b) personnel hoists within the scope of ANSI AIO.4 authority having jurisdiction: organization, office, or indi-
(c) manlifts within the scope of ASME A90.I vidual responsible for approving equipment. Where
(d) powered platform and equipment for exterior and compliance with this Standard has been mandated by
interior building maintenance within the scope of ANSI law, the authority having jurisdiction" is the federal,
II

A120.I state, or local department or individual so designated

(e) portable equipment
in the enacting legislation or administrative regulation.
if) amusement devices authorized personnel: persons who have been instructed
(g) stage and orchestra lifts in the operation and/ or maintenance of the equipment
and designated by the owner to use or maintain the
1.1.3 Application. This Standard applies to new equipment.
installations only. building code: an ordinance that sets forth requirements
1.1.4 Effective Date. The requirements of this edition for building design and construction, or where such an
to the Standard are effective as of the date established by ordinance has not been enacted, one of the following
the local regulations of the authority having jurisdiction. model codes:
(a) National Building Code
Where the Standard has not been adopted by local regu-
lation and a specific edition has not been stipulated by (b) Standard Building Code

contractual agreement, compliance with this edition is (c) Uniform.Building Code

recommended as of the effective date listed in the front cable, traveling: see traveling cable.
of the document. capacity: see rated load.
certified: a certification by a testing laboratory, a profes-
1.2 Purpose and Exceptions
sional engineer, a manufacturer, or a contractor that a
The purpose of this Standard is to provide for the device or an assembly conforms to the requirements of
safety of life and limb, and to promote the public welfare. this Standard.

Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~

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ASME A18.1-2005 SAFETY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRlIFTS

combination mechanical lock and electric contact: a combina- full passenger enclosure: an assembly inclusive of the plat-
tion mechanical and electrical device with two related form top, minimum 2000 mm (80 in.) tall walls, mini-
but entirely independent functions, which are mum 2 000 mm (80 in.) tall platform doors and
(a) to prevent operation of the driving machine by platform floor.
the normal operating device unless the door or gate is gate: see door or gate.
in the closed position
(b) to lock the door or gate in the closed position and governor: see speed governor.
prevent it from being opened from the landing side governor pull-through tension (jorce): the magnitude of the
unless the platform is within the specified. distance from tensile load developed in the moving governor rope
the landing after the governor rope-retarding means is actuated.
compensating-rope sheave switch: a device that automati- governor pull-retarding means: a mechanical means of
cally causes the electric power to be removed from the developing a sufficient force in the governor rope to
driving-machine motor and brake when the compensat- . activate the platform or counterweight safeties or to trip
ing sheave approaches its upper or lower limit of travel. the governor rope releasing carrier, where used. Such
contacts: see door or gate electric contact. mechanical means include, but are not limited to, rope-
control: the system governing the starting, stopping, gripping jaws, clutch mechanisms, and traction arrange-
direction of motion, acceleration, speed, and retardation ments.
of the moving member. inclined platform lift: a powered hoisting and lowering
controller: a device or group of devices that serves to mechanism designed to transport mobility-impaired
control in a predetermined manner the·· apparatus to persons on a guided platform that travels on an incline.
which it is connected. inclined stairway chairlift: a powered hoisting and low-
door or gate: the movable portion(s) of the platform or ering mechanism that is guided, equipped with a seat,
runway entrance that closes the opening providing to transport seated passengers along stairways.
access to the platform or landing. It consists of one or
inspection and tests
more panels that may be equipped with a vision panel.
door or gate, manually operated: door or gate that is acceptance: the initial inspection and tests of new or
altered equipment to check for compliance with the
opened and closed by hand.
applicable requirements.
door or gate, power-operated: a door or gate that is
opened and closed by a door or gate power-operator. periodic: routine inspection and tests plus additional
door or gate, self-closing: a manually opened door or detailed examination and operation of equipment at
gate that closes when released. specified intervals witnessed by an inspector to check
for compliance with the applicable requirements.
door or gate closer: a device that closes a door or gate by
routine: the examination and operation of equipment
means of a spring or gravity.
at specified intervals by an inspector to check for compli-
door or gate electric contact: an electrical device, the func- ance with the applicable requirements.
tion of which is to prevent operation of the driving
machine by the normal operating device unless the door installation: a complete platform lift or stairway chairlift,
or gate is in the closed position. including all machinery and equipment necessary for
its operation.
door or gate power-operator: a device ,or assembly of
installation, existing: an installation that has been com-
devices that opens a door or gate by power other than
pleted or is under construction prior to the effective date
by hand, gravity, springs, or the movement of the plat-
of this Standard.
form; and that closes them by power other than by hand,
gravity, or the movement of the platform. installation, new: any installation not classified as an
existing installation by definition, or an existing plat-
driving machine: see machine, driving.
form lift or stairway chairlift moved to a new location
emergency stop switch: a device that, when manually oper- subsequent to the effective date of this Standard.
ated, causes the lift to halt its motion. installation, placed out of service: an installation whose
enforcirig authority: see authority having jurisdiction. power feed lines have been disconnected from the
entrance hardware: all components of an entrance, exclu- machine disconnect switch.
sive of the frame, door panels, and locks, that are neces- labeled: equipment or materials to which has been
sary to maintain the position of the panels within the attached a label, symbol, or other identifying mark of
assembly. an independent certifying organization concerned with
factor of safety: the ratio of the ultimate strength to the product evaluation, that maintains periodic inspection
working stress of a member under maximum static load- of production of labeled equipment or materials and by
ing, unless otherwise specified in a particular rule. whose labeling the manufacturer indicates compliance

2
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 SAFETY STANDARD FOR ASME A1B.1-2005
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

with appropriate standards or performance in a speci- sheave, drum, gear reducer, or shaft by means of a belt
fied manner. drive or chain drive.
landing: that portion of a floor, balcony, or platform used rack and pinion driving machine: an electric driving
to receive and discharge passengers. machine in which the motion of the platform lift or
stairway chairlift is obtained by power-driven rotating
landing, bottom terminal: the lowest landing served.
pinion(s) mounted on the platform, traveling on a sta-
landing,. top terminal: the highest landing served. tionary rack mounted in the runway.
landing, unenclosed: a landing that is open to the atmo- roped-hydraulic driving machine: a hydraulic driving
sphere or is open to an interior court of a building. machine in which the plunger or piston is connected to
(05) lever hydraulic driving machine: a hydraulic machine in the platform with wire ropes or indirectly coupled to
which the plunger or cylinder is attached to the platform the platform by means of wire ropes and sheaves. It
via levers. includes the cylinder, the plunger or piston, and multi-
plying sheaves, if any, and their guides.
listed: equipment or materials included in a list pub-
rope sprocket drive: a driving means consisting of wire
lished by an independent certifying organization con-
rope with fixed links at constant intervals throughout
cerned with product evaluation that maintains periodic
its length. The links engage in slots on a grooved drive
inspection of production of listed equipment or materi-
cog to provide a positive drive force.
als and whose listing states whether that equipment or
material meets appropriate standards or has been tested screw machine: an electric driving machine, the motor
and found suitable for use in a specified manner. of which drives a nut on a screw or rotates a screw to
raise or lower a platform lift or stairway chairlift.
machine, driving: the power unit that applies the energy traction machine: a direct-drive machine in which the
necessary to raise and lower equipment covered by the motion of a platform ,is obtained through traction
scope of this Standard. between the suspension ropes and a traction sheave.
belt-drive machine: an indirect-drive machine equipped winding drum machine: a geared-drive machine in
with a belt system as the connecting means. which the suspension ropes are fastened to and wind
chain-drive machine: an indirect-drive machine with a . on a drum.
chain system as the connecting means. worm-geared machine: a direct-drive machine in which
direct-drive machine: an electric driving machine, the the energy from the motor is transmitted to the driving
motor of which is directly connected mechanically to sheave or drum through worm gearing.
the driving sheave, drum, or shaft without the use of main floor: the floor providing normal egress from a
belts or chains, either with or without intermediate building.
gears.
maintenance: a process of routine examination, lubrica-
direct-plunger driving machine: a hydraulic driving
tion, cleaning, adjustment, and replacement of parts for
machine in which the plunger or cylinder is directly
the purpose of ensuring performance in accordance with
attached to the platform.
the applicable Code requirements.
electric driving machine: one where the energy is
applied by an electric motor. It includes the motor, brake, masonry: built-up construction or combination of build- .
and the driving sheave or drum together with its con- ing units or materials of clay, shale, concrete, glass, gyp-
necting gearing, belt, or chain, if any. sum, stone, or other approved units bonded together
with mortar or monolithic concrete. Reinforced concrete
friction machine: a direct-drive machine in which the
is not classed as masonry.
motion of the platform is obtained through friction
between a guiding means and driving wheels or rollers. operating device: the switch, pushbutton, lever, or other
geared-drive machine: a direct-drive machine in which devices used to actuate the control.
the energy is transmitted from the motor to the driving operation: the method of actuating the control.
sheave, drum, or shaft through gearing. operation, continuous-pressure: operation by means of
geared-traction machine: a geared-drive traction buttons or switches on the platform lift or stairway chair-
machine. lift and on the platform, anyone of which may be used
gearless-traction machine: a traction machine, without to control the movement of the platform lift as long
intermediate gearing, that has the traction sheave and as the button or switch is manually maintained in the
the brake drum mounted directly on the motor shaft. actuating position.
hydraulic driving machine: one in which the energy is overhead structure: all of the structural members support-
applied by means of a liquid under pressure in a cylinder ing the machinery, sheaves, and equipment at the top
equipped with a plunger or piston. of the runway.
indirect-drive machine: an electric driving machine, the penetrate a floor: pass through or pierce a floor in such
motor of which is connected indirectly to the driving a way that the opening has a continuous perimeter and

Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~

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ASME A18.1-2005 SAFETY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY (HAIRLIFTS

is provided only to allow the equipment to pass through rope, compensating: wire rope used to counterbalance, or
the floor. . partially counterbalance, the weight of the suspension
ropes.
piston: short cylindrical member that is provided with
a sealing means that travels with the member within a rope, countenveight: wire rope used to raise and lower the
hydraulic cylinder. counterweight on equipment having a winding drum
machine or a hydraulic machine equipped with a coun-
pit: that portion of a runway extending from the sill
terweight.
level of the lowest landing to the floor at the bottom of
the runway. rope, governor: wire rope with at least one end fastened
to the safety activating means or governor rope releasing
platform: the load carrying unit/including, but not lim-
carrier, passing over and driving the governor sheave,
ited to frame, floor, enclosure, seat, and door or gate.
and providing continuous information on the speed and
platform frame: a structural frame, composed of intercon- direction of the platform or counterweight.
necting members, which supports the platform.
rope, suspension (hoisting): wire rope used to raise and
plunger (ram): a long cylindrical compression member lower a platform lift or its counterweight, or a stairway
that is directly or indirectly coupled to the platform chairlift, or both.
frame. This member is not provided with a sealing
rope equalizer, suspension: a device installed on a platform
means. Where used in assembly with a cylinder, the
or counterweight to equalize automatically the tensions
sealing means is provided on the cylinder head, in the
in the suspension wire ropes.
case of telescopic plungers and cylinders, a sealing
means may be used in the moving plunger that is also rope-fastening device, auxiliary: a device attached to the
a cylinder. platform or counterweight or to the overhead dead-end
rope-hitch support that will function automatically to
position indicator: a device that indicates the position of
support the platform or counterweight in case the regu-
the platform in the runway. It is called a hall position
lar wire-rope fastening fails at the point of connection
indicator when placed at a landing, or a platform posi-
to the platform or counterweight or at the overhead
tion indicator when placed in the platform.
dead-end hitch.
private residence: a separate dwelling or a separate apart-
runby, top, direct-plunger hydraulic: the distance the plat-
ment in a multiple dwelling that is occupied only by
form can run above its top terminal landing before the
the members of a single family unit.
plunger strikes its mechanical stop.
rated load: the load that the equipment is designed and runway: the space in which the platform or seat moves.
installed to lift at the rated speed.
runway door or gate, locking device: a device that secures
rated load performance: the operation of the equipment a runway door or gate in the closed position and pre-
with its rated load at rated speed. vents it from being opened from the landing side except
rated speed: the speed at which the equipment is designed under certain specified conditions.
to operate in the up direction with rated load in the safety bulkhead: a closure at the bottom of the cylinder
platform. located above the cylinder head and provided with an
recycling operation, telescopic plunger: an operation for orifice for controlling the loss of fluid in the event of
restoring the relative vertical positions of the multiple cylinder head failure.
plungers in a telescoping plunger arrangement. safety, platform or counterweight: a mechanical device
releasing carrier, governor rope: a mechanical device to attached to the platform frame or to an auxiliary frame,
which the governor rope may be fastened, calibrated to or to the counterweight frame, to stop and hold the
control the activation of a safety at a predetermined platform or counterweight under one or more of the
tripping force. following conditions: predetermined overspeed, free
fall, or if the suspension ropes slacken.
repair: the process of rehabilitation or replacement of
parts that are basically the same as the original for the safety, self-resetting: a platform or counterweight safety
purpose of ensuring performance in accordance with released and reset by movement in the up direction.
the applicable Code requirements. screw column: a structural member provided with screw
replacement: the substitution of a device or component threads that supports the platform on screw driving
in its entirety with a new unit that is basically the same machines.
as the original for the purpose of ensuring performance shall: indicates a mandatory requirement.
in accordance with applicable Code requirements.
should: indicates a recommendation, not a mandatory
rise: see travel. requirement.

4
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
SAFElY STANDARD FOR ASME AIB.1-200S
PLATFORM LIFTS ,AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

slack-rope switch: a device that automatically causes the vertical platform lift: a powered hoisting and lowering
electric power to be removed from the driving machine mechanism designed to transport mobility-impaired
motor and brake when the suspension ropes of a wind- persons on a guided platform that travels vertically.
ing drum machine become slack. weatherproof so constructed or protected that exposure
sleeving (liner): the insertion of a smaller diameter cylin- to the weather will not interfere with its successful oper-
der inside the existing cylinder of a hydraulic driving ation.
machine. window: an assembly consisting of a surrounding frame
solid state device: an element that can control current flow and one or more sashes, ventilators, or fixed lights, or
without moving parts. a combination of these, designed to be installed in a
speed governor: a continuously operating speed monitor- wall opening for the purpose of admitting light or air,
ing and detection device that, at predetermined speeds, or both.
provides signals to the controller and imparts a retarding working pressure: the pressure measured at the cylinder
force to activate the platform lift or counterweight safety, of a hydraulic driving machine when the platform lift
or stairway chairlift. or stairway chairlift are lifting their rated load at rated
starters control panel: an assembly of devices by means speed.
of which the starter may control the manner in which 1.4 Metric (51) Units (05)
a lift functions.
This edition of the standard uses hard metric (51)
static switching: switching of circuits by means of solid units whenever practical. The acceptable equivalent U.S.
state devices. .
Customary units are shown in parenthesis. Information
stop switch: see emergency stop switch. on the usage of 51 units and conversion to U.S. Custom-
supply piping: the piping for a hydraulic driving machine ary units is contained in IEEE/ ASTM 51 10-1997 Stan-
between the control valves and the driving member of dard for the Use of the illternational System of Units
the driving machine .. (51): The Modern Metric System, or ASME Guide 51-1,
Orientation and Guide for Use of 51 (Metric) Units.
terminal landing: see landing. Requirements related to speed and load use the hard
terminal stopping device, final: a device that automatically metric and hard U.S. Customary units in common prac-
causes the power to be removed from the driving tice, even though they are not exactly equivalent.
machine motor and brake, or from a hydraulic driving
machine, independent of the functioning of the normal 1.5 Reference Codes, Standards, and Specifications (OS)
terminal stopping device, the operating device, or any . This section covers the codes, standards, and specifi-
emergency terminal speed limiting device, after the plat- cations incorporated in this Standard by reference; the
form lift or stairway chairlift has passed a terminal specific editions that are applicable; and the rules of this
landing. Standard that reference each document (see Table 1.5-1).
terminal stopping device, machine final (stop-motion switch): This section also lists the names and addresses of the
a final terminal stopping device operated directly by organizations from which these documents may be pro-
the driving machine. cured (see Table 1.5-2).
Only that portion of the code, standard, or specifica-
terminal stopping device, normal: a device or devices to
tion as specified by the rules in this Standard is appli-
slow down and stop a platform lift or stairway chairlift
cable.
automatically at or near a terminal landing indepen-
dently of the functioning of the operating device.
travel (rise): the vertical distance between the bottom 2 VERTICAL PLATFORM LlFTS 1
terminal landing and the top terminal landing. Section 2 applies to vertical platform lifts installed in
traveling cable: a cable made up of electric conductors, locations other than in or at a private residence for use
which provides electrical connection between a platform by the mobility impaired.
lift or stairway chairlift and a fixed outlet in the runway.
2.1 Runways
valley break: a broken wire in a wire rope in which the
outside wire of a strand breaks in the immediate vicinity Runways shall be installed in accordance with paras.
of the point where it contacts a wire or wires of an 2.1.1, 2.1.2, or 2.1.3. Runway construction for lifts that
adjacent strand, generally at a point not visible when penetrate a floor must comply with para. 2.1.1 and with
the wire rope is examined externally. One end of the the building code.
broken wire is long enough to reach from one valley to
the next one and the other end of the broken wire gener- 1 See section 5 for the requirements for this equipment installed
ally cannot be seen. in or at a private residence.

Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~

No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
 ASME A18.1-200S SAFElY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

(OS) Table 1.5-1 Reference Documents

Standard A18 References Available From

ANSI Al0.4 (latest edition) Safety Requirements for Personnel Hoists 1.1.2 ANSI

ICC/ANSI A117.1-1998 Guidelines for Accessible and Vsable Buildings and 2.1.5, 3.1.4.2, and ANSI
Facilities 3.10.1

ASME A120.1 (latest edition) Safety Requirements for Powered Platforms for 1.1.2 ASME
Building Maintenance

ANSI Z97.1-1984 Performance Specifications and Methods of Test for· 3.6.4.3 and 6.6.4.3 ANSI
Safety Glazing Material Used in Buildings

ASME B29.1-1975 Precision Power Transmission Roller Chains, Attach- 2.3.1.5, 2.3.8.1, 3.3.1.5, ASME
ments, and Sprockets 3.3.5.1, 4.3.1.2, 4.3.5.1,
5.3.1.5, 5.3.8.1, 6.3.1.5,
6.3.5.1, 7.3.1.2, and
7.3.5.1

AWS D1.1(1atest edition) Structural Welding Code - Steel 9.1.1 and 9.1.2 AWS

AWS D1.3 (latest edition) Structural Welding Code - Sheet Steel 9.1.2 AWS

NFPA 70 (latest edition) National Electrical Code® 2.1.6.1, 2.10.9.1, NFPA

3.1.6.1, 3.10.7.1, 4.1.3,
4.10.3.1, 5.1.4.1,
5.10.9.1, 6.1.6.1,
6.10.6.1, 7.1.3, and
7.10.3.1

NFPA 99 (latest edition) Standard for Health Care Facilities 2.11.3 NFPA

ASMEA17.1-1997 (and lateredi- Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators 1.1.2 ASME
tions)

ASME A90.1 (latest edition) Safety Standard for Manlifts 1.1.2 ASME

ASTM A 307-84a Specifications for Carbon Steel, Externally and Inter- 2.2.2.2, 3.2.1.1, 5.2.1.1, ASTM
nally Threaded Standard Fasteners 6.2.1.1, and 8.1.2.2

ASTM A 502-83a Specifications for Steel Structural Rivets 2.2.2.3, 3.2.1.1, 5.2.1.1, ASTM
and 6.2.1.1

ASTM D 2412-92 Test Method for Determination of External Loading 8.1.4.8 ASTM
Characteristics of Plastic Pipe by Parallel Plate

ASTM E 8 (latest edition) Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metal- 9.5.1 ASTM
lic Materials

CAN/CSA-B44.1/ASMEA17.5 (Iat- Elevator and Escalator Electrical Equipment 2.1.6.2, 2.10.9.2, ASME
est edition) 3.1.6.2, 3.10.7.2, 4.1.4,
4.10.3.2, 5.1.4.2,
5.10.9.2, 6.1.6.2,
6.10.6.2, 7.1.4, and
7.10.3.2

16 CFR Part 1201-86 Architectural Glazing Standards and Related 3.6.4.3 and 6.6.4.3 CPSC
Materials

National Building Code 1.3 BOCA

(latest edition)

Standard Building Code 1.3 SBCCI

(latest edition)

Uniform Building Code (latest 1.3 ICBO

edition)

Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~

No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
SAFElY STANDARD FOR ASME A18.1-2005
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

Table 1.5-2 Procurement Information (05)

Organization Address and Phone Number Organization Address and Phone Number

ANSI American National Standards Institute, Inc. CSA Canadian Standards Association
25 West 43rd Street, 4th Floor 5060 Spectrum Way
New York, New York 10036 Mississauga, Ontario
Telephone: (212) 642-4900 L4W 5N6 Canada
www.ansi.org Telephone: (416) 747-4000
www.csa.ca
ASME The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Three Park Avenue
DOC U.S. Department of Commerce
New York, New York 10016-5990
Commodity Standards Division
Telephone: (212) 591-7722
Available from Superintendent of
www.asme.org
Documents
ASME Order Department Government Printing Office
22 Law Drive Washington, DC 20402
Box 2300 Telephone: (703) 684-0211
Fairfield, New Jersey 07007-2300 www.commerce.gov
Telephone: (201) 882-1167
ICBO International Conference of Building
(800) 843-2763
Officials
5360 South Workman Mill Road
ASTAA' American Society for Testing and Materials
Whittier, California 90601
100 Barr Harbor Drive
Telephone: (213) 699-0541
West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania
www.icho.org
19428-2959
Telephone: (610) 832-9500 NFPA National Fire Protection Association
www.astm.org 1 Batterymarch Park
P.O. Box 9101
AWS American Welding Society, Inc. Quincy, Massachusetts 02269-9101
550 NW Lejeune Road Telephone: (617) 770-3000
Miami, Florida 33126 www.nfpa.org
Telephone: (800) 443-9353
SBCCI Southern Building Code Congress
www.aws.org
International, Inc.
900 Montclair Road
BOCA Building Officials and Code Administrators
Birmingham, Alabama 35213
International, Inc.
Telephone: (205) 591-1853
4051 West Flossmoor Road
www.sbcci.org
Country Club Hills, Illinois 60478
Telephone: (708) 799-2300 UL Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
www.bocaLorg 333 Pfingsten Road
Northbrook, Illinois 60062-2096
CPSC U.s. Consumer Products Safety Commission Telephone: (847) 272-8800
Washington, DC 20207-0001 www.ul.com
Telephone: (301) 504-0990
(800) 638-2772
(800) 638-8270 TTY
www.cpsc.org

2.1.1 Runway Enclosure Provided door shall be self-closing and at least 1100 mm (42 in.)
high. The runway side of the door shall present a smooth
2.1.1.1 The runway shall be guarded by a solid
surface. The door shall be located not more than 75 mm
enclosure extending from the lowest landing to a height
(3 in.) from the platform sill.
of at least 1100 mm (42 in.) above the uppermost land-
ing. The enclosure shall withstand, without permanent 2.1.1.3 The runway entrances at all but the upper-
deformation, a force of 550 N (125 lbf) applied on any most landing shall be guarded by unperforated self-
100 mm (4 in.) by 100 mm (4 in.) area. The interior of closing doors not wider than the platform plus 25 mm
the runway enclosure shall present a smooth surface.
(1 in.). The openings created in the runway by these
2.1.1.2 The runway entrance shall be guarded at doors shall provide a minimum vertical clearance of
the upper landing by a door of unperforated construc- 2 000 mm (80 in.). The doors shall guard the entire area
tion not wider than the platform plus 25 mm (1 in.). The of the openings except for space necessary for operation.

7
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
ASME A18.1-2005 SAFElY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY (HAIRLIFTS

Space necessary for operation shall reject a ball 12 mm 2.1.2 Partial Runway Enclosure Provided
(0.5 in.) in diameter. The lift side of the landing doors 2.1.2.1 The area under the platform shall be fully
and sill shall present a smooth surface located not closer enclosed by smooth guards, either telescoping or sta-
than 10 mm (0.375 in.) nor more than 20 mm (0.75 in.) tionary, on all accessible platform sides. The guards shall
from the platform floor. withstand, without permanent deformation, a force of
550 N (125Ibf) applied on any 100 mm (4 in.) by 100 mm
2.1.1.4 All doors shall be provided with a combi- (4 in.) area. The height of stationary guards, if provided,
nation mechanical lock and electric contact. Locking shall be at least equal to the maximum upward travel
devices shall be protected against tampering from the of the platform floor plus 75 mm (3 in.). The running
landing side. The locking devices may permit a door to clearance between the platform enclosure walls and any
be opened only if the platform floor is within 50 mm . stationary guard panel shall be not less than 50 mm
(2 in.) of the respective landing. They shall permit the (2 in.) nor more than 75 mm (3 in.). Shutter-type (tele-
platform to move away from the landing under control scoping) guards, if provided, shall be securely fastened
of the normal operating device if the door is closed to the lower landing level and to the platform. Openings
but not locked, provideq that the device will cause the necessary for operation of shutter-:-type (telescoping)
platform to stop if it moves away from the landing more guard panels shall reject a ball 12 mm (0.5 in.) in
than 50 mm (2 in.) before the door is locked. Doors shall diameter.
withstand, without permanent deformation, a force of
550 N (125Ibf) applied on any 100 mm (4 in.) by 100 mm 2.1.2.2 The runway entrance shall be guarded at
(4 in.) area. the uppermost landing by a door of unperforated con-
struction not wider than the entrance to the platform
2.1.1.5 No hardware shall project beyond the ver- plus 25 mm (1 in.). The door shall be self-closing and
tical line of travel of the platform, except for that required at least 1100 mm (42 in.) high. The door shall be located
for door locks. not more than 75 mm (3 in.) from the platform sill.
2.1.2.3 The runway entrance shall be guarded at
2.1.1.6 The running clearance between the any intermediate landing by a door of unperforated
entrance and exit sides of the platform floor and the construction not wider than the entrance to the platform
interior of the runway enclosures shall be not less than plus 25 mm (1 in.).·The door shall be self-closing and
10 mm (0.375 in.) nor more than 20 mm (0.75 mm). extend to a height· of at least 1100 mm (42 in.) above
the top terminal landing. The lift side of the door and
2.1.1.7 The platform enclosure walls on the sides sill shall present a smooth surface located not closer
not used for entrance or exit shall be of smooth construc- than 10 mm (0.375 in.) nor more than 20 mm (0.75 in.)
tion to a height of at least 1100 mm (42 in.) above from the access edge of the platform floor.
the platform floor with no openings other than those
2.1.2.4 The side of the platform providing access
necessary for operation. Openings necessary for opera-
to the lower landing shall be guarded by a platform
tion shall reject a ball 12 mm (0.5 in.) in diameter. A
door of unperforated construction. The door shall be
grab rail extending the full length of either side wall
self-closing and at least 1100 mm (42 in.) high.
shall be provided at a height of 850 mm (34 in.) to
1000 mm (38 in.). The running clearance between the 2.1.2.5 All doors shall be provided with a combi-
platform enclosure walls and the runway enclosure shall nation mechanical lock and electric contact. Locking
be not less than 50 mm (2 in.) nor more than 75 mm devices shall be protected against tampering from the
(3 in.). landing side. The locking devices shall permit a door to
be opened only if the platform floor is within 50 mm
2.1.1.8 If the runway enclosure extends to a mini- (2 in.) of the respective landing. The platform shall be
mum height of 2100 mm (84 in.) above the upper land- permitted to move away from the landing under control
ing, consists of transparent walls, is exposed to direct of the normal operating device if the door is closed
sunlight, and is enclosed with a solid roof, forced ventila- but not locked, provided that the device will cause the
tion with a minimum air handling capacity of one air platform to stop if it moves more than 50 mm (2 in.)
change per minute based on net inside enclosure volume away from the landing before the door is locked.
shall be provided. The ventilation shall be permitted to 2.1.2.6 The platform side of the landing doors and
be thermostatically controlled, in which case, it shall be sills shall present a smooth surface and shall not project
set to activate at a temperature not to exceed 32°C (90°F). beyond the vertical line of travel of the platform. No
An auxiliary power source capable of providing the min- hardware shall project beyond the vertical line of travel
imum air handling capacity for 1 hr shall be provided. of the platform, except for that required for door locks
Ventilating fans or blowers, if used, shall be located and electric contacts. The doors shall withstand, without
outside the enclosure, or if inside the enclosure, provide permanent deformation, a force of 550 N (125 lbf)
a minimum headroom clearance of 2 100 mm (84 in.). applied on any 100 mm (4 in.) by 100 mm (4 in.) area.

Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~

No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
SAFETY STANDARD FOR ASME A18.1-2005
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

2.1.2.7. Smooth vertical fascias of unperforated 2.1.3.3 A smooth vertical fascia shall be provided (05)
construction shall be securely fastened from the top ter- from the top terminal landing sill and any intermediate
minallanding sill and any intermediate landing sill to landing sill to the level of the bottom terminal landing
the level of the bottom terminal landing sill. They shall sill. Openings necessary for operation shall reject a ball
be equal to or stronger than 1.5 mm (0.0598 in.) sheet 12 mm (0.5 in.) in diameter. A device to stop the platform
steel and guard the full width of the platform floor. The if an object protrudes beyond the platform edge into
fascias shall notbe permanently deformed when a force the running clearance shall be provided if the fascia is
of 550 N (125 lbf) is applied on any 100 mm (4 in.) by perforated. The device used shall be effective for the
100 mm (4 in.) area. full width of the platform opening and for the full travel
of the platform. The fascia shall be equal to or stronger
2.1.2.8 The platform enclosure walls on the sides than 1.5 mm (0.0598 in.) sheet steel and guard the full
not used for entrance or exit shall be of smooth construc-
width of the platform. The surface shall not be perma-
tion to a height of at least 1100 mm (42 in.) above
nently deformed when a force of 550 N (125 lbf) , is
the platform floor with no openings, other than those
applied on any 100 mm (4 in.) by 100 mm (4 in.) area.
necessary for operation. Openings necessary for opera-
tion shall reject a ball 12 mm (0.5 in.) in diameter. A 2.1.3.4 The side of the platform providing access (05)
grab rail extending the full length of either side wall to the lower landing shall be guarded in accordance
shall be provided at a height of 850 mm (34 in.) to with the requirements of para. 2.1.3.4.1 or 2.1.3.4.2.
1000 mm (38 in.). The running clearance between the
platform enclosure wall and the vertical face of the 2.1.3.4.1 The lower landing side of the platform
machine housing shall be not less than 50 mm· (2 in.) shall be guarded by a platform door of unperforated
nor more than 75 mm (3 in.). Where an obstruction or construction. The door shall be self-closing, at least
surface less than 1100 mm (42 in.) above the top landing 1100 mm (42 in.) high, and withstand, without perma-
other than machine housing, stationary guard panels, nent deformation, a force of 550 N (125Ibf) on a 100 mm
shutter type (telescoping) guard panels or sides used (4 in.) by 100 mm (4 in.) area.
for entering and exiting is within 300 mm (12 in.) of
2.1.3.4.2 The lower landing side of the platform
the platform enclosure walls and presents a pinching,
shall be guarded by a powered, retractable passenger
shearing, or crushing hazard, a smooth continuous sur-
restraining arm(s) conforming to the following:
face shall be provided extending from the lower landing
(a) The arm(s) shall be located above the leading edge
to a height of not less than 1100 mm (42 in.) above the
of the platform on the lower landing side at a height of
top landing. Where an obstruction or surface is between
not less than 800 mm (32 in.) or greater than 1000 mm
1100 mm (42 in.) and 2000 mm (80 in.) above the top
(38 in.). Gaps between the adjacent ends of arm sections
landing, a smooth continuous surface shall be provided
or the end of arm sections and the lift sidewall shall not
extending from the lower landing to a height of not less
exceed 100 mm (4 in.) when the arms are in their guard-
than 75 mm (3 in.) above the obstruction~ The continuous
ing position. -
surface shall be located on the lift side of the obstruction
_(b) The arm(s) shall be of smooth construction with all
not closer than 50 mm (2 in.) to the platform enclosure
walls. edges rounded. They shall not be permanently deformed
when a force of 300 N (66 lbf) is applied on any point
2.1.3 Runway Enclosure Not Provided along the length of the arms in any direction. In addition,
they shall not be permanently deformed when a force
2.1.3.1 The runway entrance shall be guarded at of 1 000 N (225 lbf) is applied in the horizontal direction
the upper landing by a door of unperforated construc- along the center line of the platform.
tion. The door shall be self-closing, at least 1100 mm
(c) Each retractable arm shall be mechanically locked
(42 in.) high, and withstand, without permanent defor-
and monitored by an electric contact, which shall stop
mation, a force of 550 N (125 lbf) applied on a 100 mm
the movement of the platform within 50 mm (2 in.) of
(4 in.) by 100 mm (4 in.) area. The door shall be located
travel away from any landing if the arm is not in its
not more than 75 mm (3 in.) from the platform sill.
locked guarding position. Means shall be provided to
2.1.3.2 The runway entrance shall be guarded at manually unlock the retractable arm(s) for emergency
any intermediate landing by a door of unperforated evacuation purposes. The unlocking mechanism shall
construction not wider than the entrance to the platform not be readily accessible to the passenger.
plus 25 mm (1 m.). The door shall be self-closing and (d) Control shall be by means of a continuous pressure
extend to a height of at least 1100 mm (42 in.) above device. The closing speed shall not exceed 0.3 m/s
the top terminal landing. The lift side of the door and (1 ft/sec) as measured at the fastest point. The force
sill shall present a smooth surface located not closer necessary to prevent closing of the arm(s) shall not
than 10 mm (0.375 in.) nor more than 20 mm (0.75 in.) exceed 140 N (30 lbf) as measured at the mid-point
from the access edge of the platform floor. across the arm at the boarding end of the platform.

9
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
 ASME A1B.1-2005 SAFElY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

The arm(s) may operate in the direction away from an 2.1.3.6.3 A force sensitive safety surface shall
obstruction. be provided covering the entire floor area directly under
(e) A retractable ramp shall be provided in confor- the moving platform plus 75 mm (3 in.) beyond any
mance with para. 2.1.5.2. exposed platform edge. The device shall prevent down-
ward motion of the platform when activated by a force
2.1.3.5 The sides of the platform not used for not to exceed 70 N (15 lbf) applied anywhere on its
entrance or exit shall be guarded by walls of smooth surface. The lift shall be permitted to operate in the
construction with no openings, other than those neces- upward direction. Downward motion shall be permitted
sary for the operation of the lift, to a height of at least to resume when the force is removed.
1100 mm (42 in.). Those openings necessary for opera-
2.1.3.7 The clearance between the platform floor
tion shall reject a ball 12 mm (0.5 in.) in diameter. A
and the upper landing sill shall be not less than 10 mm
grab bar extending the full length of either side guard
(0.375 in.) nor more than 20 mm (0.75 in.).
shall be provided at a height of 850 mm (34 in.) to
1 000 mm (38 in.). 2.1.3.8 All doors, except as provided in para.
2.1.3.9, shall be provided with a combination mechanical
(05) 2.1.3.6 The underside of the platform shall be lock and electric contact. Locking devices shall be pro-
guarded in accordance with the requirements of para. tected against tampering from the landing side. The
2.1.3.6.1, 2.1.3.6.2, or 2.1.3.6.3. locking devices shall permit a door to be opened only
2.1.3.6.1 The underside of the platform shall if the platform floor is within 50 mm (2 in.) of the respec-
tive landing. The platform shall be permitted to move
be equipped with a device which, if the platform is
away from the landing under control of the normal
obstructed in its downward travel by a force not to
operating device if the door is closed put not locked,
exceed 70 N (15Ibf) applied anywhere on its underside,
provided that the devices will cause the platform to stop
will actuate a minimum of two serising devices which
if it moves away from the landing more than 50 mm
shall cause electric power to be removed from the driv-
(2 in.) before the door is locked.
ing machine motor and brake, if provided, and cause
the platform to stop its downward motion within 50 mm 2.1.3.9 Where the lift is installed at a location that
(2 in.). The stroke of the device shall not be less than does not have guard rails at the upper landing as allowed
the stopping distance of the platform. The lift shall be by building codes (see definition), the requirements of
permitted to operate away from the obstruction. Down- paras. 2.1.3.1, 2.1.3.2, and 2.1.3.3 shall be permitted to
ward motion shall be permitted to resume when the be omitted when platform gates are provided. They shall
obstruction is removed. extend to a height at least equal to the top terminal
landing height plus 150 mm (6 in.) measured when the
2.1.3.6.2 The underside of the platform shall be platform is at its lowest position. The gates shall be of
equipped with a bellows or similar device that shall not unperforated construction, self-closing and be provided
be permanently deformed when a force of 550 N (125 with electric contacts to prevent movement of the plat-
lbf) is applied on any 100 mm (4 in.) by 100 mm (4 in.) form if the gates are not closed. The gates shall not be
area. Deflection of the bellows due to a force of 330 N permanently deformed when a force of 550 N (125Ibf)
(75Ibf) applied on any 100 mm (4 in.) by 100 mm (4 in.) is applied on any 100 mm (4 in.) by 100 mm (4 in.) area.
area shall not exceed 75 mm (3 in.) or the distance to
2.1.3.10 The requirements of para. 2.1.3.7 shall be
contact an internal moving component other than the
permitted to be increased to 75 mm (3 in.) if a platform
bellows support mechanism, whichever is less. Deflec-
gate complying with para. 2.1.3.9 and an automatically
tion shall be measured with the platform at uppermost
folding ramp to service the upper landing is provided.
landing.
When deployed, the ramp shall have a minimum overlap
(a) The upper attachment point of the bellows shall at the upper landing sill of 50 mm (2 in.) and shall be
be permitted to be inset from the outer edge of the substantially level. It shall be provided with an electric
platform provided that the exposed area of the under- contact, which will stop the movement of the platform
side of the platform is equipped with a device that con- within 150 mm (6 in.) of travel away from the upper
forms to para. 2.1.3.6.1. landing if the ramp has failed to rise to its retracted
(b) Deflection greater than that allowed by para. position.
2.1.3.6.2 shall be permitted, provided that any additional
deflection actuates a sensing device that causes the elec- 2.1.4 Pipes in Runway Vicinity. Pipes conveying
tric power to be removed from the driving machine steam, gas, or liquids that, if discharged into the runway,
would endanger life or health shall not be permitted.
motor and brake, if provided, and causes the platform
to stop its downward motion within 50 mm (2 in.). 2.1.5 Lower Level Access Ramps and Pits. Lifts shall
Downward motion shall be permitted to resume when be permitted to have a pit. Unenclosed pits shall not
the bellows is returned to its normal condition. exceed 100 mm (4 in.) in depth. Where a pit is not

10
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~.
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of AS ME. ~
SAFElY STANDARD FOR ASME A18.1-200S
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

provided, a floor mounted or retractable platform floor 2.2.2.2 Bolts shall conform to ASTM A 307.
mounted ramp shall be provided in accordance with
2.2.2.3 Rivets shall conform to ASTM A 502.
para. 2.1.5.1 or 2.1.5.2.
2.2.3 Requirements for Metals Other Than Steel. Met-
2.1.5.1 Ramping inclinations for floor mounted als other than steel shall be permitted to be used pro-
ramps shall be not greater than vided the factor of safety is not less than,and the
(a) 1 in 8 for heights up to 75 mm (3 in.)
deflections are not more than, the values specified in
(b) 1 in 10 for heights up to 100 mm (4 in.) this section, and provided that cast iron is not used.
(c) 1 in 12 for heights greater than 100 mm (4 in.)
2.2.4 Stresses and Deflections
2.1.5.2 Retractable ramps shall be automatically
actuated and shall remain in their elevated position until 2.2.4.1 Guide Rails. For steels conforming to the
the platform returns to the landing. When in use, the requirements of para. 2.2.2, the stresses in a guide rail
inclination of the ramps shall not be greater than or in the rail and its reinforcement, due to the horizontal
(a) 1 in 4 for heights up to 50 mm (2 in.) forces imposed on the rail during loading, unloading or
running, calculated without impact, shall not exceed
(b) 1 in 6 for heights up to 65 mm (2.5 in.)
100 MPa (15,000 psi), and the deflection shall not exceed
(c) 1 in 8 for heights up to 75 mm (3 in.)
6 mm (0.25 in.).
(d) 1 in 10 for heights up to 100 mm (4 in.)
Where steels of greater strength than those specified
(e) 1 in 12 for heights greater than 100 mm (4 in.)
in para. 2.2.2 are used, the stresses specified shall be
2.1.6 Electrical Equipment and Wiring permitted to be increased proportionately based on the
ratio of the ultimate strengths.
2.1.6.1 The installation of electrical equipment
and wiring shall conform to the requirements of ANSI! 2.2.4.2 Brackets, Fastenings, and Supports. The
NFPA 70. guide-rail brackets, their fastenings and supports, such
as building beams and walls, shall be capable of resisting
2.1.6.2 Electrical equipment shall be certified to the horizontal forces imposed by rated load with a total
the requirements of CAN/CSA B44.1/ ASME A17.5. deflection to the point of support not in excess of 3 mm
2.1.7 Structural Support. The structure on which the (0.125 in.).
equipment is installed shall be capable of safely support- 2.2.5 Guide-Rail Surfaces. Guide-rail surfaces used
ing the loads imposed. for guiding a platform or counterweight shall be suffi-
2.1.8 Headroom Clearance. Headroom clearance ciently smooth and true to operate properly with the
throughout the range of travel shall be not less than guiding members. Those surfaces that the platform or
2000 mm (80 in.) as measured vertically from the plat- counterweight safeties engage shall be smooth and true
form floor. within the tolerances required to ensure proper safety
application without excessive retardation or excessive
2.2 Guide Rails out-of-Ievel platform floor conditions resulting.
Guide rails shall conform to the requirements of paras. 2.2.6 Overall Length of Guide Rails. The platform and
2.2.1 through 2.2.7. Where tee rails are provided they counterweight guide rails shall extend at the top and
shall also conform to the requirements of paras. 2.2.8 bottom to prevent the guiding members from disengag-
and 2.2.9. Rail joints shall be designed to maintain the ing from the guide rails if either the platform or counter-
accuracy of the rail alignment and to withstand the stress weight reaches its extreme limit of travel.
and deflection limitations stipulated in para. 2.2.4.
2.2.7 Design and Strength of Brackets and Supports~
2.2.1 Material. Guide rails, guide-rail brackets, rail The building construction forming the supports for the
clips, fishplates, and their fastenings shall be of steel or guide rails, and the guide-rail brackets, shall be designed
other metals conformirig to the requirements of para. to safely withstand the application of the platform or
2.2. Where steel may present an accident hazard, as in counterweight safety when stopping the platform and
chemical or explosive plants, guide rails shall be permit- its rated load or the counterweight; and withstand the
ted to be of selected wood or other suitable nonmetallic forces specified in para. 2.2.4.2 within the deflection
materials. limits specified.
Where necessary, the building construction shall be
2.2.2 Requirements for Steel, Where Used reinforced to provide adequate support for the guide
2.2.2.1 Rails, brackets, fishplates, and rail clips rails.
shall be made of open-hearth steel or its equivalent hav-
2 Runway-enclosure walls of bricks, terra cotta, and similar mate-
ing a tensile strength of not less than 380 MPa (55,000
rials, used in buildings of steel and concrete construction, are
psi) and having an elongation of not less than 22% in a usually insufficient in strength to form by themselves adequate
length of 50 mm (2 in.). supports for the guide rails.

11
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
ASME A18.1-2005 SAFElY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

2.2.8 Bracket Fastenings. Guide-rail brackets shall be Shafts that support drums, sheaves, gears, couplings,
secured to their supporting structure by means of bolts and other members, and· which transmit torque, shall
or rivets, or by welding. Fastening bolts and bolt holes be provided with tight-fi~ing keys.
in brackets and their supporting beams shall conform 2.3.1.3 Friction gearing, clutch mechanisms, or
to the requirements of para. 2.2.9. Welding, where used,
couplings shall not be used to connect a driving machine
shall conform to the requirements of para. 9.1. drum or sheave to the main driving mechanism.
2.2.9 Fastening of Guide Rails to Rail Brackets. Guide 2.3.1.4 Worm gearing having cast iron teeth shall
rails shall be secured to their brackets by clips, welds, not be used on the driving machine.
or bolts. Bolts used for fastening shall be of such strength
as to withstand the forces specified in paras. 2.2.4.2 2.3.1.5 Driving-machine chains and sprockets
and 2.2.7. shall be of steel and shall conform in design anddimen-
Welding, where used, shall conform to the require- sions to the requirements of ANSI/ ASME B29.1.
ments of para. 9.1. . 2.3.1.6 Winding drums, traction shea'ves, over-
head sheaves, and deflecting sheaves used with suspen-
2.3 Driving Means and Sheaves sion and compensating ropes shall be of metal, shall be
The driving means shall be one of the following: provided with finished grooves for ropes, or shall be
(a) winding drum
permitted to be lined with nonmetallic groove material,
and have a pitch diameter of not less than 30 times the
(b) traction
diameter of the suspension ropes. Where 8 x 19 steel
(c) roped sprocket
rope or 7 x 19 steel aircraft cable is used the pitch
(d) chain sprocket
diameter of the drums and sheaves shall be permitted to
(e) screw be reduced to 21 times the diameter of the rope or cable.
if) rack and pinion Where the grooves are used to transmit power, suffi-
(g) direct-plunger hydraulic cient traction shall be provided between the rope and
(h) roped-hydraulic groove, and in the event of nonmetallic lining failure,
(i) lever hydraulic between the rope and the remaining sheave groove, to
(j) friction safely stop and hold the platform with 125% of the
Driving means utilizing a combination of two or more rated load.
means shall conform to all applicable requirements of 2.3.2 Hydraulic Driving Machines. Direct-plunger
the respective means unless stated otherwise. hydraulic driving machines, where used, shall conform
2.3.1 General Requirements to the requirements of para. 8.1, except para. 8.1.2.
Roped-hydraulic machines shall also conform to the
2.3.1.1 The factor of safety, based on the static requirements of para. 8.1 except for paras. 8.1.1, 8.1.3,
load (the rated load plus the weight of. the platform, 8.1.4.3, and 8.1.4.7.
ropes, counterweights, etc.)( to be used in the design
2.3.3 Screw Machines. Screw machines, where used,
of driving machines and sheaves, including fasteners
shall conform to para. 8.2.
transmitting load, shall not be less than 8 for steel,
bronze, or other metals having an elongation of less than 2.3.4 Friction Machines. Friction machines, where
14% in a length of 50 mm (2 in.) or 10 for cast iron or used, shall conform to para. 8.3.
other metals having an elongation of less than 14% in 2.3.5 Machine Framework and Base. The machine
a length of 50 mm (2 in.). Other factors of safety for framework, base, and fastenings to the buildings where
specific driving means are further specified in section 8. used, shall be of metal construction, have a factor of
2.3.1.2 Set screws or threaded portions located in safety of not less than 5 based on the rated load, and
the shear plane of bolts and screws shall not be used to shall be secured in place with support provided to limit
transmit load. their deflections to 6 mm (0.25 in.) maximum in any
Means shall be provided to ensure that there is not direction under rated load. Cast iron shall not be used.
relative motion between rigidly joined components 2.3.6 Guiding Member Enclosures. The guiding mem-
transmitting load. bers shall be enclosed with a solid enclosure to prevent
Where flexible couplings are used to transmit load, accidental contact. If openings are necessary in this
means shall be provided to prevent disengagement of enclosure for operation, they shall reject a ball 20 mm
the coupling components in the event of failure or exces- (0.75 in.) in diameter.
sive motion in the flexible connection.
2.3.7 Machinery Beams and Supports
A fillet shall be provided at any point of change in the
diameter of driving-machine shafts and sheave shafts to 2.3.7.1 All machinery and sheaves shall be so sup-
prevent excessive stress concentrations in the shafts. ported and secured to prevent any part becoming loose

12
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
SAFETY STANDARD FOR ASME A18.1-2005
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

or displaced. Beams directly supporting machinery shall 2.3.9.2 Monitoring and Brake Location. Each belt or
be of steel or reinforced concrete. chain in a set shall be continuously monitored by a
broken belt or chain device that shall function to auto-
2.3.7.2 Overhead beams and sheaves shall be
matically interrupt power to the machine and apply the
designed for not less than the total load on overhead
brake if any belt or chain in the set breaks or becomes
beams, which shall be assumed to be equal to the weight
excessively slack. The driving machine brake shall be
of all apparatus resting on the beams plus twice the
located on the traction sheave or drum assembly side
maximum load suspended from the beams. The load
of the driving machine so as to be fully effective if the
resting on the beams shall include the complete weights
entire belt set or chain set should break.
of the driving machine, sheaves, controller, etc. The load
suspended from the beams shall include the sum of the 2.3.9.3 Replacement of Belts or Chains. If one belt
tensions in all ropes suspended from the beams. or chain of a set is worn, stretched, or damaged so as
to require replacement, the entire set shall be replaced.
2.3.7.3 The driving machine or sheaves~ except
Sprockets and toothed sheaves shall also be replaced if
idlers or deflecting sheaves with their guards and
worn.
frames, shall not be fastened to the underside of the
supporting beams at the top of the runway. 2.4 Driving Machine Brakes
2.3.7.4 Cast iron in tension shall not be used for 2.4.1 Driving machines, except hydraulic, shall be
supporting members for sheaves where they are hung equipped with friction brakes directly attached to the
beneath beams. . driving means through a continuous shaft, mechanical
2.3.8 Guarding of Driving Machines and Suspension coupling, or toothed gearing applied by springs, or by
Mearis. The driving machine and suspension means gravity, and released electrically.
shall be enclosed with a solid enclosure. Any opening 2.4.2 A single ground or short circuit, a counter-
required for operation shall reject a ball 20 mm (0.75 in.) voltage or a motor-field discharge shall not prevent the
in diameter. Access shall be provided by a removable brake magnet from allowing the brake to set when the
panel for inspecting and servicing. The panel shall be operating device is placed in the stop position.
screwed, locked, or bolted in place.
2.4.3 A machine brake is not required if a self-locking
2.3.9 Indirect-Drive Machines. Indirect-drive ma- drive utilizing a lead screw, worm, or other positive
chines, utilizing V-belt drives, tooth drive belts, or drive gearing that will stop and hold the platform with the
chains, shall conform to the requirements of paras. rated load within 100 mm (4 in.) of down travel after
2.3.9.1,2.3.9.2, and 2.3.9.3, except that the requirements the power is removed is provided.
of para. 2.3.9.2 shall be permitted to be omitted if a self-
locking drive meeting the requirements of para. 2.4.3 is 2.5 Suspension and Support Means
provided. If multiple belts or chains are provided, they 2.5.1 General Requirements
shall be preloaded and matched for length in sets.
2.5.1.1 Suspension and support means shall be (05)
2.3.9.1 General Requirements. Belt sets shall be one or more of the following:
selected on the basis of the manufacturer's rated break- (a) steel or iron wire rope
ing strength and a factor of safety of 10. Chain and (b) steel aircraft cable
sprocket sets shall be selected on the basis of recommen- (c) chain
dations set forth in the Supplementary Information sec-
(d) hydraulic
tion of ANSI! ASME B29.1, using a service factor of 2.
(e) rack and pinion
Offset links in chain are not permitted.
if) screw
Sprockets in a chain drive set and also a driven set
(g) friction machine guides and rollers
shall be assembled onto a common hub, with teeth cut
(h) lever
in-line after assembly to ensure equal load distribution
on all chains. Tooth sheaves for a belt drive shall be Suspension and support means utilizing a combina-
constructed in a manner to ensure equal load distribu- tion of two or more means shall conform to all applicable
tion on each belt in the set. Load determination for both requirements of the respective means unless stated
the belt and chain sets shall be based on the maximum otherwise.
static loading on the platform, which is the full load in 2.5.1.2 Steel tapes or welded link chains shall not
the platform at rest and at a position in the runway that be used as suspension means.
creates the greatest load, including either the platform
. 2.5.1.3 Where ropes or chains are used, no fewer
or counterweight resting on its buffer.
than two shall be provided.
Chain drives and belt drives shall be guarded to pro-
tect against accidental contact and to prevent foreign 2.5.1.4 For rated loads up to 230 kg (500 lb), ropes
objects from interfering with drives. shall have a minimum diameter of 6 mm (0.25 in.) and

13
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
 ASMEA18;1~200S SAFETY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

chains shall have a minimum pitch of 12 mm (0.5 in.). 2.6 Platforms

For higher rated loads, ropes shall have a minimum 2.6.1 Frame and Floor. The frame shall be of metal
diameter of 10 mm (0.375 in.) and chains shall have a construction and have a factor of safety of not less than
minimum pitch of 15 mm (0.625 in.). 5 based on the rated load. The floor shall be of metal
(OS) 2.5.2 Factors of Safety. The suspension and support or wood construction with a nonskid surface.
means shall have a factor of safety of not less· than 7 2.6.2 Securing of Enclosures. The enclosure shall be
based on the tension or forces exerted on the suspension securely fastened to the floor and so supported that it
and support means when raising the rated load. When cannot loosen or become displaced in ordinary service,
the platform and counterweight are suspended by steel on the application of the platform safety, or on buffer
ropes and the driving means between the machine and engagement. The enclosure shall be so constructed that
the counterweight is an endless roller-type chain, the removable portions cannot be dismantled from within
factor of safety of such chain shall be not less than 8, the platform.
based on the rated load. See section 8 for special require- Enclosure linings, decorative panels, light fixtures,
ments for particular drive systems. and other apparatus or equipment attached to the enclo-
sure shall be securely fastened and so supported that
2.5.3 Arc of Contact of Suspension Means on Sheaves they will not loosen or become displaced in ordinary
and Sprockets. The arc of contact of a wire rope on a service, on platform safety application, or on buffer
traction sheave shall be sufficient to produce adequate engagement.
traction under all load conditions. The arc of contact of Panels attached to the enclosure for decorative or
a chain on a driving sprocket shall be not less than other purposes shall not be unfastened from inside the
140 deg. platform by the use of common tools or shall be permit-
ted to be removed from inside the platform when perfo-
2.5.4 Spare Rope Turns on Winding Drums. All wire
rations, exceeding that which would reject a ball 12 mm
ropes of winding drum machines shall have not less
(0.5 in.) in diameter, in the enclosure used for panel
than one full tum of the rope on the drum when the hanging or support have permanent means to prevent
platform or counterweight has reached its limit of possi- straight through passage beyond the running clearance.
ble overtravel.
2.6.3 Strength and Deflection of Enclosure Walls. The
2.5.5 Securing Suspension Ropes to Winding Drums. enclosure walls shall be designed and installed to with-
The drum ends of wire ropes shall be secured on the stand a force of 330 N (75Ibf) applied horizontally at any
inside of the drum of winding drum machines by clamps point on the walls of the enclosure without permanent
or by tapered babbitted sockets, or by other means deformation nor cause the deflection to exceed 25 mm
approved by the authority having jurisdiction. . (1 in.).

2.5.6 Lengthening, Splicing, Repairing, or Replacing 2.6.4 Use of Cast Iron. Cast iron shall not be used in
Suspension Means. Suspension ropes shall not be the construction of any load bearing member of the
lengthened or repaired by splicing. Broken or worn sus- platform frame or floor other than for guide shoes and
pension chains shall not be repaired. If one rope or chain guide shoe brackets.
of a set is worn or damaged and requires replacement, 2.6.5 Floor Area. The inside net floor area shall not
the entire set of ropes or chains shall be replaced. If a exceed 1.7 m 2 (18 ff).
chain or sprocket is replaced due to wear, all chains and
2.6.6 Illumination
sprockets shall be replaced.
2.6.6.1 At the threshold of the floor, with the land-
2.5.7 Fastening of Rope Suspension Means to Plat- ing door open, the minimum illumination shall be not
form. The platform ends of wire ropes shall be fastened less than 50 Ix (5 fc).
in a return loop by properly made individual tapered
2.6.6.2 During operation, the minimum illumina-
babbitted sockets or properly attached fittings as recom-
tion on the floor and controls shall be not less than 50 Ix
mended by wire rope manufacturers. Clips of the U-
(5 fc).
bolt type shall not be used. Tapered babbitted rope sock-
ets and the method of babbitting shall conform to the 2.6.6.3 An auxiliary illumination source to pro-
requirements of para. 9.8. vide general illumination of not less than 2.2 Ix (0.2 fc)
on the floor and controls shall be provided.
2.S.S Guarding. All suspension means shall be The auxiliary system shall be automatically activated
guarded against accidental contact. Suspension means when normal illumination power fails and shall be capa-
that operate within a guide or track and travel at the ble of maintaining the above illumination intensity for
same speed and in the same direction as the platform a period of not less than 4 hr and shall use no fewer ~
shall be considered suitably guarded. than two lamps of approximately equal wattage.

14
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
SAFElY STANDARD FOR ASME A18.1-200S
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY (HAIRLIFTS

In Case Of Fire
Do Not Use Lift

o
WHITE

e
BLACK

@
RED

Fig. 2.6.7 Platform Lift Corridor Call Station Pictograph

2.6.7 Protection of Platforms Against Fire. For lifts 2.6.8.1' Platforms shall be permitted to have a top
that penetrate a floor, and when fire resistive runway provided the top is non-load-bearing and marked to
enclosure construction is required by building code, the indicate it cannot sustain a load.
underside of wood platforms, the exposed surfaces of
wood platform stringers, and edges of laminated plat- 2.7 Capacity, Speed, and Travel
forms shall be protected against fire by one of the follow-
ing methods: 2.7.1 Limitation of Load, Speed, and Travel. The rated (05)
(a) covering with sheet steel of 0.4 mm (0.0164 in.) in load shall be not less than 200 kg (450 lb) nor more than
thickness or with equally fire-retardant materiaL 340 kg (750 lb). The lift shall be capable of sustaining
(b) painting with an approved fire-retardant paint and lowering a load as specified in Fig. 9.7. The rated
having a flame spread rating of not over 50, applied in speed shall not exceed 0.15 m/s (30 ft/min). The travel
accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer. shall not exceed 4 250 mm (168 in.). Travel of lifts con-
Such ratings shall be based on the test procedure speci- forming to para. 2.1.3 shall not exceed 1 500 mm (60 in.).
fied in ANSI! ASTM E 84. , Platforms with a floor greater than 1.4 m 2 (15 tt2) shall
A pictograph as shown in Fig. 2.6.7 should be posted have rated load of not less than 340 kg (750 lb).
over each platform lift corridor call station. The picto-
2.7.2 Capacity Plates. A capacity plate stating the
graph is 125 mm (5 in.) wide and 200 mm (8 in.) high.
rated load shall be provided by the manufacturer and
2.6.8 A full passenger enclosure shall not be per- fastened in a conspicuous place. The letters and numer-
mitted. als used shall be not less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in height.

1.11
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME.
 ASME A18.1-2005 SAFElY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY (HAIRLIFTS

2.7.3 Data Plates. A data plate shall be provided by used, and where partially loaded prior to safety opera-
the manufacturer and securely fastened to the machine. tion, the loading on the spring shall not produce a fiber
The plate shall state the rated speed, rated load, weight stress exceeding one-half the elastic limit of the material.
of platform, suspension and support means, date of During·operation of the safety, the fiber stress shall not
manufacture, and manufacturer's name. Letters and exceed 85% of the elastic limit of the material. Helical
numerals shall be not less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in height. springs, where used, shall be in compression.
2.7.4 Restriction Sign. A sign shall be securely fas- 2.8.2.3 Safety-rope drums, leading sheaves, and
tened in a conspicuous place at each landing and on the their supporting brackets and safety-jaw gibs shall be
platform. The sign shall state "No Freight" in letters not permitted to be made of cast iron and other metals
less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) high and shall include the provided such parts have a factor of safety of not less
international symbol of accessibility. than 10.
(05) 2.8 Safeties and Speed Governors 2.8.2.4 Rope used as a connection from the safety
All platforms shall be provided with a safety, except to the governor rope, including rope wound on the
as permitted in para. 2.8.8. The safety shall be actuated safety-rope drum, shall be not less than 3 mm (0.125 in.)
by the action of a speed governor or by the breakage or in diameter and shall be made of a corrosion-resistant
slackening of the suspension or support means. Where metal. The factor of safety of the rope shall be not less
actuation is by a governor, the safety shall be set at a than 5. Tiller-rope construction shall not be used.
maximum speed of 0.4 m/ s (75 ft/ min). Where actuation 2.8.2.5 The factors of safety shall be based upon
is by breakage or slackening of the suspension or sup- the maximum stresses developed in the parts during
port means, the safety shall be set without delay, and the operation of the safety when stopping rated load
independent of the speed governor, if provided. from governor tripping speed.
Safety parts shall conform to the requirements of
paras. 2.8.2 and 2.8.3. Where hoisting ropes are used, 2.8.2.6 Safety-rope leading-sheave brackets and
the application of safeties shall conform to the require- other safety operating parts shall not be attached to or
ments of para. 2.8.4. supported by wood members.
The application and release of safeties shall conform 2.8.3 Material and Factor of Safety. Governor ropes,
to the requirements of paras. 2.8.5, 2.8.6, and 2.8.7. where provided, shall be of iron, steel, monel metal,
2.8.1 Screw Drive Machines. When screw drive phosphor bronze, or stainless steel. They shall be of a
machines are used, safeties and speed governors con- regular-lay construction, and not less than 6 mm
forming to para. 2.8.1 shall be permitted. (0.25 in.) in diameter. The factor of safety of governor
ropes shall be not less than 5. Tiller-rope construction
2.8.1.1 The down speed of the platform shall be
shall not be used.
limited with rated load to not over 0.9 m/s (175 ft/min)
in the event of failure of the driving means. 2.8.4 Type A (Instantaneous) Safeties. On the parting
2.8.1.2 The fall of the platform in the event of of the hoisting ropes (free fall), Type A governor oper-
failure of the driving nut shall be limited to a distance ated safeties, where provided, shall apply without
not exceeding 12 mm (0.5 in.), by utilizing a safety nut appreciable delay, and their application shall be inde-
or other equivalent means. pendent of the· speed action of the governor and of the
location of the break in the hoisting ropes (inertia appli-
2.8.1.3 The capability of the alternate safety cation), and shall be permitted to be accomplished by
devices described in paras. 2.8.1.1 and 2.8.1.2 to function the use of a governor and governor rigging having a
as required shall be verified by engineering tests as sufficiently high value of inertia to apply the safety on
described in para. 9.6. free fall independently of the speed action of the gov-
2.8.2 Minimum Factors of Safety and Stresses of ernor.
Safety Parts and Rope Connections 2.8.5 Means of Application. Safeties shall be applied
2.8.2.1 Parts of safeties, except springs, safety- mechanically. Electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic devices
rope drums, leading sheaves, and their supporting shall not be used to apply the safeties required by section
brackets and safety-jaw gibs, shall have a factor of safety 2, nor to hold such safeties in the retracted position.
of not less than 311z, based on the ultimate strength of
2.8.6 Level of Platform Floor on Safety Application.
the material, and the materials used shall have an elon-
The application of a Type A or Type B safety to stop the
gation of not less than 15% in a length of 50 mm (2 in.).
platform, with its rated load centered on each quarter
Forged, cast, or welded parts shall be stress relieved.
of the floor symmetrically with relation to the center
2.8.2.2 Springs shall be permitted to be used in the line of the floor, shall not cause the floor to be out of
operation of platform or counterweight safeties. Where level more than 30 mm/m (0.375 in./ft) in any direction.

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Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
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 SAFElY STANDARD FOR ASME A18.1-2005
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

2.8.7 Release. When platform safeties are applied, 2.9.5 The final terminal stopping device shall not
no decrease in tension in the governor rope nor motion control the same controller switches as the normal stop-
of the platform in the down direction shall release the ping device unless two or more separate and indepen-
safeties, but such safeties shall be permitted to be dent switches are provided, two of which shall be closed
released by the motion of the platfor-m in the up to complete the driving-machine motor-and-brake cir-
direction. cuit in either direction of travel. Where a two- or three-
phase alternating-current driving-machine motor is
(05) 2.8~8 Platform Safety Exceptions. Platform safeties
used, these switches shall be of the multi-pole type.
are not required for lifts with the following driving The control shall be so designed and installed that a
means: single ground or short circuit shall be permitted to pre-
(a) direct-plunger hydraulic vent either the normal or final stopping device circuits
(b) other drives that do not utilize a flexible suspen- from stopping the platform, but not prevent both.
sion means, provided that the failure of a single -drive
component cannot result in the platform overspeeding 2.9.6 Final terminal stopping devices are not
required for direct-plunger or roped hydraulic driving
- or the floor going out of level more than 30 mm/ m
(0.375 in.! ft) in any direction, and said failure would machines. Lower final terminal stopping devices are not
required where the limitations of the machine or runway
cause the platform to stop by application of a safety
limit the travel of the platform (e.g., a platform at rest
switch or equivalent means.
on the bottom terminal landing).
2.9 Terminal Stopping Devices 2.10 Operating Devices and Control Equipment
2.9.1 Normal terminal stopping devices required by 2.10.1 Operation. Operation of the lift from the land-
para. 2.9.2 shall be permitted to use mechanically oper- ings and from the platform shall be controlled by "UP"
ated, magnetically operated, optical, or static-type and "DOWN" control switches at all stations, and shall
switches. be by means of the continuous-pressure type. Controls
Final terminal stopping devices required by para. 2.9.3 shall be 1 200 mm (48 in.) maximum and 380 mm (15 in.)
shall use only mechanically operated switches. minimum above the platform floor or facility floor or
Terminal stopping devices that are located on the plat- ground level. Operating devices shall be designed so
form or in the runway shall be of the enclosed type and that both the "UP" and "DOWN" circuits cannot be
securely mounted in such a manner so that horizontal operated at the same time.
movement of the platform shall not affect the operation 2.10.2 Attendant Operation
of the device.
2.10.2.1 Where applicable, and where approved
2.9.2 Normal stopping devices operated by the plat- by the authority having jurisdiction, the lift shall be
form shall be provided, and shall be set to stop the permitted to be attendant-operated. The attendant shall
platform floor within a tolerance of 12 mm (0.5 in.) be summoned by means of a clearly labeled attendant-
of the landings under rated loading to zero loading call device located at each landing.
conditions. The normal stopping devices shall be permi t-
ted to also serve as the upper and lower terminal stop-
2.10.2.2 The attendant shall operate the platform
ping devices. - by means of a continuous-pressure switch so located
that the attendant has full view of the floor area under
2.9.3 Upper and lower final terminal stopping the platform and full view of the platform throughout
devices operated by the platform shall be provided to its travel. A manually reset emergency stop switch shall
remove power from the motor and brake if provided, also be provided at that location.
except as specified in para. 2.9.6. They shall be set to 2.10.2.3 No controls, other than an emergency
stop the platform after it travels past the normal terminal stop switch, shall be provided in the platform.
stopping device and before striking an obstruction. A
slack-rope device equipped with a slack-rope switch of 2.10.3 Control and Operating Circuit Requirements.
the enclosed manually reset type, which shall cause the The design and installation of the control and operating
electric power to be removed from the driving machine circuits shall conform to the following.
motor and brake, if provided, if any hoisting rope 2.10.3.1 Control systems that depend on the com-
becomes slack, shall be permitted as the lower final pletion or maintenance of an electric circuit shall not be
terminal stopping device. used for interruption of the power and application of
the machine brake at terminal landings, or for stopping
2.9.4 Final terminal stopping device switch contacts
the machine when the safety applies.
shall be directly opened mechanically. Arrangements
that depend on a spring, or gravity, or a combination 2.10.3.2 If springs are used to actuate switches,
thereof, to open the contacts shall not be used. contactors, or relays to break the circuit to stop the lift

17
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~8
£m
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME.
ASME A18.1-2005 SAFElY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY (HAIRLIFTS

at the terminal landings, they shall be of the restrained be opened and the brake shall apply automatically when
compression type. any operating device in para. 2.10.1 or 2.10.2 is in the
stop position, and when any electrical protective device
2.10.3.3 The failure of any single magnetically
functions. .
opera ted switch, relay, or contactor to release in the
intended manner, or the failure of any solid state device 2.10.9 Electrical Equipment and Wiring
to operate as intended, or the occurrence of a single 2.10.9.1 All electrical equipment and wiring shall
accidental ground or combination of accidental grounds conform to the requirements of ANSI/NFPA 70.
shall not permit the lift to start if this failure renders
ineffective any electrical protective device. 2.10.9.2 Electrical equipment shall be certified to
the requirements of CAN/CSA B44.1/ ASME A17.5.
2.10.4 Motor Reversal Protection. Where a non-
instantaneous reversible motor is used, a protective cir- 2.10.10 Manual Operations. Means shall be provided
cuit or device shall be provided to prevent the motor to permit authorized personnel from a position outside
from continuing in the same direction if the reversmg the platform to raise or lower the platform manually in
control is activated. the event of power failure, unless standby (emergency)
power is provided.
2.10.5 Phase Reversal and Failure Protection. Lifts
having polyphase alternating current power supply 2.11 Emergency Signals
shall be provided with means to prevent the starting of If the platform is installed in an area not visible to
the lift motor if the phase rotation is in the wrong direc- personnel at all times, emergency signaling devices shall
tion, or if there is a failure of any phase. be provided in accordance with the requirements of para.
This protection shall be considered· to be provided if a 2.11.1 or 2.11.2. Standby power shall be provided in
reversal of phase of the incoming polyphase alternating accordance with para. 2.11.3. .
current power will not cause the lift driving machine
motor to operate in the wrong direction. 2.11.1 The platform shall be provided with an audi-
ble signaling device, operable from the emergency stop
2.10.6 Emergency Stop Switch. An emergency stop switch, marked also with" ALARM" or from a separate
switch shall be provided on the platform and located switch marked "ALARM," which is located in or adja-
in or adjacent to each platform operating panel. When cent to each platform operating panel. The switch
opened, this switch shall cause the electric power to be marked "ALARM" shall illuminate when actuated. The
removed from the driving-machine motor and brake if signaling device shall be audible inside the platform
provided. and outside the runway. The audible signaling device
Emergency stop switches shall be of the manually shall have a rated sound pressure rating of not less than
opened and closed type and have red operating handles 80 dBA nor greater than 90 dBA at 3 000 mm (120 in.)
or buttons. and respond without delay after the switch has been
They shall be conspicuously and permanently marked activated.
"STOP" and indicate the "STOP" and "RUN" positions.
Switches shall be positively opened mechanically and 2.11.2 The lift shall be provided with a means of two-
their opening shall not be solely dependent on springs. way conversation between the platform and a readily
accessible point outside the runway which is available
2.10.7 Slack-Rope and Slack-Chain Devices for Wind- to emergency personnel (telephone, intercom, etc.). The
ing Drum and Roller-Chain-Type Driving Machines. Wind- means to activate the two-way conversation system does
ing drum driving machines with rope suspension shall not have to be provided on the platform.
be provided with a slack-rope device of the manually
2.11.3 If the audible signaling device(s), or the
reset type that will remove power from the motor and
brake if the platform is obstructed in its descent and the means of two-way conversation, or both, are normally
suspension ropes slacken. Lifts with roller chain suspen- connected to the building power supply, they shall auto-
sion means shall be provided with a slack-chain device matically transfer to a source of standby or emergency
that will remove power from the motor and brake if the power as required by the applicable building code or,
platform is obstructed in its descent and the suspension where applicable, Standard for Health Care Facilities
(ANSI/NFPA 99) after the normal power supply fails.
means slacken. This device is not required to be of the
The power source shall be capable of providing for the
manually reset type if the chain sprockets are guarded
to prevent the chain from becoming disengaged from operation of the audible signaling device and illumina-
tion of the alarm switch for at least 1 hr, and the means
the sprockets.
of two-way conversation for at least 4 hr.
2.10.8 Release and Application of Driving-Machine
Brake. Driving-machine brakes shall not be electrically 2.12 Standby Power (05)
released until power has been applied to the driving- Lifts equipped with standby power shall comply with
machine motor. All power feed lines to the brake shall this rule.

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Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
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 SAFETY STANDARD FOR ASME A18.1-2005
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

2.12.1 Standby Power. Except where permitted by 3.1.3 Pipes in Runway Vicinity. Pipes c'onveying
2.12.1.1, the lift shall be powered by a standby power steam, gas, or liquid that, if discharged into the runway,
system from the building. would endanger life or health' shall not be permitted.
2.12.1.1 Battery Power. A lift equipped with 3.1.4 Lower Level Access Ramps and Pits. Lifts shall
rechargeable battery power capable of cycling the lift be permitted to have a pit. Unenclosed pits shall not
under full load for five cycles minimum after building exceed 100 mm (4 in.) in depth. Where a pit is not
power is removed shall be permitted. provided, a floor mounted or retractable platform floor
mounted ramp shall be provided in accordance with
(05) 2.13 Code Data Plate para. 3.1.4.1 or 3.1.4.2.
A data plate shall be provided that indicates the A1S.1 3.1.4.1 Ramping inclinations for floor mounted
Standard to be used for inspections and tests. The data ramps shall be not greater than
plate shall be in plain view, securely attached on the (a) 1 in S for heights up to 75 mm (3 in.)
main line disconnect or on the controller. The data plate (b) 1 in 10 for heights up to 100 mm (4 in.)
shall be of such material and construction that the letters (c) 1 in 12 for heights greater than 100 mm (4 in.)
and figures stamped, etched, cast, or otherwise applied
to the face shall remain permanently and readily legible. 3.1.4.2 Retractable ramps shall be automatically
The height of the letters and figures shall be not less actuated and shall remain in their elevated position until
than 3 mm (0.125 in.). the platform returns to the landing. When in use, the
inclination of the ramps shall not be greater than
(a) 1 in 4 for heights up to 50 mm (2 in.)
3 INCLINED PLATFORM LlFTS 3 (b) 1 in 6 for heights up to 65 mm' (2.5 in.)
Section 3 applies to inclined platform lifts installed in (c) 1 in S for heights up to 75 mm (3 in.)
locations other than in or at a private residence for use (d) 1 in 10 for heights up to 100 mm (4 in.)
by the mobility impaired. (e) 1 in 12 for heights greater than 100 mm (4 in.)

3.1 Runways 3.1.5 Structural Support. The structure on which the

lift is installed shall be capable of safely supporting the
3.1.1 Means of Egress. Lifts shall be installed so that loads imposed.
the means of egress is maintained as required by the
authority having jurisdiction. 3.1.6 Electrical Equipment and Wiring

3.1.2 Clearances. Clearances between the platform

3.1.6.1 The installation of electrical equipment
and wiring shall conform to the requirements of ANSI!
and adjacent surfaces shall not be less than 20 mm
NFPA 70.
(0.75 in.). At no point in its travel shall the edge of the
platform floor facing the uppermost landing be more 3.1.6.2 Electrical equipment shall be certified to
than 600 mm (24 in.) above a step or landing as measured the requirements of CAN/CSA B44.1/ ASME A17.5.
vertically.
3.2 Guide Rails and Tracks
3.1.2.1 Headroom clearance where the platform
is positioned for boarding shall not be less than 2 000 mm 3.2.1 Material. Guide rails shall be of metal con-
(SO in.) as measured vertically from all points on the struction.
surface of the platform floor. 3.2.1.1 Requirements for Steel, Where Used. Rails,
3.1.2.2 Headroom clearance during travel shall be brackets, fishplates, and rail clips shall be made of open-
not less than 1500 mm (60 in.) as measured vertically hearth steel or its equivalent having a tensile strength
from any point on the surface of the platform floor. of not less than 3S0 MPa (55,000 psi) and having an
elongation of not less than 22% in a-length of 50 mm
(05) 3.1.2.3 If the headroom is less than 2000 mm (2 in.). Bolts shall conform to ASTM A 307. Rivets shall
(SO in.) measured from all points on the platform floor conform to ASTM A 502.
surface throughout its travel a caution sign shall be pro-
vided. The caution sign shall contain the words "CAU- 3.2.1.2 Requirements for Metals Other Than Steel.
TION. LOW OVERHEAD" and "SEAT AND SEATBELT Metals other than steel shall be permitted to be used
PROVIDED." The caution sign shall be securely fastened provided the factor of, safety is not less than, and the
in a conspicuous place. Letters shall be not less than deflections are not more than, the values specified in
6 nun (0.25 in.) high. section 3, and provided that cast iron is not used.
3.2.1.3 Guide-Rail Surfaces. Guide-rail surface
3 See section 6 for the requirements for this equipment installed used for guiding a platform or counterweight shall be
in or at a private residence. sufficiently smooth and true to operate properly with

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Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
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ASME A18.1-2005 SAFElY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

the guiding members. Those surfaces that the platform transmitting load, shall not be less than 8 for steel,
or counterweight safeties engage shall be smooth and bronze, or other metals having an elongation of at least
true within the tolerances· required to ensure proper 14% in a length of 50 mm (2 in.) or 10 for cast iron or
safety application without excessive retardation or other metals having an elongation of less than 14% in
excessive out-of-Ievel platform conditions resulting. a length of 50 mm (2 in.). Other factors of safety for
specific driving means are further specified in section 8.
. 3.2.2 Location. The top and bottom ends of each run
of guide rails shall be so located in relation to the extreme ·3.3.1.2 Set screws or threaded portions located in
positions of travel of the platform that the platform guid- the shear plane of bolts and screws shall not be used to
ing members cannot travel beyond the ends of the transmit load.
guide rails. Means shall be provided to ensure that there is no
relative motion between rigidly joined components
3.2.3 Stresses and Deflections of Guide Rails and transmitting load.
Their Brackets Where flexible couplings are used to transmit load,
3.2.3.1 Guide Rails. For steels conforming to para. means shall be provided to prevent disengagement of
3.2.1.1 the stresses in a guide rail or in the rail and its the coupling components in the event of failure or exces-
reinforcement, due to the horizontal forces imposed on sive motion in the flexible connection.
the rail during loading, unloading, or running, calcu- A fillet shall be provided at any point of change in the
lated without impact, shall not exceed 100 MPa (15,000 diameter of driving-machine shafts and sheave shafts to
psi), and the deflection shall not exceed 6 mm (0.25 in.). prevent excessive stress concentrations in the shafts.
Where steels of greater strength than those specified Shafts that support drums, sheaves, gears, couplings,
in para. 3.2.1.1 are used, the stresses specified shall be and other members, and that transmit torque, shall be
permitted to be increased proportionately based on the provided with tight-fitting keys.
ratio of the ultimate strengths. 3.3.1.3 Friction gearing, clutch mechanisms, or
3.2.3.2 Brackets, Fastenings, and Supports. The couplings shall not be used to connect a driving machine
guide-rail brackets, their fastenings and supports, such drum or sheave to the main driving mechanism.
as building beams and walls, shall be capable of resisting 3.3.1.4 Worm gearing having cast iron teeth shall
the horizontal forces imposed by the rated load with a not be used on the driving machine.
total deflection at the point of support not in excess of
3.3.1.5 Driving-machine chains and sprockets
3 mm (0.125 in.).
shall be of steel and shall conform in design and dimen-
3.2.4 ·Factor of Safety. The factor of safety used in sions to the requirements of ANSI! ASME B29.1.
the design of guide rails shall be not less than 5, based 3.3.1.6 Winding drums, traction sheaves, over-
on the rated load. head sheaves, and deflecting sheaves used with suspen-
3.2.5 Anchoring. The supporting tracks or guide rails sion and compensating ropes shall be of metal, be
shall be securely anchored to the stairs, floor surface, or provided with finished grooves for ropes or shall be
side wall. permitted to be lined with nonmetallic groove material,
and have a pitch diameter of not less than 30 times the
3.3 Driving Means and Sheaves diameter of the suspension ropes. Where 8 x 19 steel
The driving means shall be one of the following: rope or 7 x 19 steel aircraft cable is used, the pitch
(a) winding drum
diameter of the drums and sheaves shall be permitted to
(b) traction
be reduced to 21 times the diameter of the rope or cable.
Where the grooves are used to transmit power, suffi-
(c) roped sprocket
cient traction shall be provided between the rope and
(d) chain sprocket
groove, and in the event of nonmetallic lining failure,
(e) screw
between the rope and the remaining sheave groove, to
if) rack and pinion
safely stop and hold the platform with 125% of the
(g) direct-plunger hydraulic
rated load.
(h) roped-hydraulic
(i) lever hydraulic 3.3.2 Hydraulic Driving Machines. Direct-plunger
(j) friction hydraulic driving machines, where used, shall conform
to the requirements of para. 8.1 except para. 8.1.2.
3.3.1 General Requirements Roped-hydraulic machines shall also conform to the
3.3.1.1 The factor of safety, based on the static
requirements of para. 8.1, except for paras. 8.1.1, 8.1.3,
load (the rated load plus the weight of the· platform, 8.1.4.3, and 8.1.4.7.
ropes, counterweights, etc.), to be used in the design 3.3.3 Screw Machines. Screw machines, where used,
of driving machines and sheaves including fasteners shall conform to para. 8.2.

20
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
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 --
SAFElY STANDARD FOR ASME A18.1-2005
PLATFORM LIfTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

3.3.4 Friction Machines. Friction machines, where brake magnet from allowing the brake to set when the
used, shall conform to para. 8.3. operating device is placed in the stop position.
3.3.5 Location of Power Unit and Alignment and 3.4.2 A machine brake is not required if a self-locking
Guarding of Sheaves and Sprockets. The power unit shall drive utilizing a lead screw, worm, or other positive
be permitted to be mounted in t;he platform or placed gearing that will stop and hold the platform with the
at a remote location. If remotely located, all intervening rated load within 100 mm (4 in.) of down travel after
sheaves and sprockets shall be so placed that the rope the power is removed is provided.
or chain travels in the proper alignment. All sheaves
and sprockets shall be enclosed or guarded. 3.5 Suspension and Support Means
3.3.6 Indirect-Drive Machines. Indirect drive 3.5.1 General Requirements
machines, utilizing V-belt drives, tooth drive belts, or
drive chains, shall conform to the requirements of paras. 3.5.1.1 Suspension and support means shall be
3.3.6.1,3.3.6.2, and 3.3.6.3, except that the requirements- one of the following:
of para. 3.3.6.2 shall be permitted to be omitted if a self- (a) steel or iron wire rope
locking drive meeting the requirements of para. 3.4.2 is - (b) steel aircraft cable
provided. If multiple belts or chains are provided, they (c) roller chain
shall be preloaded and matched for length in sets. (d) direct-plunger hydraulic
(e) roped-hydraulic
3.3.6.1 General Requirements. Belt sets shall be
selected on the basis of the manufacturer's rated break- if) rack and pinion
ing strength and a factor of safety of 10. Chain and (g) screw
sprocket sets shall be selected on the basis of recommen- (h) friction machine guides and rollers
dations set forth in the Supplementary Information sec- 3.5.1.2 Steel tapes or welded link chains shall not
tion of ANSI! ASME B29.1, using a service factor of 2. be used as suspension means.
Offset links in chain are not permitted.
Sprockets in a chain drive set and also a driven set 3.5.1.3 Where wire ropes are used, the diameter
shall be assembled onto a common hub, with teeth cut shall not be less than 6 mm (0.25 in.).
in-line after assembly to assure equal load distribution
3.5.2 Factors of Safety. The suspension and support
on all chains. Tooth sheaves for a belt drive shall be
means shall have a factor of safety of not less than 7
constructed in a manner to assure equal load distribu-
based on the tension in the rope, cable, chain, or forces
tion on each belt in the set. Load determination for both
exerted on the hydraulic cylinder, screw drive, or rack
the belt and chain sets shall be based on the maximum
and pinion when raising the rated load. When the plat-
static loading on the platform, which is the full load in
form and counterweight are suspended by steel ropes
the platform at rest and at a position in the runway that
and the driving -means between the machine and the
creates the greatest load, including either the platform
or counterweight resting on its buffer. counterweight is an endless roller-type chain, the factor
Chain drives and belt drives shall be guarded to pro- of safety of such chain shall be not less than 8, based
tect against accidental contact and to prevent foreign on the rated load. See section 8 for special requirements
objects from interfering with drives. for particular drive systems.

3.3.6.2 Monitoring and Brake Location. Each belt or 3.5.3 Arc of Contact of Suspension Means on Sheaves
chain in a set shall be continuously monitored by a and Sprockets. The arc of contact of a wire rope on a
broken belt or chain device that shall function to auto- traction sheave shall be sufficient to produce adequate
matically interrupt power to the machine and apply traction under all load conditions. The arc of contact of
the brake if any belt or chain in set breaks or becomes a chain on a driving sprocket shall be not less than
excessively slack. The driving machine brake shall be 140 deg.
located on the traction sheave or drum assembly side 3.5.4 Spare Rope Turns on Winding Drums. All wire
of the driving machine so as to be fully effective if the ropes of winding drum machines shall have not less
entire belt set or chain set should break. than one full tum of the rope on the drum when the
3.4 Driving-Machine Brakes platform or counterweight has reached its limit of possi-
ble overtravel.
3.4.1 Driving machines, except hydraulic, shall be
equipped with electrically released spring applied 3.5.5 Securing Suspension Ropes to Winding Drums.
brakes directly attached to the driving means through The drum ends of wire ropes shall be secured by clamps
a continuous shaft, mechanical coupling, or toothed on the inside of the drum of winding drum machines
gearing. A single ground or short circuit, a counter- or by tapered babbitted sockets, or by other means
voltage, or a motor-field discharge shall not prevent the approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

21
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
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No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME.
ASME A18.1-2005 SAFETY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

3.5.6 Lengthening, Splicing, Repairing, or Replacing 3.6.4 Floor Area. The inside floor area shall not exceed
Suspension Means. Suspension wire ropes shall not be 1.1 m 2 (12 ff).
lengthened or repaired by splicing. Broken or worn sus-
3.6.5 Material. Metals having an elongation less than
pension chains shall not be repaired. If one rope or chain
20% in a length of 50 mm (2 in.) shall not be used in
of a set is worn or damaged and requires replacement,
the construction of any member of the frame or floor.
the entire set of ropes or chains shall be replaced. If a
chain or sprocket is replaced due to wear, all chains and 3.6.6 Glass on Platforms. Glass shall be perriUtted to
sprockets shall be replaced. be used on platforms subject to the following.
3.5.7 Fastening of Rope Suspension Means to Plat- 3.6.6.1 It shall be installed and guarded so as to
form. The platform ends of wire ropes shall be fastened provide adequate protection for passengers in case the
in a return loop by properly made individual tapered glass panels break or are dislodged.
babbitted sockets or properly attached fittings as recom-
3.6.6.2 It shall be so mounted in the structure so
mended by wire rope manufacturers. Clips of the U-
that the structure, including the glass in place, shall
bolt type shall not be used. Tapered babbitted rope sock-
withstand the required lift tests without damage.
ets and the method of babbitting shall conform to the
requirements of para. 9.8. 3.6.6.3 Glass greater than 0.1 m 2 (1 ff) in area and
abutting panels whose total area is greater than 0.1 m 2
3.5.8 Guarding. All suspension means shall be
(1 ff) shall be laminated glass as defined by ANSI Z97.1
guarded against accidental contact. Suspension means
or 16 CFR, Part 1201, Section 1201.2 or be glass bonded
that operate within a guide or track and travel at the
to a nonpolymeric coating, sheeting, or film backing
same speed and in the same direction as the platform
having a physical integrity to hold the fragments when
shall be considered suitably guarded.
the glass breaks. Glass shall be tested and conform to
3.6 Platforms the acceptance criteria for laminated glass as specified
in ANSI Z97.1 or 16 CFR, Part 1201, Section 1201.4. The
3.6.1 Frame and Floor. The frame shall be of metal glass shall be marked as required by ANSI Z97.1 or 16
construction and have a factor of safety of not less than CFR, Part 1201, Section 1201.5.
5 based on the rated load. The floor shall be of metal
3.6.6.4 Markings as specified in ANSI Z97.1 shall
or wood construction with a nonskid surface.
be on each separate piece of glass, and shall remain
3.6.2 Securing of Enclosure. The enclosure shall be visible after installation.
securely fastened to the floor and so supported that it
3.6.7 Platform Truck and Guides. The platform shall
cannot loosen or become displaced in ordinary service,
be securely anchored to a truck that supports it. The
on the application of the platform safety, or on buffer
truck shall be retained in a track or on a guide-rail
.engagement. The platform enclosure shall be so con-
assembly.
structed that removable portions [annot be dismantled
from within the platform. 3.6.8 Platform Guarding. Platform guarding shall be
Enclosure linings, decorative panels, light fixtures, in accordance with para. 3.6.8.1, or in accordance with
and other apparatus or equipment attached to the enclo- para. 3.6.8.2.
sure shall be securely fastened and so supported that
they will not loosen or become displaced in ordinary 3.6.8.1 Platform With Enclosure. The platform shall
service, on platform safety application, or on buffer be equipped with a self-closing door at least 1100 mm
engagement. (42 in.) high on the sides of access to the bottom landing.
Panels attached to the enclosure for decorative or The door shall be of solid construction and provided
other purposes shall not be unfastened from inside the with a combination mechanical lock and electric contact
platform by the use of common tools or shall be permit- and shall only be operable within 50 mm (2 in.) of the
ted to be removed from inside the platform when perfo- bottom landing. It shall be permitted to allow the plat-
rations, exceeding that which would reject a ball-12 mm form to move if the door or gate is in the closed position,
(0.5 in.) in diameter, in the enclosure used for panel but not locked, provided the device will stop the plat-
hanging or support have permanent means to prevent form if the door or gate fails to lock before the platform
straight through passage beyond the running clearance. has moved more than 50 min (2 in.) away from the
bottom landing.
3.6.3 Strength and Deflection of Enclosure Walls. The The platform enclosure walls on the sides not used
enclosure walls shall be designed and installed to with- for access or exit shall be of smooth construction to a
stand a force of 330 N (751bf) applied horizontally at any height of 1100 mm (42 in.) above the platform floor with
point on the walls of the enclosure without permanent no openings, other than those necessary for operation.
deformation nor cause the deflection to exceed 25 mm Openings necessary for operation shall reject a ball
(1 in.). 12 mm (0.5 in.) in diameter. A grab rail extending the

22
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
SAFElY STANDARD FOR ASME A18.1-2005
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

full. length of either wall shall be provided at a height of 1000 N (225Ibf) is applied in the horizontal direction
not less than 850 nun (34 in.) or greater than 1 000 nun along the center line of the platform.
(38 in.) from the platform floor. The running clearance (c) The arms shall be provided in independent sec-
between the platform enclosure walls and any adjacent tions. At landings, the retractable ramp and arm at the
surface shall not be less than 50 nun (2 in.). boarding end of the platform shall be operable only
when the arm at the non-boarding end of the platform
3.6.8.2 Platform With Passenger Restraining Arms. is in its locked guarding position.
A grab rail shall be provided at a height not less than (d) Each retractable arm shall be mechanically locked
850 nun (34 in.) or greater than 1000 nun (38 in.) from and monitored by an electric contact, which shall stop
the platform floor. the movement of the platform within 50 nun (2 in.) of
3.6.8.2.1 The side of the platform adjacent to travel away from any landing if the arm is not in its
the track or guide rail assembly shall be provided with locked guarding position. Means shall be provided to
a guard of smooth, solid construction and of height manually unlock the retractable arms for emergency
that shall prevent the seated passenger from making evacuation purposes. The unlocking mechanism shall
accidental contact with moving suspension or driving not be readily accessible to the passenger.
means or moving platform trucks. The guard shall have (e) Where the retractable arms are power operated,
no openings other than those necessary for operation. control shall be by means of a continuous pressure
Such openings shall reject a ball 12 mm (0.5 in.) in device. The closing speed shall not exceed 0.3 m/s (1
diameter. ft/ s) as measured at the fastest point. The force necessary
to prevent closing of power operated arms shall not
3.6.8.2.2 The non-boarding sides of the platform exceed 140 N (30 lbf) as measured from rest at the mid-
shall be provided with a guard of smooth, solid construc- point across the arm at the boarding end of the platform.
tion and of a height not less than 6 in. (150 nun). The arms may operate in the direction away from an
obstruction.
3.6.8.2.3 The sides of the platform used for
boarding shall be provided with retractable metal ramps 3.6.9 Obstruction Devices. The upward and down-
of a minimum height of 150 nun (6 in.) measured verti- ward facing edges of the platform floor and the entire
cally from the surface of the platform floor, locked in underside shall be equipped with obstruction devices.
their guarding positions. At a landing, only the retract- The obstruction devices shall stop the platform lift from
able ramp serving the landing shall be operable. It shall traveling in the direction of the obstruction within a
be operable only when the passenger restraining arm distance of 2 in. (50 nun) if the obstruction exerts a
at the nonboarding end of the platform is in its locked force of 20 N (4 lbf) or more. The platform lift shall be
guarding position. Retractable ramps shall be mechani- permitted to operate in the direction away from the
cally locked and monitored by an electric contact, which obstruction.
shall stop the movement of the platform within 50 nun The underside obstruction device shall stop the plat-
(2 in.) of travel away from the landing if the ramps form lift only when the platform lift is obstructed while
have failed to rise to their elevated position. Retractable traveling in the down direction.
ramps, in their guarding position, shall withstand, with- 3.6.10 The lift shall be provided with a folding seat (05)
out permanent deformation, a force of 550 N (125 lbf) and seatbelt with a rated load of not less than 115 kg
applied on any 100 nun (4 in.) by 100 nun (4 in.) area. (250Ib).
Thfs force shall not cause the height of the ramp, at any
point in its length, to be less than 150 nun (6 in.) mea- 3.7 Capacity, Load, Speed, and Angle of Inclination
sured vertically from the surface of the platform floor.
3.7.1 Limitations of Capacity, Load, and Speed. The
3.6.8.2.4 The platform shall be provided with capacity shall be one person. The rated load shall be not
retractable passenger restraining arms conforming to the less than 200 kg (450 lb) and not greater than 340 kg
following: (750 lb). The lift shall be capable of sustaining and low-
(a) The arms shall be located above the perimeter of ering a load as specified in Fig. 9.7. The rated speed
the platform floor at not less than 800 nun (32 in.) or measured along the incline shall not exceed 0.15 m/s
greater than 1 000 nun (38 in.). Gaps between the adja- (30 ft/min).
cent ends of arm sections shall not exceed 100 nun (4 in.)
3.7.2 Limitation of Angle. No lift shall be installed to
when the arms are in their guarding positions.
operate on a greater incline than 45 deg as measured
(b) The arms shall be of smooth construction with all
on the mean.
edges rounded. They shall not be permanently deformed
when a force of 300 N (66 lbf) is applied on any point 3.7.3 Capacity Plate. A capacity plate stating the
along the length of the arms in any direction. In addition, rated load in pounds shall be furnished by the manufac-
they shall not be permanently deformed when a force turer and fastened in a conspicuous place on the lift.

2:1
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
ASME A18.1-2005 SAFETY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

Letters and numbers shall be not less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) 3.8.1.4 Rope used as a connection from the safety
in height. to the governor rope, including rope wound on the
safety-rope drum, shall be not less than 3 mm (0.125 in.)
3.7.4 Data Plates. A data plate shall be provided by
in diameter and shall be made of a corrosion-resistant
the manufacturer and securely fastened in a conspicuous metaL The factor of safety of the rope shall not be less
place. The plate shall state the rated speed, rated load,
than 5. Tiller-rope construction shall not be used.
suspension or support means, date-of manufacture, and
manufacturer's name. Letters and numerals shall be not 3.8.1.5 The factors of safety shall be based upon
less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in height. the maximum stresses developed in the parts during
the operation of the safety when stopping rated load
3.7.S Restriction Sign. A sign shall be provided at from governor tripping speed.
each landing and on the platform and shall be securely
fastened in a conspicuous place. The sign shall state 3.8.1.6 Safety-rope leading-sheave brackets and
"No Freight" in letters not less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) high other safety operating parts shall not be attached to or
and shall include the international symbol of accessi- supported by wood platform members.
bility. 3.8.2 Material and Factor of Safety. Governor ropes
shall be of iron, steel, monel metal, phosphor bronze,
3.8 Safeties and Speed Governors
or stainless steeL They shall be of a regular-lay construc-
All platforms shall be provided with a safety, except tion, and not less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in diameter. The
platforms of direct-plunger hydraulic lifts. The safety factor of safety of governor ropes shall be not less than
shall be actuated by the action of a speed governor 5. Tiller-rope construction shall not be used.
or by the breakage or slackening of the suspension or
support means. Where actuation is by a governor, the 3.8.3 Means of Application. Safeties shall be applied
safety shall be set at a maximum speed of 0.4 m/ s mechanically. Electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic devices
(75 ft/min). Where actuation is by breakage or slack- shall not be used to apply the safeties required by this
ening of the suspension or support means, the safety section, nor to hold such safeties in the retracted
shall be set without delay, and independent of the speed position.
governor, if provided. 3.8.3.1 Level of Platform Floor on Safety Applica-
Safety parts shall conform to the requirements of para. tion. The application of a Type A or Type B safety to
3.8.1. Governor ropes, where provided, shall conform stop the platform with its rated load centered on each
to the requirements of para. 3.8.2. The application and quarter of the platform floor symmetrically with relation
release of safeties shall conform to the requirements of to the center line of the platform floor, shall not cause
para. 3.8.3. the platform floor to be out of level more than 30 mm/
m (0.375 in./ft) in any direction.
3.8.1 Minimum Factors of Safety and Stresses of
Safety Parts and Rope Connections 3.8.3.2 lRelease. When platform safeties are
applied, no decrease in tension in the governor rope
3.8.1.1 Parts of safeties, except springs, safety-
nor motion of the platform in the down direction shall
rope drums, leading sheaves, and their supporting
release the safeties, but such safeties shall be permitted
brackets and safety-jaw gibs, shall have a factor of safety
to be released by the motion of the platform in the up
of not less than 3Yz, based on the ultimate strength of
direction.
the material, and the materials used shall have an elon-
gation of not less than 15% in a length of 50 mm (2 in.). 3.9 Terminal Stopping Devices
Forged, cast, or welded parts shall be stress relieved.
3.9.1 Normal terminal stopping devices required by
3.8.1.2 Springs shall be permitted to be used in the para. 3.9.2 shall be permitted to use mechanically oper-
operation of platform or counterweight safeties. Where ated, magnetically operated, optical, or static type
used, and where partially loaded prior to safety opera- switches.
tion, the loading on the spring shall not produce a fibre Final terminal stopping devices required by para. 3.9.3
stress exceeding one-half the elastic limit of the material. shall use only mechanically operated switches for
During operation of the safety, the fibre stress shall not determining platform position.
exceed 85% of the elastic limit of the material. Terminal stopping devices that are located on the plat-
~ Helical springs, where used, shall be in compression. form or in the runway shall be securely mounted in such
a manner so that horizontal movement of the platform
3.8.1.3 Safety-rope drums, leading sheaves, and
shall not affect the operation of the device.
their supporting brackets and safety-jaw gibs, shall be
permitted to be made of cast iron and other metals 3.9.2 Normal stopping devices operated by the plat-
provided such parts have a factor of safety of not less- form shall be provided, and shall be set to stop the
than 10. platform floor within a tolerance of 12 mm (0.5 in.)

24
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
SAFElY STANDARD FOR ASME A18.1-2005
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

of the landings under rated loading to zero loading permitted to be attendant-operated. The attendant shall
conditions. be summoned by means of clearly labeled attendant call
stations placed at each landing.
3.9.3 Upper and lower final terminal stopping
devices operated by the platform shall be provided to 3.10.2.2 The attendant shall operate the lift by
remove power from the motor and the brake if provided, means of a continuous-pressure switch located in a con-
except as specified in para. 3.9.6. They shall be set to trol box on the free end of a detachable, flexible cord
stop the platform after it travels past the normal terminal not more than 1500 mm (60 in.) in length. A manually
stopping device and before striking an obstruction. A reset emergency stop switch shall also be provided in
slack-rope device equipped with a slack-rope switch of the control box.
the enclosed manually reset type, which shall cause the
3.10.2.3 No controls, other than an emergency
electric power tobe removed from the driving machine
stop switch, shall be provided on the lift.
motor and brake, if provided, if any hoisting rope
becomes slack, shall be permitted to be used as the lower 3.10.2.4 Where the lift operates on a straight flight
final terminal stopping device. of stairs, and where the platform is within sight during
its entire travel, provisions shall be permitted to be made
3.9.4 Final terminal stopping devices shall be
for the attendant to operate the lift from the top or
mechanically operated. The switch contacts shall be
bottom of the stairs.
directly opened mechanically. Arrangements that
depend on a spring, or gravity, or a combination thereof 3.10.3 Control and Operating Circuit Requirements.
to open the contacts shall not be used. The design and installation of the control and operating
circuits shall conform to the following.
3.9.5 The final terminal stopping device shall not
control the same controller switches as the normal termi- 3.10.3.1 Control systems that depend on-the com-
nal stopping device unless two or more separate and pletion or maintenance of an electric circuit shall not be
independent switches are provided, two of which shall used for interruption of the power and application of
be closed to complete the driving-machine motor-and- the machine brake at terminal landings or stopping the
brake circuit in either direction of travel. Where a two- machine when the safety applies.
or three-phase alternating-current driving-machine
3.10.3.2 If springs are used to actuate switches,
motor is used, these switches shall be of the multipole
contactors, or relays to break the circuit to stop the lift
type.
at the terminal landing, they shall be of the restrained
The control shall be so designed and installed that a
compression type.
single ground or short circuit shall be permitted to allow
either, but not prevent both, the normal and final stop- 3.10.3.3 The failure of any single magnetically
ping device circuits from stopping the platform. operated switch, relay, or contactor to release in the
intended manner, or the failure of any solid state device
3.9.6 Final terminal stopping devices are not
to operate as intended, or the occurrence of a single
required for direct-plunger hydraulic driving machines.
accidental ground or combination of accidental grounds
Lower final terminal stopping devices are not required
shall not permit the lift to start if this failure renders
where the limitations of the machine or runway limit
the travel of the platform (e.g., a platform at rest on the ineffective any electrical protective device.
bottom terminal landing). 3.10.4 Motor Reversal Protection. Where a non-
instantaneous reversible motor is used, a protective cir-
3.10 Operating Devices and Control Equipment cuit or device shall be provided to prevent the motor
3.10.1 Operation. Operation of the lift from the land- from continuing in the same direction if the reversing
ings and from the platform shall be controlled by "UP" control is activated.
and "DOWN" control switches at all stations, and shall 3.10.5 Phase Reversal and Failure Protection. Lifts
be by means of the continuous-pressure type. Controls having polyphase alternating current power supply
shall be 1 200 mm (48 in.) maximum and 380 mm (15 in.)
shall be provided with means to prevent the starting of
minimum above the platform floor or facility floor or the lift motor if the phase rotation is in the wrong direc-
ground level. Controls shall be located within forward tion, or if there is a failure of any phase. This protection
or side reach of the passenger as defined in ANSI A117.1. shall be considered to be provided if a reversal of phase
Operating devices shall be designed so that both the of the incoming polyphase alternating current power
"UP" and "DOWN" circuits cannot be operated at the will not cause the driving machine motor to operate in
same time. the wrong direction.
3.10.2 Attendant Operation
3.10.6 Emergency Stop Switch. An emergency stop
3.10.2.1 Where applicable, and where approved switch shall be located within reach of the passenger
by the authority having jurisdiction, the lift, shall be whether sitting in a wheelchair or sitting on the folding

2.11
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
ASME A1B.1-2005 SAFETY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

seat and located 1 200 mm (48 in.) maximum and switch marked "ALARM," which is located in or adja-
380 mm (15 in.) minimum above the platform floor. cent to each platform operating panel. The switch
When opened, this switch shall cause the electric power marked" ALARM" shall illuminate when actuated. The
to be removed from the driving-machine motor and signaling device shall be audible inside the platform
brake. Emergency stop switches shall be of the manually and outside the runway. The audible signaling device
opened and closed type and have red operating handles shall have a rated sound pressure rating of not less than
or buttons. They shall be conspicuously and perma- 80 dBA nor greater than 90 dBA at 3000 m (120 in.)
nently marked "STOP" and shall indicate the "STOP" and respond without delay after the switch has been
and "RUN" positions. Switches shall be positively activated.
opened mechanically and their opening shall not be
3.11.2 The lift shall be provided with means of two-
solely dependent on springs.
way conversation between the platform and a readily
3.10.7 Slack-Rope and Slack-Chain Devices for Wind- accessible point outside the runway that is available to
ing Drum and RoUer-Chain-Type Driving Machines. Wind- emergency personnel (telephone, intercom, etc.). The
ing drum driving machines with rope suspension shall means to activate the two-way conversation system does
be provided with a slack-rope device of the manually not have to be provided on the platform.
reset type that will remove power from the motor and
brake if the platform is obstructed in its descent and the 3.12 Standby Power (05)
suspension ropes slacken. Lifts with roller chain suspen- Lifts equipped with standby power shall comply with
sion means shall be provided with a slack-chain device, this rule.
which will remove power from the motor and brake if
3.12.1 Standby Power. Except where permitted by
the platform is obstructed in its descent and the suspen-
para. 3.12.1.1 the lift shall be powered by a standby
sion means slacken. This device is not required to be of
power system from the building ..
the manually reset type if the chain sprockets are
guarded to prevent the chain from becoming disengaged 3.12.1.1 Battery Power. A lift equipped with
from the sprockets. rechargeable battery power capable of cycling the lift
under full load for five cycles minimum after building
3.10.8 Release and Application of Driving-Machine
power is removed shall be permitted.
Brake. Driving-machine brakes shall not be electrically
released until power has been applied to the driving- 3.13 Code Data Plate (05)
machine motor. All power feed lines to the brake shall
A code data plate shall be provided that indicates the
be opened, and the brake shall apply automatically
A18.1 Standard to be used for inspections and tests. The
when any operating device in para. 3.10.1 or 3.10.2 is
data plate shall be in plain view, securely attached on
in the stop position and when any electrical protective
the main line disconnect or on the controller. The data
device functions.
plate shall be of such material and construction that the
3.10.9 Electrical Equipment and Wiring letters and figures stamped, etched, cast, or otherwise
applied to the face shall remain permanently and readily
3.10.9.1 All electrical equipment and wiring shall legible. The height of the letters and figures shall be no
conform to the requirements of ANSI/NFPA 70. less than 3 mm (0.125 in.).
3.10.9.2 Electrical equipment shall be certified to
the requirements of CAN/CSA B44.1/ ASME A17.5. 4 INCLINED STAIRWAY CHAIRLlFTS 4
3.10.10 Manual Operations. Means shall be provided Section 4 applies to inclined stairway chairlifts
to permit authorized personnel from a position outside installed in locations other than in or at a private resi-
the platform to raise or lower the platform manually in dence for use by the mobility impaired.
the event of power failure, unless standby (emergency)
power is provided. 4.1 Runways
4.1.1 Lifts shall be installed so that means of egress
3.11 Emergency Signal
is maintained as required by the authority having juris-
If the lift is installed in an area not visible to personnel diction.
at all times, emergency signaling devices shall be pro-
4.1.2 The structure on which the equipment is
vided in accordance with the requirements of para. 3.11.1
or 3.11.2. installed shall be capable of safely supporting the loads
imposed.
3.11.1 The lift shall be provided with an audible
signaling device, operable from the emergency stop 4 See section 7 for the requirements for this equipment installed
switch, marked also with" ALARM" or from a separate in or at a private residence.

20
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
SAFETY STANDARD FOR ASME A18.1-2005
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRlIFTS

4.1.3 The installation of electrical equipment and 4.3.3 Screw Machines. Screw machines, where used,
wiring shall conform to the requirements of ANSI! shall conform to para. 8.2.
NFPA 70. 4.3.4 Friction Machines. Friction machines, where
4.1.4 Electrical equipment shall be certified to the used, shall conform to para. 8.3.
requirements of CAN/CSA 844.1/ ASME A17.5.
4.3.5 Location of Power Unit and Alignment and
4.2 Guide Rails and Tracks Guarding of Sheaves and Sprockets. The power unit shall
be permitted to be mounted on the carriage or placed
The supporting tracks or guide rails shall be securely
at a remote location. If remotely located, all intervening
anchored to the stairs, floor surface, or side wall. The
sheaves and sprockets shall be so placed that the rope'
factor of safety used in the design of the guide rails and
tracks shall be not less than 5 based on the rated load. Qr chain travels in the proper alignment. All sheaves
and sprockets shall be enclosed or guarded.
4.3 Driving Means and Sheaves
4.3.6 Indirect-Drive Machines. Indirect-drive ma-
The driving means shall be one of the following: chines, utilizing V-belt drives, tooth drive belts, or drive
(a) winding drum chains, shall conform to the requirements of paras.
(b) traction 4.3.6.1,4.3.6.2, and 4.3.6.3, except that the requirements
(c) roped sprocket of para. 4.3.6.2 shall be permitted to be omitted if a self-
(d) chain sprocket locking drive meeting the requirements of para. 4.4.2 is
(e) screw provided. If multiple belts or chains are provided, they
if) rack and pinion shall be preloaded and matched for length in sets.
(g) direct-plunger hydraulic 4.3.6.1 General Requirements. Belt sets shall be
(h) roped-hydraulic selected on the basis of the manufacturer's rated break-
(i) lever hydraulic ing strength and a factor of safety of 10. Chain and
(j) friction sprocket sets shall be selected on the basis of recommen-
4.3.1 General Requirements dations set forth in the Supplementary Information sec-
tion of ANSI! ASME B29.1, using a service factor of 2.
4.3.1.1 The factor of safety used in the design of Offset links in chain are not permitted.
the sprockets and sheaves shall be not less than 5 based Sprockets in a chain drive set. and also a driven set
on the rated load. See Section 8 for special requirements shall be assembled onto a common hub, with teeth cut
for particular drive systems. in-line after assembly to assure equal load distribution
4.3.1.2 Driving-machine chains and sprockets on all chains. Tooth sheaves for a belt drive shall be
shall be of steel and shall conform in design and dimen- constructed in a manner to assure equal load distribu-
sions to the requirements of ANSI! ASME B29.1. tion on each belt in the set. Load determination for both
the belt and chain sets shall be based on the maximum
4.3.1.3 Winding drums, traction sheaves, over-
static loading on the carriage, which is the full load on
head sheaves, and deflecting sheaves used with suspen-
the chair at rest and at a position in the runway that
sion and compensating ropes shall be of metal and be
creates the greatest load, including either the carriage
provided with finished grooves for ropes or shall be
or counterweight resting on its buffer.
permitted to be lined with nonmetallic groove material,
Chain drives and belt drives shall be guarded to pro-
and have a pitch diameter of not less than 30 times the
tect against accidental contact and to prevent foreign
diameter of the suspension ropes. Where 8 x 19 steel
objects from interfering with drives.
rope or 7 x 19 steel aircraft cable is used, the pitch
diameter of the drums and sheaves shall be permitted to 4.3.6.2 Monitoring and Brake Location. Each belt or
be reduced to 21 times the diameter of the rope or cable. chain in a set shall be continuously monitored by a
Where the grooves are used to transmit power, suffi- broken belt or chain device that shall function to auto-
cient traction shall be provided between the rope and matically interrupt power to the machine and apply the
groov~, and in the event of nonmetallic lining failure, brake if any belt or chain in the set breaks or becomes
between jhe rope and the remaining sheave groove, to excessively slack. The driving machine brake shall be
safely stop and hold the chair with 125% of the rated located on the traction sheave or drum assembly side
load. of the driving machine so as to be fully effective if the
entire belt set or chain set should break.
4.3.2 Hydraulic Driving Machines. Direct-plunger
hydraulic driving machines, where used, shall conform 4.3.6.3 Replacement of Belts or Chains. If one belt
to the requirements of para. 8.1 except para. 8.1.2. or chain of a set is worn, stretched, or damaged so as
Roped-hydraulic machines shall also conform to the to require replacement, the entire set shall be replaced.
requirements of para. 8.1 except for paras. 8.1.1, 8.1.3, Sprockets and toothed sheaves shall also be replaced if
8.1.4.3, and 8.1.4.7. worn.

27
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
ASME A18.1-2005 SAFETY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

4.4 Driving-Machine Brakes electric contact that shall prevent the operation of the
lift when the seat is not in the operating position.
4.4.1 A driving-machine brake directly attached to
the driving means through a continuous shaft, mechani- 4.6.1 Chair Truck and Guides. The chair shall be
cal coupling, or toothed gearing of the electrically securely anchored to a truck that supports it. The truck
released spring applied type shall be provided, except shall be restrained in a track or on a guide-rail assembly.
on lifts with hydraulic driving machines. 4.6.2 Factors of Safety. The factor of safety used in
4.4.2 A machine brake is not required if a self-locking the design of the carriage and truck shall be not less
drive utilizing a lead screw, worm, or other positive than 5 based on the rated load.
gearing that will stop and hold the carriage with the 4.6.3 Footrest Obstruction DeviCe. If the footrest is
rated load within 100 mm (4 in.) of down travel after located so that it is within 150 mm (6 in.) of the step
the power is removed is provided. nosing or riser, a device shall be provided on the footrest
to stop the upward motion of the carriage if it encounters
4.5 Suspension and Support Means
an object between the footrest and step nosing or riser.
4.5.1 General Requirements 4.6.4 Footrest Clearance. At no point in its travel shall
4.5.1.1 Suspension and support means shall be the edge of the footrest facing the upper landing be
one of the following: more than 600 mm (24 in.) above the step or landing as
(a) steel or iron wire rope measure vertically.
(b) steel aircraft cable 4.7 Capacity, Speed, and Angle of Inclination
(c) roller chain
(d) direct-phll1ger hydraulic 4.7.1 Limitations of Capacity, Load, and Speed. The
(e) roped-hydraulic
capacity shall not exceed two persons. The rated load
if) rack and pinion shall not be less than 115 kg (250 lb) for a one-seat lift
and not less than 180 kg (400 lb) for a two-seat lift. The
(g) screw
rated speed shall not exceed 0.2 m/s (40ft/min).
(h) friction machine guides and rollers
4.7.2 Limitation of Angle. No lift shall be installed to
4.5.1.2 Steel tapes or welded link chains shall not operate on a greater incline than 45 deg as measured
be used as suspension means. Where wire ropes are on the mean.
used, the diameter shall not be less than 6 mm (0.25 in.).
Where aircraft cable is used, the diameter shall not be 4.7.3 Capacity Plate. A capacity plate stating the
less than 3 mm (0.125 in.). rated load in pounds shall be furnished by the manufac-
ture and fastened in a conspicuous place on the device.
4.5.2 Factors of Safety. The suspension and support Letters and numbers shall be not less than 6 mm (0.25 in.)
means shall have a factor of safety of not less than 7 in height.
based on the tension in the rope, cable, chain, or forces
exerted on the hydraulic cylinder, screw drive, or rack 4.7.4 Data Plates. A data plate shall be provided by
and pinion when raising the rated load. When the car- the manufacturer and securely fastened in a conspicuous
riage and counterweight are suspended by steel ropes place. The plate shall state the rated speed, rated load,
and the driving means between the machine and the suspension or support means, date of manufacture, and
counterweight is an endless roller-type chain, the factor manufacturer's name. Letters and numerals shall be not
of safety of such chain shall be not less than 8, based less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in height.
on the rated load. See section 8 for special requirements 4.8 Safeties and Speed Governors
for particular drive systems.
All carriages shall be provided with a safety, except
4.5.3 Replacement of Chains and Sprockets. If two for carriages of direct-plunger hydraulic lifts. The safety
or more chains are used as a suspension or support shall be actuated by the action of a speed governor
means and a worn chain or sprocket is replaced, all or _by the breakage or slackening of the suspension or
chains and sprockets shall be replaced. support means. Where actuation is by a governor, the
safety shall be set at a maximum speed of 0.4 m/s
4.6 Chairs and Seats (75 ft/min). Where actuation is by breakage of the sus-
Each chair shall have a foot platform and a seat with pension or support means, the safety shall be set without
a backrest and a seat belt. Each chair shall be equipped delay, and independent of the speed governor, if pro-
with two hand grips or arms. If the chair stops less than vided. Safety parts shall conform to the requirements
500 mm (20 in.) beyond the nose of the top landing, of para. 4.8.1. Governor ropes, where provided, shall
measured horizontally from the center of the seat, a conform to the requirements of para. 4.8.2. The applica-
swivel seat shall be provided. The swivel shall have a tion and release of safeties shall conform to the require-
positive locking mechanism, and the seat shall have an ments of para. 4.8.3.

2R
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
SAFElY STANDARD FOR ASME A18.1-2005
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

4.8.1 Minimum Factors of Safety and Stresses of 4.8.3.2 Release. When carriage safeties are
Safety Parts and Rope Connections applied, no decrease in tension in the governor rope nor
inotion of the carriage in the down direction shall release
4.8.1.1 Parts of safeties, except springs, safety-
the safeties but such safeties shall be permitted to be
rope drums, leading sheaves, and their supporting
released by the motion of the chair in the up direction.
brackets and safety-jaw gibs, shall have a factor of safety
of not less than 311z, based on the ultimate strength of
4.9 Terminal Stopping Devices
the material, and the materials used shall have an elon-
gation of not less than 15% in a length of 50 mm (2 in.). 4.9.1 Normal terminal stopping devices required by
Forged, cast, or welded parts shall be stress relieved. para. 4.9.2 shall be permitted to use mechanically oper-
4.8.1.2 Springs shall be permitted to be used in the ated, magnetically operated, optical, or static type
operation of carriage or counterweight safeties. Where switches.
used, and where partially loaded prior to safety opera- Final terminal stopping devices required by para. 4.9.3
tion, the loading on the spring shall not produce a fibre shall use only mechanically operated switches for
stress exceeding one-half of the elastic limit of the mate- determining platform position.
rial. During operation of the safety, the fibre stress shall Terminal stopping devices that are located on the car-
not exceed 85% of the elastic limit of the material. Helical riage or in the runway shall be of the enclosed type and
springs, where used, shall be in compression. securely mounted in such a manner so that horizontal
movement of the carriage shall not affect the operation
4.8.1.3 Safety-rope drums, leading sheaves, and of the device.
their supporting brackets and safety-jaw gibs, shall be
permitted to be made of cast iron and other metals 4.9.2 Upper and lower normal terminal stopping
provided such parts have a factor of safety of not less devices operated by the carriage shall be provided, and
than 10. shall be set to stop the chair at or near the upper and
lower terminal landings under rated loading to zero
4.8.1.4 Rope used as a connection from the safety loading conditions.
to the governor rope, including rope wound on the
safety-rope drum, shall be not less than 3 mm (0.125 in.) 4.9.3 Upper and lower final terminal stopping
diameter and shall be made of a corrosion-resistant devices operated by the carriage to remove power from
metal. the motor and the brake shall be provided, except as
The factor of safety of the rope shall not be less than specified in para. 4.9.6. They shall be set to stop the
5. Tiller-rope construction shall not be used. carriage after it travels past the normal terminal stop-
ping device and before striking an obstruction.
4.8.1.5 The factors of safety shall be based upon
the maximum stresses developed in the parts during A slack-rope device equipped with a slack-rope switch
the operation of the safety when stopping rated load of the enclosed manually reset type that shall cause the
from governor tripping speed. electric power to be removed from the driving machine
motor and brake if any hoisting rope becomes slack
4.8.1.6 Safety-rope leading-sheave brackets and shall be permitted to be used as the lower final terminal
other safety operating parts shall not be attached to or stopping device. .
supported by wood platform members.
4.9.4 Final terminal stopping devices shall be
4.8.2 Material and Factor of Safety. Governor ropes mechanically operated. The switch contacts shall be
shall be of iron, steel, monel metal, phosphor bronze, directly opened mechanically. Arrangements that
or stainless steel. They shall be of a regular-lay construc- depend on a spring, or gravity, or a combination thereof,
tion, and not less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in diameter. The to open the contacts shall not be used.
factor of safety of governor ropes shall be not less than
5. Tiller-rope construction shall not be used. 4.9.5 The final terminal stopping device shall not
control the same controller switches as the normal termi-
4.8.3 Means of Application. Safeties shall be applied
nal stopping device unless two or more separate and
mechanically. Electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic devices
independent switches are provided, two of which shall
shall not be used to apply the safeties required by this
be closed to complete the driving-machine motor-and-
section, nor to hold such safeties in the retracted
brake circuit in either direction of travel. Where a two-
position.
or three-phase alternating-current driving-machine
4.8.3.1 Level of Chair on Safety Application. The motor is used, these switches shall be of the multipole
application of a Type A or Type B safety to stop the type. The control shall be so designed and installed that
chair, with its rated load shall not cause the chair to be a single ground or short circuit shall be permitted to
out of level more than 30 mm/m (0.375 in./ft) in any allow either, but not prevent both, the normal and final
direction. stopping device circuits from stopping the carriage.

29
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
ASME A18.1-2005 SAFElY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

4.9.6 Final terminal stopping devices are not 4.10.6 Control and Operating Circuits. The design and
required for direct-plunger hydraulic driving machines. installation of the control and operating circuits shall
Lower final terminal stopping devices are not required conform to the following.
where the limitations of the machine or runway limit
4.10.6.1 Control systems that depend on the com-
the travel of the carriage (e.g., a carriage at rest on the
pletion or maintenance of an electric circuit shall not be
bottom terminal landing).
used for interruption of the power and application of
the driving-machine brake at terminal landings or stop-
4.10 Operating Devices and Control Equipment
ping the machine when the safety applies.
4.10.1 Operation. Operation of thechairlift from the 4.10.6.2 If springs are used to actuate switches,
upper or lower landing and from the chair shall be contactors, or relays to break the circuit to stop the lift
controlled by "UP" and "DOWN" control switches at at the terminal landing, they shall be of the restrained
all stations, and shall be by means of the continuous- compression type.
pressure type. Controls shall be 1 200 mm (48 in.) maxi-
mum and 380 mm (15 in.) minimum above the platform 4.10.7 Slack-Rope and Slack-Chain Devices for Wind-
floor or facility floor or ground level. Operating devices ing Drum and Roller-Chain-Type Driving Machines. Wind-
shall be designed so that both the "UP" and "DOWN" ing drum driving machines with rope suspension shall
circuits cannot be operated at the same time. be provided with a slack-rope device of the manually
reset type that will remove power from the motor and
4.10.2 Motor Reversal Protection. Where a non- brake if the platform is obstructed in its descent and the
instantaneous reversible motor is used, a protective cir- suspension ropes slacken. Lifts with roller-chain suspen-
cuit or device shall be provided to prevent the motor sion means shall be provided with a slack-chain device
from continuing in the same direction if the reversing that will remove power from the motor and brake if the
control is activated. platform is obstructed in its descent and the suspension
means slacken. This device is not required to be of the
4.10.3 Electrical Equipment and Wiring manually reset type if the chain sprockets are guarded
4.10.3.1 All electrical equipment and wiring shall to prevent the chain from becoming disengaged from
conform to the requirements of ANSI/NFPA 70. the sprockets.

4.10.3.2 Electrical equipment shall be certified to 4.11 Code Data Plate

the requirements of CAN/CSA B44.1/ ASME A17.5. A code data plate shall be provided that indicates the
A18.1 Standard to be used for inspections and tests. The
4.10.3.3 The failure of any single magnetically data plate shall be in plain view, securely attached on
operated switch, relay, or contractor to release in the the main line disconnect or on the controller. The data
intended manner, or the failure of any solid state device plate shall be of such material and construction that the
to opera te as intended, or the occurrence of a single letters and figures stamped, etched, cast, or otherwise
accidental ground or combination of accidental grounds applied to the face shall remain permanently and readily
shall not permit the lift to start if this" failure renders legible. The height of the letters and figures shall be not
ineffective any electrical protective device. less than 3 mm (0.125 in.).
4.10.4 Phase Reversal and Failure Protection. Chair-
lifts having polyphase alternating current power supply 5 PRIVATE RESIDENCE VERTICAL PLATFORM
shall be provided with means to prevent the starting of LlFTS 5
the motor if the phase rotation is in the wrong direction,
or if there is a failure of any phase. Section 5 applies to vertical platform lifts where
This protection shall be considered to be provided if a installed in or at a private residence for use by the mobil-
reversal of phase of the incoming polyphase alternating ity impaired.
current power will not cause the driving machine motor
5.1" Runways
to operate in the wrong direction.
Runways shall be installed in accordance with para.
4.10.5 Release and Application of Driving-Machine 2.1.1,2.1.2,2.1.3, or 5.1.1. Runway construction for lifts
Brake. Driving-machine brakes shall not be electrically that penetrate a floor must comply with para. 2.1.1 and
released until power has been applied to the driving- with the building code. Only lifts installed in confor-
machine motor. All power feed lines to the brake shall mance with para. 2.1.1 shall serve more than two
be opened, and the brake shall apply automatically landings.
when any operating device in para. 4.10.1 or 4.10.2 is in
the "STOP" position and when any electrical protective 5 See section 2 for the requirements for this equipment installed
device functions. in locations other than in or at a private residence.

30
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
 SAFETY STANDARD FOR ASME A1B.1-200S
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

5.1.1 Guarding a minimum of two sensing devices which shall cause

electric power to be removed from the driving machine
5.1.1.1 The runway shall be guarded at the upper
. motor and brake, if provided, and cause the platform
landing by a door at least 900 mm (36 in.) high of solid
to stop its downward motion within 50 mm (2 in.). The
construction and provided with a combination mechani-
stroke of the device shall not be less than the stopping
cal lock and electric contact. The door shall be permitted
distance of the platform. The lift shall be permitted to
to be opened only if the platform floor is within 50 mm
opera te ,away from the obstruction. Downward motion
(2 in.) of that landing ..
shall be permitted to resume when the obstruction is
(OS) 5.1.1.2 A smooth vertical fascia shall be provided removed. When the installation conforms to the require-.
from the top terminal landing sill and any intermediate. ments of para. 2.1.1 or 2.1.2, the sensing device on the
landing sill to the level of the bottom terminal landing underside of the platform is not required.
sill. Openings necessary for operation shall reject a ball
5.1.1.7.2 The underside of the platform shall be
12 mm (0.5 in.) diameter. A device to stop the platform
equipped with a bellows or similar device that shall not
if an object protrudes beyond the platform edge into
be permanently deformed when a force of 550 N (125
the running clearance shall be provided if the fascia is
lbf) is applied on any 100 mm (4 in.)'by 100 mm (4 in.)
perforated. The device used shall be effective for the
area. Deflection of the bellows due to a force of 330 N
full width of the platform opening and for the full travel
(75Ibf) applied on any 100 mm (4 in.) by 100 mm (4 in.)
of the platform. The fascia shall be equal to or stronger
area shall not exceed 75 mm (3 in.) or the distance to
than 1.5 mm (0.0598 in.) sheet steel and guard the full
contact an internal moving component other than the
width 'of the platform. The surface shall not be perma-
bellows support mechanism, whichever is less. Deflec-
nently deformed when a force of 550 N (125 lbf) is
tion shall be measured with the platform at the upper-
applied on any 100 mm (4 in.) by 100 mm (4 in.) area.
most landing.
5.1.1.3 A metal guard at least 150 mm (6 in.) in (a) The upper attachment point of the bellows shall
height and extending the full width of the platform shall be permitted to be inset from the outer edge of the
be installed on the lower landing side of the platform platform provided that the exposed area of the under-
to prevent a wheelchair from rolling off the platform. side of the platform is equipped with a device that con-
The guard shall be automatically actuated by the move- forms to para. 5.1.1.7.1.
ment of the platform away from the lower landing, and (b) Deflection greater than that allowed by para.
it shall remain in the elevated position until the platform 5.1.1.7.2 shall be permitted, provided that any additional
returns to the lower landing. deflection actuates a sensing device that causes the elec-
5.1.1.4 The guard shall be operated with positive tric power to be removed from the driving machine
cam action or provided with an electric contact that shall motor and brake, if provided, and causes the platform
stop the platform if the guard is not fully elevated when to stop its downward motion within 50 mm (2 in.).
the platform has traveled 150 mm (6 in.) away from the Downward motion shall be permitted to resume when
lower landing. the bellows is returned to its normal condition.

5.1.1.5 The guard shall withstand, withoutperma- 5.1.1.7.3 A force sensitive safety surface shall
nent deformation, a force of 550 N (125 lbf) applied on be provided covering the entire floor area directly under
any 100 mm (4 in.) by 100 mm (4 in.) area. This force the moving platform plus 75 mm (3 in.) beyond any
shall not cause the height of the ramp, at any point in its exposed platform edge. The device shall prevent down-
length, to be less than 150 mm (6 in.) measured vertically ward motion of the platform when activated by a force
from the surface of the platform floor. not to exceed 70 N (15 lbf) applied anywhere on its
surface. The lift shall be permitted to operate in the
5.1.1.6 The sides of the platform not used for upward direction. Downward motion shall be permitted
entrance or exit shall be guarded to a height of at least to resume when the force is removed.
900 mm (36 in.) by smooth construction with no open-
ings, other than those necessary for the operation of the 5.1.1.8 The platform floor-to-sill clearance at the
lift. Those openings necessary for operation shall reject upper landing shall not exceed 20 mm (0.75 in.).
a ball 12 mm (0.5 in.) in diameter. - 5.1.2 Pipes in Runway Vicinity. Pipes conveying
(OS) 5.1.1.7 The underside of the platform shall be steam, gas, or liquids that, if discharged into the runway
guarded in accordance with the requirements of para. of the platform, would endanger life or health shall not
5.1.1.7.1, 5.1.1.7.2, or 5.1.1.7.3. be permitted.
5.1.1.7.1 The underside of the platform shall be 5.1.3 lower level Access Ramps. A retractable ramp
equipped with a device that, if the platform is obstructed shall be permitted to be mounted on the platform floor,
in its downward travel by a force not to exceed 70 N and the incline of the' ramp shall be not greater than
(15Ibf) applied anywhere on its underside, will actuate (a) 1 in 4 for heights up to 50 mm (2 in.)

::\1
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
ASME A18.1-200S SAFElY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

(b) 1 in 6 for heights up to 65 nun (2.5 in.) provided the factor of safety is not less than, and the
(c) 1 in 8 for heights up to 75 nun (3 in.) . deflections are not more than, the values specified in
(d) 1 in 10 for heights up to 100 nun (4 in.) section 5, and provided that cast iron is not used.
(e) 1 in 12 for heights greater than 100 nun (4 in.) 5.2.2 Stresses and Deflections
The ramp shall extend the full width of the platform
floor. It shall be permitted to be actuated by the move- 5.2.2.1 Guide Rails. For steels conforming to the
mentof the platform away from the lower landing and requirements of para. 5.2.1.1, the stresses in a guide rail
it shall remain retracted while the platform is away from or in the rail and its reinforcement, due to the horizontal
the lower landing. The ramp shall be permitted to also forces imposed on the rail during loading, unloading,
be used as the guard specified in para. 5.1.1.3. or running, calculated without impact, shall not exceed
The ramp shall be operated by a positive mechanical 100 MPa (15,000 psi), and the deflection shall not exceed
action or shall be provided with an electric contact that 6 rnm (0.25 in.).
will stop the movement of the platform within 150 nun Where steels of greater strength than those specified
(6 in.) of the lower landing if the ramp has failed to rise in para. 5.2.1.1 are used, the stresses specified shall be
to its elevated position. permitted to be increased proportionately based on the
ratio of the ultimate strengths.
5.1.4 Electrical Equipment and Wiring
5.2.2.2 Brackets, Fastenings, and Supports. The
5.1.4.1 The installation of electrical equipment guide-rail brackets, their fastenings and supports, such
and wiring shall conform to the requirements of ANSI/ as building beams and walls, shall be capable of resisting
NFPA 70. the horizontal forces imposed by rated load with a total
5.1.4.2 Electrical equipment shall be certified to deflection at the point of support not in excess of 3 rnm
the requirements of CAN/CSA B44.1/ ASME A17.5. (0.125 in.).
5.1.5 Structural Support. The structure on which the 5.2.3 Guide-Rail Surfaces. Guide-rail surfaces used
equipment is installed shall be capable of safely support- for guiding a platform or counterweight shall be suffi-
ing the loads imposed. ciently smooth and true to operate properly with the
guiding members. Those surfaces that the platform or
5.1.6 Headroom Clearance. Headroom clearance
counterweight safeties engage shall be smooth and true
throughout the range of travel shall be not less than
within the tolerances required to ensure proper safety
2000 rnm (80 in.) as measured vertically from the plat-
application without excessive retardation or excessive
form floor.
out-of-Ievel platform conditions resulting.
5.2 Guide Rails 5.2.4 Overall Length of Guide Rails. The platform and
Guide rails shall conform to the requirements of paras. counterweight guide rails shall extend at the top and
5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3, 5.2.4, and 5.2.5. Where standard tee bottom to prevent the guiding members from disengag-
rails are provided they shall also conform to the require- ing from the guide rails if either the platform or counter-
ments of paras. 5.2.6 and 5.2.7. Rail joints shall be weight reaches its extreme limit of travel.
designed to maintain the accuracy of the rail alignment
5.2.5 Design and Strength of Brackets and Supports.
and to withstand the stress and deflection limitations
The building construction forming the supports for the
stipulated in para. 5.2.2.
guide rails, and the guide-rail brackets, shall be designed
5.2.1 Material. Guide rails, guide-rail brackets, rail to safely withstand the application of the platform or
clips, fishplates, and their fastenings shall be of steel or counterweight safety when stopping the platform and
other metals conforming to the requirements of para. its rated load or the counterweight, and withstand the
5.2, or, where steel may present an accident hazard, as forces specified in para. 5.2.2.2 within the deflection
in chemical or explosive plants, guide rails shall be per- limits specified.
mitted to be of selected wood or other suitable nonmet- Where necessary, the building construction shall be
alic materials. reinforced to provide adequate supports for the guide
rails.
5.2.1.1 Requirements for Steel, Where Used. Rails,
brackets, fishplates, and rail clips shall be made of open- 5.2.6 Bracket Fastenings. Guide-rail brackets shall be
hearth steel or its equivalent having a tensile strength secured to their supporting structure by means of bolts
of not less than 380 MPa (55,000 psi) and having an or rivets, or by welding. Fastening bolts and bolt holes
elongation of not less than 22% in a length of 50 mm in brackets and their supporting beams shall conform
(2 in.). Bolts shall conform to ASTM A 307. Rivets shall to the requirements of para. 5.2.7. Welding, where used,
conform to ASTM A 502. shall conform to the requirements of para. 9.1.
5.2.1.2 Requirements for Metals Other Than Steel. 5.2.7 Type of Fastenings. Guide rails shall be secured
Metals other than steel shall be permitted to be used to their brackets by clips, welds, or bolts. Bolts used for

:12
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME.- ~
SAFElY STANDARD FOR ASME A1B.1-2005
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

fastening shall be of such strength as to withstand the 5.3.1.5 Driving-machine chains and sprockets
forces specified in paras. 5.2.2.2 and 5.2.5. shall be of steel and shall conform in design and dimen-
Welding, where used, shall conform to the require- sions to the requirements of ANSI! ASME B29.1.
ments of para. 9.1.
5.3.1.6 Winding drums, traction sheaves, over-
head sheaves, and deflecting sheaves used with suspen-
5.3 Driving Means and Sheaves
. sion and compensating ropes shall be of metal, be
The driving means shall be one of the following: provided with finished grooves for ropes or shall be
(a) winding drum permitted to be lined with nonmetallic groove material,
(b) traction and have a pitch diameter of not less than 30 times the
(c) roped sprocket diameter of the suspension ropes. Where 8 x 19 steel
(d) chain sprocket rope or 7 x 19 steel aircraft cable is used, however,
(e) screw the pitch diameter of the drums and sheaves shall be
if) rack and pinion permitted to be reduced to 21 times the diameter of the
rope or cable.
(g) direct-plunger hydraulic
Where the grooves are used to transmit power, suffi-
(h) roped-hydraulic
cient traction shall be provided between the rope and
(i) lever hydraulic
groove, and in the event of nonmetallic lining failure,
(j) friction between the rope and the remaining sheave groove, to
Driving means utilizing a combination of two or more safely stop and hold the platform with 125% of the
means shall conform to all applicable requirements of rated load.
the respective means unless stated otherwise.
5.3.2 Hydraulic Driving Machines. Direct-plunger
5.3.1 General Requirements hydraulic driving machines, where used, shall conform
to the requirements of para. 8.1 except para. 8.1.2.
5.3.1.1 The factor of safety, based on the static
Roped-hydraulic machines shall also conform to the
load (the rated load plus the weight of the platform,
requirements of para. 8.1 except for paras. 8.1.1, 8.1.3,
ropes, counterweights, etc.), to be used in the design
8.1.4.3, and 8.1.4.7.
of driving machines and sheaves, including fasteners
transmitting load, shall not be less than 8 for steel, 5.3.3 Screw Machines. Screw machines, where used,
bronze, or other metals having an elongation of at least shall conform to para. 8.2.
14% in a length of 50 mm (2 in.) or 10 for cast iron or
5.3.4 Friction Machines. Friction machines, where
other metals having an elongation of less than 14% in
used, shall conform to para. 8.3.
a length of 50 mm (2 in.). See section 8 for special require-
ments for particular drive systems. 5.3.5 Machine Framework and Base. The machine
framework, base, and fastenings to the buildings, where
5.3.1.2 Set screws or threaded portions located in used, shall be of metal construction, have a factor of
the shear plane of bolts and screws shall not be used to safety of not less than 5 based on the rated load, and
transmi t load. shall be secured in place with support provided to limit
Means shall be provided to ensure that there is no their deflections to 6 mm (0.25 in.) maximum in any
relative motion between rigidly joined components direction under rated load. Cast iron shall not be used.
transmitting load.
Where flexible couplings are used to transmit load, 5.3.6 Guiding Member Enclosures. The guiding mem-
means shall be provided to prevent disengagement of bers shall be enclosed with a solid enclosure to prevent
the coupling components in the event of failure or exces- accidental contact. If openings are necessary in this
sive motion in the flexible connection. enclosure for operation, they shall reject a ball 20 mm
A fillet shall be provided at any point of change in the (0.75 in.) in diameter.
diameter of driving-machine shafts and sheave shafts to 5.3.7 Machinery Beams and Supports
prevent excessive stress concentrations in the shafts.
Shafts that support drums, sheaves, gears, couplings, 5.3.7.1 All machinery and sheaves shall be so sup-
and other members, and that transmit torque, shall be ported and secured to prevent any part becoming loose
provided with tight-fitting keys. or displaced. Beams directly supporting machinery shall
be of steel or reinforced concrete.
5.3.1.3 Friction gearing, clutch mechanisms, or
couplings shall not be used to connect a driving machine 5.3.7.2 Overhead beams and sheaves shall be
drum or sheave to the main driving mechanism. designed for not less than the total load on overhead
beams, which shall be assumed to be equal to the weight
5.3.1.4 Worm gearing having cast iron teeth shall of all apparatus resting on the beams plus twice the
not be used on the driving machine. maximum load suspended from the beams. The load

Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~

No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
ASME A18.1-2005 SAFElY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

resting on the beams shall include the complete weights of the driving machine so as to be fully effective if the
of the driving machine, sheaves, controller, etc. The load entire belt set or chain set should break.
suspended from the beams shall include the sum of the
5.3.9.3 Replacement of Belts or Chains. If one belt
tensions in all ropes suspended from the beams.
or chain of a set is worn, stretched, or damaged so as
5.3.7.3 The driving machine or sheaves, except to require replacement, the entire set shall be replaced.
idlers or deflecting sheaves with their guards and Sprockets and toothed sheaves shall also be replaced if
frames, shall not be fastened to the underside of the worn.
supporting beams at the top of the runway.
5.4 Driving-Machine Brakes
5.3.7.4 Cast iron in tension shall not be used for
supporting members for sheaves where they are hung 5.4.1 Driving machines, except hydraulic, shall be
beneath beams. equipped with friction brakes directly attached to the
driving means through a continuous shaft, mechanical
5.3.8 Guarding of Driving Machines and Suspension coupling, or toothed gearing applied by springs, or by
Means. The driving machine and suspension means gravity, and released electrically.
shall be enclosed with a solid enclosure. Any opening
required for operation shall reject a ball 20 mm (0.75 in.) 5.4.2 A single ground or short circuit, a counter-
in diameter. Access shall be provided by a removable voltage or a motor-field discharge shall not prevent the
panel for inspecting and servicing. The panel shall be brake magnet from allowing the brake to set when the
screwed, locked, or bolted in place. operating device is placed in the stop position.
5.3.9 Indirect-Drive Machines. Indirect-drive 5.4.3 A machine brake is not required if a self-locking
machines, utilizing V-belt drives, tooth drive belts, or drive utilizing a lead screw, worm, or other positive
drive chains, shall conform to the requirements of paras. gearing that will stop and hold the platform with the
5.3.9.1, 5.3.9.2, and 5.3.9.3, except that the requirements rated load within 100 mm (4 in.) of down travel after
of para. 5.3.9.2 shall be permitted to be omitted if a self- the power is removed is provided.
locking drive meeting the requirements of para. 5.4.3 is
provided. If multiple belts or chains are provided, they 5.5 Suspension and Support Means
shall be preloaded and matched for length in sets. 5.5.1 General Requirements
53.9.1 General Requirements. Belt sets shall be 5.5.1.1 Suspension and support means shall be (05)
selected on the basis of the manufacturer's rated break- one or more of the following:
ing strength and a factor of safety of 10. Chain and (a) steel or iron wire rope
sprocket sets shall be selected on the basis of recommen- (b) steel aircraft cable
dations set forth in the Supplementary Information sec- (c) chain
tion of ANSI! ASME B29.1, using a service factor of 2. (d) hydraulic
Offset links in chain are not permitted. (e) rack and pinion
Sprockets in a chain drive set and also a driven set if) screw
shall be assembled onto a common hub, with teeth cut (g) friction machine guides and rollers
in-line after assembly to ensure equal load distribution
(h) lever
on all chains. Tooth sheaves for a belt drive shall be
Suspension and support means utilizing a combina-
constructed in a manner to ensure equal load distribu-
tion of two or more means shall conform to all applicable
tion on each belt in the set. Load determination for both
requirements of the respective means unless stated
the belt and chain sets shall be based on the maximum
otherwise.
static loading on the platform, which is the full load in
the platform at rest and at a position in the runway that 5.5.1.2 Steel tapes or welded link chains shall not
creates the greatest load, including either the platform be used as suspension means.
or counterweight resting on its buffer.
5.5.1.3 Where ropes or chains are used, no fewer
Chain drives and belt drives shall be guarded to pro-
than two shall be provided.
tect against accidental contact and to prevent foreign
objects from interfering with drives. 5.5.1.4 For rated loads up to 230 kg (500 lb), ropes
shall have a minimum diameter of 6 mm (0.25 in.) and
5.3.9.2 Monitoring and Brake Location. Each belt or
chains shall have a minimum pitch of 12 mm (0.5 in.).
chain in a set shall be continuously monitored by a
For higher rated loads, ropes shall have a minimum
broken belt or chain device that shall function to· auto-
diameter of 10 mm (0.375 in.) and chains shall have a
matically interrupt power to the machine and apply the
minimum pitch of 15 mm (0.625 in.).
brake if any belt or chain in the set breaks or becomes
excessively slack. The driving machine brake shall be 5.5.2 Factors of Safety. The suspension and support (05)
located on the traction sheave or drum assembly side means shall have a factor of safety of not less than 7

~4

Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~

No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
 SAfElY STANDARD FOR ASME A18.1-200S
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

based on the tension or forces exerted on the suspension cannot loosen or become displaced in ordinary service,
- means when raising the rated load. When the platform on the application of the platform safety, or on buffer
and counterweight are suspended by steel ropes and engagement.
the driving means between the machine and the counter- The platform enclosure shall be so constructed that
weight is an endless roller-type chain, the factor of safety removable portions cannot be dismantled from within
of such chain shall be not less than 8, based on the rated the platform. Enclosure linings, decorative panels, light
load. See section 8 for special requirements for particular fixtures, and other apparatus or equipment attached to
drive means. the enclosure shall be securely fastened and so sup-
ported that they will not loosen or become displaced in
5.5.3 Arc of Contact of Suspension Means on Sheaves
ordinary service, on platform safety application, or on
and Sprockets. The arc of contact of a wire rope on a
buffer engagement.
traction sheave shall be sufficient to produce adequate
Panels attached to the enclosure for decorative or
traction under all load conditions. The arc of contact of
other purposes shall not -be unfastened from inside the
a chain on a driving sprocket shall be not less than
platform by the use of common tools or shall be permit-
140 deg.
ted to be removed from inside the platform when perfo-
5.5.4 Spare Rope Turns on Winding Drums. All wire rations, exceeding that which would reject a ball 12 mm
ropes of winding drum machines shall have not less (0.5 in.) in diameter, in the enclosure used for panel
than one full tum of the rope on the drum when the hanging or support have permanent means to prevent
platform or counterweight has reached its limit of possi- straight through passage beyond the running clearance.
ble overtravel. 5.6.3 Strength and Deflection of Enclosure Walls. The
5.5.5 Securing Suspension Ropes to Winding Drums. enclosure walls shall be designed and installed to with-
The drum ends of wire ropes shall be secured on the stand a force of 330 N (75Ibf) applied horizontally at any
inside of the drum of winding drum machines by point on the walls of the enclosure without permanent
clamps, tapered babbitted sockets, or by other means deformation nor cause the deflection to exceed 25 mm
approved by the authority having jurisdiction. (1 in.).

5.5.6 Lengthening, Splicing, Repairing, or Replacing 5.6.4 Use of Cast Iron. Cast iron shall not be used in
Suspension Means. Suspension wire rope shall not be the construction of any load bearing member of the
lengthened or repaired by splicing. Broken or worn sus- platform frame or floor other than for guide shoes and
pension chains shall not be repaired. If one rope or chain guide shoe brackets.
of a set is worn or damaged and requires replacement, 5.6.5 Floor Size. The inside net floor area shall not
the entire set of ropes or chains shall be replaced. If a exceed 1.7 m 2 (18 f~).
chain or sprocket is replaced due to wear, all chains and
sprockets shall be replaced. 5.6.6 Illumination. The minimum illumination at the
landing edge of the floor with the landing door open
5.5.7 Fastening of Rope Suspension Means to Plat- shall be not less than 50 Ix (5 fc).
form. The platform ends of wire ropes shall be fastened
in a return loop by properly made individual tapered 5.7 Capacity, Speed, and Travel
babbitted sockets or properly attached fittings as recom- 5.7.1 Limitation of Load, Speed, and Travel. The rated (05)
mended by wire rope manufacturers. Clips of the U- load shall be not less than 200 kg (450 lb) nor more than
bolt type shall not be used. Tapered babbitted rope sock- 340 k§ (750 lb). Platforms with floor area greater than
ets and the method of babbitting shall conform to the 1.4 m (15 f~) shall have a rated load of not less than
requirements of para. 9.8. 340 kg (750 lb). The lift shall be capable of sustaining
5.5.S Guarding. All suspension means shall be and lowering a load as specified in Fig. 9.7.
guarded against accidental contact. Suspension means The rated speed shall not exceed 0.15 m/ s (30 ft/min).
that operate within a guide or track and travel at the The travel shall not exceed 4250 mm (168 in.).
same speed and in the same direction as the platform 5.7.2 Capacity Plates. A capacity plate stating the
shall be considered suitably guarded. rated load shall be provided by the manufacturer and
fastened in a conspicuous place. The letters and numer-
5.6 Platforms
als used shall be not less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in height.
5.6.1 Frame and Floor. The frame shall be of metal
5.7.3 Data Plates. A data plate shall be provided by
construction and have a factor of safety of not less than
the manufacturer and securely fastened to the machine.
5 based on the rated load. The floor shall be of metal
The plate shall state the rated speed, rated load, weight
or wood construction with a nonskid surface.
of platform, suspension and support means, date of
5.6.2 Securing of Enclosures. The enclosure shall be manufacture, and manufacturer's name. Letters and
securely fastened to the floor and so supported that it numerals shall be not less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in height.

35
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
 ASME A18.1-2005 SAFETY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

(05) 5.8 Safeties and Speed Governors 5.8.2.4 Rope used as a connection from the safety
to the governor rope, including rope wound on the
All platforms shall be provided with a safety, except
safety-rope drum, shall be not less than 3 mm(0.125 in.)
as permitted by para. 5.8.8. The safety shall be actuated
in diameter and shall be made of corrosion-resistant
by the action of a speed governor or by the breakage or
metal. The factor of safety of the rope shall be not less
slackening of the suspension or support means. Where
than 5. Tiller-rope construction shall not be used.
actuation is by a governor, the safety shall be set at a
maximum speed of 0.4 m/ s (75 ft/ min). Where actuation 5.8.2.5 The factors of safety shall be based upon
is by breakage or slackening of the suspension or support the maximum stresses developed in the parts during
means, the safety shall be set wi thout delay and indepen- the operation of the safety when stopping rated load
dent of the speed governor, if provided. When screw from governor tripping speed.
drive machines are used, safeties and speed governors
conforming to para. 5.8.1 shall be permitted. Safety parts 5.8.2.6 Safety-rope leading-sheave brackets and
shall conform to the requirements of para. 5.8.2. Gover- other safety operating parts shall not be attached to or
'nor ropes, where provided, shall conform to the require- supported by wood platform members.
ments of para. 5.8.3. Where hoisting ropes are used, the 5.8.3 Material and Factor of Safety. Governor ropes
application of safeties shall conform to the requirements shall be of iron, steel, monel metal, phosphor bronze,
of para. 5.8.4. The application and release of safeties or stainless steel. They shall be of a regular-lay construc-
shall conform to the requirements of paras. 5.8.5, 5.8.6, tion, and not less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in diameter. The
and 5.8.7. factor of safety of governor ropes shall not be less than
5.8.1 Screw Drive Alternate Safety. The platform 5. Tiller-rope construction shall not be used.
safety and governor shall be permitted to be omitted if 5.8.4 Type A (Instantaneous) Safeties. When
another safety device is provided to either limit the overspeed occurs, with the hoisting rope intact, such
down speed of the platform with rated load to not over safeties shall be actuated by the governor. On the parting
0.9 m/s (175 ft/min) in the event of failure of the driving of the hoisting ropes (free fall), Type A governor oper-
means or to limit the fall of the platform in the event ated safeties shall apply without appreciable delay, and
of failure of the driving nut to a distance not exceeding their application shall be independent of the speed
12 mm (0.5 in.), by utilizing a safety nut or other equiva- action of the governor and of the location of the break
lent means. in the hoisting ropes (inertia application), and shall be
The capability of the alternate safety devices to func- permitted to be accomplished by the use of a governor
tion as required shall be verified by engineering tests and governor rigging having a sufficiently high value
as described in para. 9.6. of inertia to apply the safety on free fall independently
of the speed action of the governor.
5.8.2 Minimum Factors of Safety and Stresses of
Safety Parts and Rope Connections 5.8.5 Means of Application. Safeties shall be applied
mechanically. Electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic devices
5.8.2.1 Parts of safeties, except springs, safety-
shall not be used to apply the safeties required by section
rope drums, leading sheaves, and their supporting 5, nor to hold such safeties in the retracted position.
brackets and safety-jaw gibs, shall have a factor of safety
of not less than 3Yz, based on the ultimate strength of 5.8.6 Level of Platform on Safety Application. The
the material, and the materials used shall have an elon- application of a Type A or Type B safety to stop the
gation of not less than 15% in a length of 50 mm (2 in.).' platform, with its rated load centered on each quarter
Forged, cast, or welded parts shall be stress relieved. of the platform floor symmetrically with relation to the
center line of the platform floor, shall not calise the
5.8.2.2 Springs shall be permitted to be used in the platform to be out of level more than 30 mm/m (0.375
operation of platform or counterweight safeties. Where in.lft) in any direction.
used, and where partially loaded prior to safety opera-
tion, the loading on the spring shall not produce a fiber 5.8.7 Release. When platform safeties are applied,
stress exceeding one-half the elastic limit of the material. no decrease in tension in the governor rope nor motion
During operation of the safety, the fiber stress shall not of the platform in the down direction shall release the
exceed 85% of the elastic limit of the material. Helical safeties, but such safeties shall be permitted to be
springs, where used, shall be in compression. released by the motion of the platform in the up
direction.
5.8.2.3 Safety-rope drums, leading sheaves, and
their supporting brackets and safety-jaw gibs, shall be 5.8.8 Platform Safety Exceptions. Platform safeties (05)
permitted to be made of cast iron and other metals are not required for lifts with the following driving
provided such parts have a factor of safety of not less means:
than 10. (a) direct-plunger hydraulic

36
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
SAFElY STANDARD FOR ASME A1B.1-2005
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY (HAIRLIFTS

(b) other drives that do not utilize a flexible suspen- either, but not prevent both, the normal and final stop-
sion means, provided that the failure of a single drive ping device circuits from stopping the platform.
component cannot result in the platform overspeeding
or the floor going out of level more than 30 mrn/m 5.9.6 Final terminal stopping devices are not
(0.37-5 in./ft) in any direction, and said failure would required for direct-plunger hydraulic driving machines.
cause the platform to stop by application of a safety Lower final terminal stopping devices are not required
switch or equivalent means where the limitations of the machine or runway limit
the travel of the platform (e.g., a platform at rest on the
s~9 Terminal Stopping Devices bottom terminal landing).
5.9.1 Normal terminal stopping devices required by
5.10 Operating Devices and Control Equipment
para. 5.9.2 shall be permitted to use mechanically oper-
ated, magnetically operated, optical, or static type 5.10.1 Operation. Operation of the chairlift from the
switches. upper or lower landing and from the chair shall be
Final terminal stopping devices required by para. 5.9.3 controlled by "up" and "DOWN" control switches at
shall use only mechanically operated switches for all stations, and shall be by means of the continuous-
determining platform position. Terminal stopping pressure type. Controls shall be 1 200 mrn (48 in.) maxi-
devices that are located on the platform or in the runway mum and 380 mrn (15 in.) minimum above the platform
shall be of the enclosed type and securely mounted in floor or facility floor or ground level. Operating devices
such a manner so that horizontal movement of the plat- shall be designed so that both the "UP" and "DOWN"
form shall not affect the operation of the device. circuits cannot be operated at the same time.
5.9.2 Normal stopping devices operated by the plat- 5.10.2 Attendant Operation. Attendant operation
form shall be provided, and shall be set to stop the shall be permitted to be provided. Where provided, it
platform floor within a tolerance of 12 mrn (0.5 in.) shall conform to the requirements of paras 5.10.2.1 and
of the landings under rated loading to zero loading 5.10.2.2.
conditions. The normal stopping devices shall be permit-
ted to also serve as the upper and lower normal terminal 5.10.2.1 The attendant shall operate the lift by
stopping devices. means of a continuous-pressure control located at the
lower landing. It shall be so located that the attendant
5.9.3 Upper and lower final terminal stopping
has full view of the floor area under the lift. A manually
devices operated by the platform shall be provided to
reset emergency stop switch shall also be provided at
remove power from the motor and the brake, if provided,
that location.
except as specified in para. 5.9.6. They shall be set to
stop the platform after it travels past the normal terminal 5.10.2.2 No controls, other than an emergency
stopping device and before striking an obstruction. A stop switch, shall be provided on the platform.
slack-rope device equipped with a slack-rope switch of
the enclosed manually reset type, which shall cause the 5.10.3 Control and Operating Circuit Requirements.
electric power to be removed from the driving machine The design and installation of the control and operating
motor and brake if any hoisting rope becomes slack circuits shall conform to the requirements of paras.
shall be permitted to be used as the lower final terminal 5.10.3.1 through 5.10.3.3.
stopping device.
5.10.3.1 Control systems that depend on the com-
5.9.4 Final terminal stopping devices shall be pletion or maintenance of an electric circuit shall not be
mechanically operated. The switch contacts shall be used for interruption of the power and application of
directly opened mechanically. Arrangements that the machine brake at terminal landings or for stopping
depend on a spring or gravity, or a combination thereof, the machine when the safety applies.
to open the contacts shall not be used.
5.10.3.2 If springs are used to actuate switches,
5.9.5 The final terminal stopping device shall not contactors, or relays to break the circuit to stop the lift
control the same controller switches as the normal termi- at the terminal landings, they shall be of the restrained
nal stopping devices unless two or more separate and compression type.
independent switches are provided, two of which shall
be closed to complete the driving-machine motor-and- 5.10.3.3 The failure of any single magnetically
brake circuit in either direction of travel. Where a two- operated switch, relay, or contactor to release in the
or three-phase alternating-current driving-machine intended manner, or the failure of any solid state device
motor is used, these switches shall be of the multipole to operate as intended, or the occurrence of a single
type. accidental ground or combination of accidental grounds
The control shall be so designed and installed that a shall not permit the lift to start if this failure renders
single ground or short circuit shall be permitted to allow ineffective any electrical protective device.

37
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
 ASME A18.1-2005 SAFElY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

5.10.4 Motor Reversal Protection. Where a non- 5.10.10 Manual Operations. Means shall be provided
. instantaneous reversible motor is used, a protective cir- to permit authorized personnel from a position outside
cuit or device shall be provided to prevent the motor the platform to raise or lower the platform manually in
from continuing in the same direction if the reversing the event of power failure, unless standby (emergency)
control is activated. power is provided.
5.10.5 Phase Reversal and Failure Protection. Lifts 5.11 Code Data Plate
having polyphase alternating current power supply
A code data plate shall be provided that indicates the
shall be provided with means to prevent the starting of
A1B.1 Standard to be used for inspections and tests. The
the lift motor if the phase rotation is in the wrong direc-
data plate shall be in plain view, securely attached on
tion, or if there is a failure of any phase. This protection
the main line disconnect or on the controller. The data
shall be considered to be provided if a reversal of phase
plate shall be of such material and construction that the
of the incoming polyphase alternating current power
letters and figures stamped, etched, cast, or otherwise
will not cause the driving machine motor to operate in
applied to the face shall remain permanently and readily
the wrong direction.
legible. The height of the letters and figures shall be not
5.10.6 Emergency Stop Switch. An emergency stop less than 3 mm (0.125 in.).
switch shall be provided in the platform, and located
in or adjacent to each platform operating panel. When 6 PRIVATE RESIDENCE INCLINED PLATFORM
opened, this switch shall cause the electric power to be L1FTS 6
removed from the driving-machine motor and brake.
Emergency stop switches shall be of the manually Section 6 applies to inclined platform lifts where
opened and closed type and have red operating handles installed in or at a private residence for use by the mobil-
. or buttons. They shall be conspicuously and perma- ity impaired .
nently marked "STOP" and shall indicate the "STOP"
and "RUN" positions. Switches shall be positively 6.1 Runways
opened mechanically and their opening shall not be 6.1.1 Free Passage Width. A free passage width of
solely dependent on springs. not less than 500 mm (20 in.) shall be provided. If the
platform can be folded when not in use, the distance
5.10.7 Slack-Rope and Slack-Chain Devices for Wind-
will be measured from the folded position.
ing Drum and Roller-Chain-Type Driving Machines. Wind-
ing drum driving machines with rope suspension shall 6.1.2 Clearances. Clearances between the platform
be provided with a slack-rope device of the manually and adjacent surfaces shall not be less than 20 mm
reset type that will remove power from the motor and (0.75 in.). At no point in its travel shall the edge of the
brake if the platform is obstructed in its descent and the platform facing the upper landing be more than 600 mm
suspension ropes slacken. Lifts with roller chain suspen- (24 in.) above a step or landing as measured vertically.
sion means shall be provided with a slack-chain device
6.1.3 Pits and Ramps. A pit, floor-mounted ramp, or
that will remove power from the motor and brake if the
retractable platform-mounted ramp shall be provided.
platform is obstructed in its descent and the suspension
Floor-mounted ramps shall comply to the requirements
means slacken. This device is not required to be of the
of para. 3.1.4.1. Retractable ramps shall conform to the
manually reset type if the chain sprockets are guarded
requirements of para. 6.6.6. Where a pit is provided, it
to prevent the chain from becoming disengaged from
shall be protected as required by the authority having
the sprockets.
jurisdiction.
5.10.8 Release and Application of Driving-Machine
6.1.4 Pipes in Runway Vicinity. Pipes conveying
Brake. Driving-machine brakes shall not be electroni-
steam, gas, or liquid that, if discharged into runway,
cally released until power has been applied to the driv-
would endanger life or health shall not be permitted.
ing-machine motor. All power feed lines to the brake
shall be opened, and the brake shall apply automatically 6.1.5 Structural Support. The structure on which the
when any operating device in para. 5.10.1 or 5.10.2 is in equipment is installed shall be capable of safely support-
the "STOP" position and when any electrical protective ing the loads imposed.
device functions. 6.1.6 Electrical Equipment and Wiring
5.10.9 Electrical Equipment and Wiring 6.1.6.1 The installation of electrical equipment
5.10.9.1 All electrical equipment and wiring shall and wiring shall conform to the requirements of ANSI/
conform to the requirements of ANSI/NFPA 70. NFPA 70.

5.10.9.2 Electrical equipment shall be certified to 6 See section 3 for the requirements for this equipment installed
the requirements of CAN/CSA B44.1/ ASME A17.5. in locations other than in or at a private residence.

Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~

No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
SAFElY STANDARD FOR ASME A18.l-200S
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

6.1.6.2 Electrical equipment shall be certified to 6.2.4 Factor of Safety. The factor of safety used in
the requirements of CAN/CSA B44.1/ ASME A17.5. the design of guide rails shall be not less than 5, based
on rated load.
6.2 Guide Rails and Tracks
6.2.1 Material. Platform guide rails shall be of metal 6.2.5 Anchoring. The supporting tracks or guide rails
construction. Steel construction shall conform to the shall be securely anchored to the stairs, floor surface, or
requirements of para. 6.2.1.1. Metals other than steel side walls.
shall conform to the requirements of para. 6.2.1.2. Guide-
rail surfaces shall conform to the requirements of para. 6.3 Driving Means and Sheaves
6.2.1.3. The driving means shall be one of the following:
6.2.1.1 Requirements for Steel, Where Used. Rails, (a) winding drum
brackets, fishplates, and rail clips shall be made of open- (b) traction
hearth steel or its equivalent having a tensile strength (c) roped sprocket
of not less than 380 MPa (55,000 psi) and having an (d) chain sprocket
elongation of not less than 22% in a length of 50 mm
(e) screw
(2 in.). Bolts shall conform to ASTM A 307. Rivets shall
conform to ASTM A 502. (/) rack and pinion
(g) direct-plunger hydraulic
6.2.1.2 Requirements for Metals Other Than Steel.
(h) roped-hydraulic
Metals other than steel shall be permitted to be used
(i) lever hydraulic
provided the factor of safety is not less than, and the
deflections are not more than, the values specified in (j) friction
section 6, and provided that cast iron is not used. 6.3.1 General Requirements
6.2.1.3 Guide-Rail Surfaces. Guide-rail surfaces
used for guiding a platform or counterweight shall be 6.3.1.1 The factors of safety, based on the static
sufficiently smooth and true to operate properly with· load (the rated load plus the weight of the platform,
the guiding members. Those surfaces that the platform ropes, counterweights, etc.) to be used in the design of
or counterweight safeties engage shall be smooth and driving machines and sheaves shall not be less than 8
true wi thin the tolerances required to ensure proper for steel, bronze, or other metals having an elongation
safety application without excessive retardation or of at least 14% in a length of 50 mm (2 in.) or 10 for cast
excessive out-of-Ievel platform conditions resulting. iron or other metals having an elongation of less than
14% in a length of 50 mm (2 in.). See section 8 for special
6.2.2 Location. The top and bottom ends of each run
requirements for particular drive systems.
of guide rails shall be so located in relation to the extreme
positions of travel of the platform that the platform guid- 6.3.1.2 Set-screws or threaded portions located in
ing members cannot travel beyond the ends of the the shear plane of bolts and screws shall not be used to
guide rails. transmit load.
6.2.3 Stresses and Deflections. The stresses and Means shall be provided to ensure that there is no
deflections in the guide rails and their brackets shall relative motion between rigidly joined components
conform to the requirements of paras. 6.2.3.1 and 6.2.3.2. transmitting load.
6.2.3.1 Guide Rails. For steels conforming to the Where flexible couplings are used to transmit load,
requirements of para. 6.2.1, the stresses in a guide rail means shall be provided to prevent disengagement of
or in the rail and its reinforcement, due to the horizontal the coupling components in the event of failure or exces-
forces imposed on the rail during loading, unloading, sive motion in the flexible connection.
or running, calculated without impact, shall not exceed A fillet shall be provided at any point of change in the
100 MPa (15,000 psi) and the deflection shall not exceed diameter of drivIng-machine shafts and sheave shafts to
6 mm (0.25 in.). prevent excessive stress concentrations in the shafts.
Where steels of greater strength than those specified Shafts that support drums, sheaves, gears, couplings,
in para. 6.2.1.1 are used, the stresses specified shall be and other members, and that transmit torque, shall be
permitted to be increased proportionately based on the provided with tight-fitting keys.
ratio of the ultimate strengths.
6.3.1.3 Friction gearing, clutch mechanisms, or
6.2.3.2 Brackets, Fastening, and Supports. The couplings shall not be used to connect a driving machine
guide-rail brackets, their fastenings and supports, such drum or sheave to the main driving mechanism.
as building beams and walls, shall be capable of resisting
the horizontal forces imposed with a total deflection at 6.3.1.4 Gearing having cast iron teeth shall not be
the point of support not in excess of 3 mm (0.125 in.). used on the driving machine.

Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME.
ASME A18.1-2005 SAFETY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY (HAIRLIFTS

6.3.1.5 Driving-machine chains and sprockets creates the greatest load, including either the platform
shall be of steel and shall conform in design and dimen- or counterweight resting on its buffer.
sions to the requirements of ANSI! ASME B29.1. Chain drives and belt drives shall be guarded to pro-
tect against accidental contact and to prevent foreign
6.3.1.6 Winding drums, traction sheaves, over- objects from interfering with drives.
head sheaves, and deflecting sheaves shall be of cast
iron or steel, of a pitch diameter of not less than 30 times 6.3.6.2 Monitoring and Brake Location. Each belt or
the diameter of the suspension ropes. Where 8 x 19 chain in a set shall be continuously monitored by a
steel rope or 7 x 19 steel aircraft cable is used, the pitch broken belt or chain device that shall function to auto-
diameter of drums and sheaves shall be permitted to be matically interrupt power to the machine and apply the
reduced to 21 times the diameter of the rope or cable. brake if any belt or chain in the set breaks or becomes
The rope grooves shall be machined. excessively slack. The driving machine brake shall be
located on the traction sheave or drum assembly side
6.3.2 Hydraulic Driving Machines. Direct-plunger of the driving machine so as to be fully effective if the
hydraulic driving machines, where used, shall conform entire belt set or chain set should break.
to the requirements of para. 8.1 except para. 8.1.2.
Roped-hydraulic machines shall conform to the 6.4 Driving-Machine Brakes
requirements of para. 8.1, except for paras. 8.1.1, 8.1.3, 6.4.1 Driving machines, except hydraulic, shall be
8.1.4.3, and 8.1.4.7. equipped with electrically released spring applied
6.3.3 Screw Machines. Screw machines, where used, brakes directly attached to the driving means through
shall conform to para. 8.2. a continuous shaft, mechanical coupling, or toothed
gearing. A single. ground or short circuit, a counter-
6.3.4 Friction Machines. Friction machines, where voltage or a motor-field discharge shall not prevent the
used, shall conform to para. 8.3. brake magnet from allowing the brake to set when the
operating device is placed in the stop position.
6.3.5 Location of Power Unit and Alignment and
Guarding of Sheaves and Sprockets. The power unit shall 6.4.2 A machine brake is not required if a self-locking
be permitted to be mounted on the platform or placed drive utilizing a lead screw, worm, or other positive
at a remote location. If remotely located, all intervening gearing that will stop and hold the platform with the
sheaves and sprockets shall be so placed that the rope rated load within 100 mm (4 in.) of down travel after
or chain travels in the proper alignment. All sheaves the power is removed is provided.
and sprockets shall be enclosed or guarded.
6.5 Suspension and Support Means
6.3.6 Indirect-Drive Machines. Indirect-drive ma-
6.5.1 General Requirements
chines, utilizing V-belt drives, tooth drive belts, or drive
chains, shall conform to the requirements of paras. 6.5.1.1 Suspension and support means shall be
6.3.6.1, 6.3.6.2, and 6.3.6.3, except that the requirements one of the following:
of para. 6.3.6.2 shall be permitted to be omitted if a self- (a) steel or iron wire rope
locking drive meeting the requirements of para. 6.4.2 is (b) steel aircraft cable
provided. If multiple belts or chains are provided, they (c) roller chain
shall be preloaded and matched for length in sets. (d) direct-plunger hydraulic
(e) roped-hydraulic
6.3.6.1 General Requirements. Belt set shall be
selected on the basis of the manufacturer's rated break-
if) rack and pinion
(g) screw
ing strength and a factor of safety of 10. Chain and
(h) friction machine guides and rollers
sprocket sets shall be selected on the basis of recommen-
dations set forth in the Supplementary Information sec- 6.5.1.2 Steel tapes or welded link chains shall not
tion of ANSI/ ASME B29.1, using a service factor of 2. be used as suspension means.
Offset links in chain are not permitted.
6.5.1.3 Where wire ropes are used, the diameter
Sprockets in a chain drive set and also a driven set
shall not be less than 6 mm (0.25 in.).
shall be assembled onto a common hub, with teeth cut
in-line after assembly to assure equal load distribution 6.5.2 Factors of Safety. The suspension and support
on all chains. Tooth sheaves for a belt drive shall be means shall have a factor of safety of not less than 7
constructed in a manner to assure equal load distribu- based on the tension in the rope, cable, chain, or forces
tion on each belt in the set. Load determination for both exerted on the hydraulic cylinder, screw drive, or rack
the belt and chain sets shall be based on the maximum and pinion when raising the rated load. When the plat-
static loading on the platform, which is the full load in form and counterweight are suspended by steel ropes
the platform at rest and at a position in the runway that and the driving means between the machine and the

40
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
SAFElY STANDARD FOR ASME A18.1-200S
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

counterweight is an endless roller-type chain, the factor The enclosure shall be so constructed that removable
of safety of such chain shall be not less than 8, based portions cannot be dismantled from within the platform.
on the rated load. See section 8 for special requirements Enclosure linings, decorative panels, light fixtures,
of particular drive systems. and other apparatus or equipment attached within the
enclosure shall be securely fastened and so supported
6.5.3 Arc of Contact of Suspension Means on Sheaves
that they will not loosen or become displaced in ordinary
and Sprockets. The arc of contact of a wire rope on a
service, on platform safety application, or on buffer
traction sheave shall be sufficient to produce adequate
engagement.
traction under all load conditions. The arc of contact of Panels attached to the enclosure for decorative or
a chain on a driving sprocket shall be not less than other purposes shall not be unfastened from inside the
140 deg. platform by the use of cornmon tools or shall be permit-
6.5.4 Spare Rope Turn$ on Winding Drums. All wire ted to be removed from inside the platform when perfo-
ropes of winding drum machines shall have not less rations, exceeding that which would reject aball12 rnrn
than one full tum of the rope on the drum when the (0.5 in.) in diameter, in the enclosure used for panel
platform or counterweight has reached its limit of possi- hanging or support have permanent means to prevent
ble overtravel. straight through passage beyond the running clearance.

6.5.5 Securing Suspension Ropes to Winding Drums. 6.6.1.2 Strength and Deflection of Enclosure Walls.
The drum ends of wire ropes shall be secured by clamps The enclosure walls shall be designed and installed to
on the inside of the drum of winding drum machines, withstand a force of 330 N (75 lbf) applied horizontally
tapered babbitted sockets, or by other means approved at any point on the walls of the enclosure without perma-
by the authority having jurisdiction. nent deformation nor cause the deflection to exceed
25 mm (1 in.).
6.5.6 Lengthening, Splicing, Repairing, or Replacing
Suspension Means. Suspension wire ropes shall not be 6.6.2 Floor Area. The inside net' floor area shall not
lengthened or repaired by splicing. Broken or worn sus- exceed 1.1 m 2 (12 fr).
pension chains shall not be repaired. If one rope or chain 6.6.3 Material. Metals having an elongation of less
of a set is worn or damaged and requires replacement, than 20% in a length of 50 rnrn (2 in.) shall not be used
the entire set of ropes or chains shall be replaced. If a in the construction of any member of the frame or floor.
chain or sprocket is replaced due to wear, all chains and
sprockets shall be replaced. 6.6.4 Glass on Platforms. Glass shall be permitted to
be used on platforms subject to the requirements of
6.5.7 Fastening of Rope Suspension Means to Plat- paras. 6.6.4.1 through 6.6.4.4.
form. The platform ends of wire ropes shall be fastened
in a return loop by properly made individual tapered 6.6.4.1 It shall be installed and guarded so as to
babbitted sockets or properly attached fittings as recom- provide adequate protection for passengers in case the
mended by wire rope manufacturers. Clips of'the U- glass panels break or are dislodged.
bolt type shall not be used. Tapered babbitted rope sock- 6.6.4.2 It shall be so mounted in the structure so
etsand the method of babbitting shall conform to the that the structure, including the glass in place, shall
requirements of para. 9.8. withstand the required lift tests without damage.
6.5.8 Guarding. All moving suspension means shall 6.6.4.3 Glass greater than 0.1 m 2 (1 fr) in area and
be guarded against accidental contact. Suspension abutting panels whose total area is greater than 0.1 m 2
means that operate within a guide or track and travel (1 fr) shall be laminated glass as defined by ANSI Z97.1
at the same speed and in the same direction as the or 16 CFR, Part 1201, Section 1201.2 or shall be glass
platform shall be considered suitably guarded. bonded to a nonpolymeric coating, sheeting, of film
backing having a physical integrity to hold the fragments
6.6 Platforms when the glass breaks and be tested and conform to the
6.6.1 Frame and Floor. The frame shall be of metal
acceptance criteria for laminated glass as specified in
ANSI Z97.1 or 16 CFR, Part 1201, Section 1201.4. The
construction and have a factor of safety of not less than
glass shall be marked as required by ANSI Z97.1 or 16
5 based on the rated load. The floor shall be of metal
CFR, Part 1201, Section 1201.5.
or wood construction with a nonskid surfacee' .
6.6.4.4 Markings as specified in ANSI Z97.1 shall
6.6.1.1 Securing of Enclosures. The enclosure shall
be on each separate piece of glass, and shall remain
be securely fastened to the platform and so supported
visible after installation.
that it cannot loosen or become displaced in ordinary
service, on the application of the platform safety, or on 6.6.5 Platform Truck and Guides. The platform shall
buffer engagement. be securely anchored to a truck that supports it. The

41
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
ASME A1B.1-200S SAFETY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

truck shall be retained in a track or on a guide-rail device. Letters and numbers shall be not less than 6 mm
assembly. (0.25 in.) in height.
6.6.6 Platform Guarding. A retractable metal guard 6.7.3 Data Plates. A data plate shall be provided by
at least 150 mm (6 in:) high shall be provided on the the manufacturer and securely fastened in a conspicuous
lower access end 6f the platform to prevent the wheel- place. The plate shall state the rated speed, rated load,
chair from rolling off that end of the platform. It shall weight of platform, suspension or support means, date
be automatically actuated or manually activated and of manufacture, and manufacturer's name. Letters and
shall remain in its elevated position until the platform numerals shall be not less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in height.
returns to the landing. It shall be operated by a positive
cam action or it shall be provided with an electric contact 6.8 Safeties and Governors (05)
that will stop the movement of the platform within
All platforms shall be provided with a safety, except
150 mm (6 in.) of travel away from the lower landing if
for platforms of direct-plunger hydraulic lifts.
the guard has failed to rise to its guarding position.
The safety shall be actuated by the action of a speed
A retractable platform mounted ramp shall be permit-
governor or by the breakage or slackening of the suspen-
ted to be used in lieu of the retractable platform guard.
sion or support means. Where actuation is by a governor,
Guards of at least 150 mm (6 in.) in height shall be
the safety shall be set at a maximum speed of 0.4 m/s
provided on the sides of the platform not used for access.
(75 ft/min). Where actuation is by breakage or slacking
Guards and ramps, in their guarding position, shall
of the suspension or support means, the safety shall be
withstand, without permanent deformation, a force of
set without delay, and independent of the speed gover-
550 N (125Ibf) applied on any 100 mm (4 in.) by 100 mm
nor, if provided.
(4 in.) area. This force shall not cause the height of the
Safety parts shall conform to the requirements of para.
ramp, at any point in its length, to be less than 150 mm
6.8.1. Governor ropes, where provided, shall conform to
(6 in.) measured vertically from the surface of the plat-
the requirements of para. 6.8.2.
form floor.
The application and release of safeties shall conform
Means shall be provided to prevent the wheelchair
to the requirements of paras. 6.8.3, 6.8.4, and 6.8.5.
from rolling off the platform floor at the upper access
end. Retractable ramps are permitted to serve this func- 6.8.1 Minimum Factors of Safety and Stresses of
tion, and when in use, the incline of the ramp shall not Safety Parts and Rope Connections
be greater than
(a) 1 in 4 for heights up to 50 mm (2 in.)
6.8.1.1 Parts of safeties, except springs, safety-
rope drums,. leading sheaves, and their supporting
(b) 1 in 6 for heights up to 60 mm (2.5 in.)
brackets and safety-jaw gibs, shall have a factor of safety
(c) 1 in 8 for heights up to 75 mm (3 in.)
of not less than 31..-1, based on the ultimate strength of
(d) 1 in 10 for heights up to 100 mm (4 in.)
the material, and the materials used shall have an elon-
(e) 1 in 12 for heights greater than 100 mm (4 in.)
gation of not less than 15% in a length of 50 mm (2 in.).
6.6.7 Seats. A lift shall be permitted to be provided Forged, cast, or welded parts shall be stress relieved.
with a folding seat and seat belt to accommodate a
person not in a wheelchair. 6.8.1.2 Springs shall be permitted to be used in the
operation of platform or counterweight safeties. Where
6.6.8 Obstruction Devices. The entire underside and used, and where partially loaded prior to safety opera-
the edges of the platform floor facing the upper and tion, the loading on the spring shall not produce a fiber
lower landings shall be equipped with a device that will stress exceeding one-half the elastic limit of the material.
stop the platform traveling within a distance of 50 mm During operation of the safety, the fiber stress shall not
(2 in.) or less if it is obstructed in its travel in either exceed 85% of the elastic limit of the material. Helical
direction by a force of 20 N (4 Ibf) or more. springs, where used, shall be in compression.
6.7 Capacity, Load, and Speed 6.8.1.3 Safety-rope drums, leading sheaves, and
6.7.1 Limitations of Capacity, Load, and Speed. The their supporting brackets and safety-jaw gibs, shall be
capacity shall be one person. The rated load shall be not permitted to be made of cast iron and other metals
less than 200 kg (450 lb) and not greater than 320 kg provided such parts have a factor of safety of not less
(700 lb). The lift shall be capable of sustaining and low- than 10.
ering a load as specified in Fig. 9.7. The rated speed 6.8.1.4 Rope used as a connection from the safety
measured along the incline shall not exceed 0.15 m/s to the governor rope, including rope wound on the
(30 ft/ min). safety-rope drum, shall be not less than 3 mm (0.125 in.)
6.7.2 Capacity Plate. A capacity plate stating the in diameter and shall be made of a 'corrosion-resistant
capacity and rated load shall be furnished by the manu- metal. The factor of safety of the rope shall not be less
facturer and fastened in a conspicuous place on the than 5. Tiller-rope construction shall not be used.

42
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
 SAFElY STANDARD FOR ASME A18.1-200S
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRlIFTS

6.8.1.5 The factors of safety shall be based upon enclosed manually reset type that shall cause the electric
the maximum stresses developed in the parts during power to be removed from the driving machine motor
the operation of the safety when stopping rated load and brake if any hoisting rope becomes slack shall be
from governor tripping speed. permitted to be used as the lower final terminal stopping
device.
6.8.1.6 Safety-rope leading-sheave brackets and
other safety operating parts shall not be attached to or 6.9.4 Final terminal stopping devices shall be
supported by wood members. mechanically operated. The switch contacts shall be
6.8.2 Material and Factor of Safety. Governor ropes directly opened mechanically. Arrangements that
shall be of iron, steel, monel metal, phosphor bronze, depend on a spring, or gravity, or a combination thereof,
or stainless steel. They shall be of a regular-lay construc- to open the contacts shall not be used.
tion, and not less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in diameter. The 6.9.5 The final terminal stopping device shall not
factor of safety of governor ropes shall be not less than control the same controller switches as the normal termi-
5. Tiller-rope construction shall not be used. nal stopping devices unless two or more separate and
6.8.3 Means of Application. Safeties shall be applied independent switches are provided, two of which shall
mechanically. Electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic devices be closed to complete the· driving-machine motor-and-
shall not be used to apply the safeties required by section brake circuit in either direction of travel. Where a two-
6, nor to hold such safeties in the retracted position. or three-phase alternating-current driving-machine
motor is used, these switches shall be of the multipole
6.8.4 Level of Platform on Safety Application. The type. The control shall be so designed and installed that
application of a Type A or Type B safety to stop the a single ground or short circuit shall be permitted to
platform with its rated load centered on each quarter allow either, but not prevent both, the normal and final
of the platform floor symmetrically with relation to the stopping device circuits from stopping the platform.
center line of the platform floor shall not cause the plat-
form floor to be out of level more than 30 mm/m (0.375 6.9.6 Final terminal stopping devices are not
in./ft) in any direction. required for direct-plunger hydraulic driving machines.
Lower final terminal stopping devices are not required
6.8.5 Release. When platform safeties are applied,
where the limitations of the machine or runway limit
no decrease in tension in the governor rope nor motion
the travel of the platform (e.g., a platform at rest on the
of the platform in the down direction shall release the
bottom terminal landing).
safeties, but such safeties shall be permitted to be
. released by the motion of the platform in the up 6.10 Operating Devices and Control Equipment
direction.
6.10.1 Operation. Operation of the chairlift from the
6.9 Terminal Stopping Devices upper or lower landing and from the chair shall be
6.9.1 Normal terminal stopping devices required by controlled by "UP" and "DOWN" control switches at
para. 6.9.2 shall be permitted to use mechanically oper- all stations, and shall be by means of the continuous-
ated, magnetically operated, optical, or static type pressure type. Controls shall be 1 200 mm (48 in.) maxi-
switches. Final terminal stopping devices required by mum and 380 mm (15 in.) minimum above the platform
para. 6.9.3 shall use only mechanically operated switches floor or facility floor or ground level. Operating devices
for determining platform position. Terminal stopping shall be designed so that both the "UP" and "DOWN"
devices that are located on the platform or in the runway circuits cannot be operated at the same time.
shall be of the enclosed type and securely mounted in 6.10.2 Attendant Operation. Attendant operation
such a manner so that horizontal movement of the plat- shall be permitted to be provided. Where provided, it
form shall not affect the operation of the device. shall conform to the requirements of paras. 6.10.2.1
6.9.2 Upper and lower normal terminal stopping through 6.10.2.3.
devices operated by the platform shall be provided, and 6.10.2.1 The attendant shall operate the lift by
shall be set to stop the platform within a tolerance of means of a continuous-pressure switch located on a con-
12 mm (0.5 in.) of the upper and lower terminal landings trol box on the free end of a detachable, flexible cord
under rated loading to zero loading conditions. not more than 1500 mm (60 in.) in length. A manually
6.9.3 Upper and lower final terminal stopping reset emergency stop switch shall also be provided in
devices operated by the platform to remove power from the control box.
the motor and the brake shall be provided, except as
6.10.2.2 No controls, other than an emergency
specified in para. 6.9.6. They shall be set to stop the
stop switch, shall be provided on the lift.
platform after it travels past the normal terminal stop-
ping device and before striking an obstruction. A slack- 6.10.2.3 Where the equipment operates on a
rope device equipped with a slack-rope switch of the straight flight of stairs, and where the platform is within

41
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
ASME A18.1-200S SAFElY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

sight during its entire travel, provisions shall be permit- the platform is obstructed in its descent and the suspen-
ted to be made for the attendant to operate the lift from sion means slacken. This device is not required to be of
the top or bottom of the stairs. _the manually reset type if the chain sprockets are
guarded to prevent the chain from becoming disengaged
6.10.3 Control and Operating Circuit Requirements.
from the sprockets.
The design and installation of the control and operating
circuits shall conform to the requirements of paras. 6.10.8 Emergency Stop Switch. An emergency stop
6.10.3.1 through 6.10.3.3. switch shall be provided in the platform and located
within reach of the passenger whether sitting in a wheel-
6.10.3.1 Control systems that depend on the com- chair or sitting on the folding seat and located 1 200 mm
pletion or maintenance of an electric circuit shall not be (48 in.) maximum and 380 mm (15 in.) minimum above
used for interruption of the· power and application of the platform floor.
the machine brake at terminal landings or for stopping When opened, this switch shall cause the electric
the machine when the safety applies. power to be removed from the lift driving-machine
6.10.3.2 If springs are used to actuate switches, motor and brake. Emergency stop switches shall be of
contactors, or relays to break the circuit to stop the lift the manually opened and closed type and have red
at the terminal landing, they shall be of the restrained operating handles or buttons. They shall be conspicu-
compression type. ously and permanently marked "STOP" and shall indi-
cate the "STOP" and "RUN" positions. Switches shall
6.10.3.3 The failure of any single magnetically be positively opened mechanically and their opening
operated switch, relay, or contactor to release in the shall not be solely dependent on springs.
intended manner, or the failure of any solid sfate device
to operate as intended, or the occurrence of a single 6.10.9 Release and Application of Driving-Machine
accidental ground, or combination of accidental grounds Brake. Driving-machine brakes shall not be electrically
shall not permit the lift to start if this failure renders released until power has been applied to the driving-
ineffective any electrical protective device. machine motor. All power feed lines to the brake shall
be opened, and the brake shall apply automatically
6.10.4 Motor Reversal Protection. Where a non- when any operating device in para. 6.10.1 or 6.10.2 is
instantaneous reversible motor is used, a protective cir- in the stop position and when any electrical protective
cuit or device shall be provided to prevent the motor device functions.
from continuing in the same direction if the reversing
control is activated. 6.10.10 Manual Operations. Means shall be provided
to permit authorized personnel from a position outside
6.10.5 Phase Reversal and Failure Protection. Lifts the platform to raise or lower the platform manually in
having polyphase alternating current power supply the event of power failure, unless standby (emergency)
shall be provided with means to prevent the starting of power is provided.
the lift motor if the phase rotation is in the wrong direc-
tion, or if there is a failure of any phase. 6.11 Code Data Plate
This protection shall be considered to be provided if a
reversal of phase of the incoming polyphase alternating A code data plate shall be provided that indicates the
current power will not cause the driving machine motor A18.1 Standard to be used for inspections and tests. The
to operate in the wrong direction. data plate shall be in plain view, securely attached on
the main line disconnect or on the controller. The data
6.10.6 Electrical Equipment and Wiring plate shall be of such material and construction that the
letters and figures stamped, etched, cast, or otherwise
6.10.6.1 All electrical equipment and wiring shall
applied to the face shall remain permanently and readily
conform to the requirements of ANSI/NFPA 70.
legible. The height of the letters and figures shall be not
6.10.6.2 Electrical equipment shall be certified to less than 3 mm (0.125 in.).
the requirements of CAN/CSA B44.1/ ASME A17.5.
6.10.7 Slack-Rope and Slack-Chain Devices for Wind- 7 PRIVATE RESIDENCE INCLINED STAIRWAY
ing Drum and Roller-Chain-Type Driving Machines. Wind- CHAIRLlFTS 7
ing drum driving machines with rope suspension shall
be provided with a slack-rope device of the manually Section 7 applies to inclined stairway chairlifts where
reset type that will remove power from the motor and installed in or at a private residence for use by the mobil-
brake if the platform is obstructed in its descent and the ity impaired.
suspension ropes slacken. Lifts with roller chain suspen-
sion means shall be provided with a slack-chain device, 7 See section 4 for the requirements for this equipment installed
which will remove power from the motor and brake if in locations other than in or at a private residence.

44
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
SAFElY STANDARD FOR ASME A18.1-2005
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

7.1 Runways groove, and in the event of nonmetallic lining failure,

between the rope and the remaining sheave groove, to
7.1.1 A free passage width of not less than 500 mm
safely stop and hold the chair with 125% of the rated
(20 in.) shall be provided. If the seat and platform can
load.
be folded when not in use, the distance shall be mea-
sured from the folded position. 7.3.2 Hydraulic Driving Machines. Direct-plunger
7.1.2 The structure on which the equipment is hydraulic driving machines, where used, shall conform
installed shall be capable of safety supporting the loads to the requirements of para. 8.1, except para. 8.1.2.
imposed. Roped-hydraulic machines shall conform to the
requirements of para. 8.1 except for paras. 8.1.1, 8.1.3,
7.1.3 The installation of electrical equipment and 8.1.4.3, and 8.1.4.7.
wiring shall- conform to the requirements of ANSIl
NFPA 70. 7.3.3 Screw Machines. Screw machines, where used,
shall conform to para. 8.2.
7.1.4 Electrical equipment shall be certified to the
requirements of CAN/CSA B44.1/ ASME A17.5. 7.3.4 Friction Machines. Friction machines, where
used, shall conform to para. 8.3.
7.2 Guide Rails and Tracks
7.3.5 Location of Power Unit and Alignment and
The supporting tracks or guide rails shall be securely Guarding of Sheaves and Sprockets. The power unit shall
anchored to the stairs, floor surface, or side walL be permitted to be mounted on the carriage or placed
The factor of safety used in the design of the guide at a remote location. If remotely located, all sheaves and
rails and tracks shall be not less than 5 based on the sprockets shall be so placed that the rope or chain travels
rated load. in the proper alignment. All sheaves and sprockets shall
7.3 Driving Means and Sheaves be enclosed or guarded.
The driving means shall be one of the following: 7.3.6 Indirect-Drive Machines. Indirect-drive
(a) winding drum machines, utilizing V-belt drives, tooth drive belts, or
(b) traction drive chains, shall conform to the requirements of paras.
(c) roped sprocket 7.3.6.1, 7.3.6.2, and 7.3.6.3, except that the requirements
(d) chain sprocket of para. 7.3.6.2 shall be permitted to be omitted if a self-
(e) screw locking drive meeting the requirements of para. 7.4.2 is
if) rack and pinion provided. If multiple belts or chains are provided, they
(g) direct-plunger hydraulic shall be preloaded and matched for length in sets.
(h) roped-hydraulic 7.3.6.1 General Requirements. Belt sets shall be
(i) lever hydraulic selected on the basis of the manufacturer's rated break-
(j) friction ing strength and a factor of safety of 10. Chain and
7.3.1 General Requirements sprocket sets shall be selected on the basis of recommen-
dations set forth in the Supplementary Information sec-
7.3.1.1 The factor of safety used in the design of tion of ANSI! ASME B29.1, using a service factor of 2.
the sprockets and sheaves shall be not less than 5 based Offset links in chain are not permitted. Sprockets in a
on the rated load. See section 8 for special requirements chain drive set shall be assembled onto a common hub,
of particular drive systems. with teeth cut in-line after assembly to assure equal load
7.3.1.2 Driving-machine chains and sprockets distribution on all chains. Tooth sheaves for a belt drive
shall be of steel and shall conform in design and dimen- shall be constructed in a manner to assure equal load
sions to the requirements of ANSI! ASME B29.1. distribution on each belt in the set. Load determination
for both the belt and chain sets shall be based on the
7.3.1.3 Winding drums, traction sheaves, over-
maximum static loading on the carriage, which is the
head sheaves, and deflecting sheaves used with suspen-
full load on the chair at rest and at a position in the
sion and compensating ropes shall be of metal and be
runway that creates the greatest load, including either
provided with finished grooves for ropes or shall be
the carriage or counterweight resting on its buffer.
permitted to be lined with nonmetallic groove material,
Chain drives and belt drives shall be guarded to pro-
and shall have a pitch diameter of not less than 30 times
tect against accidental contact and to prevent foreign
the diameter of the suspension ropes. Where 8 x 19
objects from interfering with drives.
steel rope or 7 x 19 steel aircraft cable is used, the pitch
diameter of the drums and sheaves shall be permitted to 7.3.6.2 Monitoring and Brake Location. Each belt or
be reduced to 21 times the diameter of the rope or cable. chain in a set shall be continuously monitored by a
Where the grooves are used to transmit power, suffi- broken belt or chain device that shall function to auto-
cient traction shall be provided between the rope and matically interrupt power to the machine and apply the

4S
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
ASME A18.1-2005 SAFElY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

brake if any belt or chain in the set breaks or becomes means and a worn chain or sprocket is replaced, all
excessively slack. The driving machine brake shall be chains and sprockets must be replaced.
located on the traction sheaves or drum assembly side
of the driving machines so as to be fully effective if the 7.6 Chairs and Seats
entire belt set or chain set should break. Each chair shall be provided with a foot platform, seat,
and seat belt. At least one hand grip shall be provided.
7.3.6.3 Replacement of Belts or Chains. If one belt
or chain of a set is worn, stretched, or damaged so as 7.6.1 Chair Truck and Guides. The chair shall be
to require replacement, the entire set shall be replaced. securely anchored to a truck that supports it. The truck
Sprockets and toothed sheaves shall also be replaced if shall be restrained in a track or on a guide-rail assembly.
worn.
7.6.2 Factors of Safety. The factor of safety used in
7.4 Driving-Machine Brakes the design of the carriage and truck shall be not less
than 5 based on the rated load.
7.4.1 A driving-machine brake directly attached to
the driving means through a continuous shaft, mechani- 7.6.3 Footrest Obstruction Device. If the footrest is
cal coupling, or toothed gearing of the electrically located so that it is within 150 mm (6 in.) of the step
released spring applied type shall be provided, except nosing or riser, a device shall be provided on the footrest
on lifts with hydraulic driving machines. to stop the upward motion of the carriage if it encounters
an object between the footrest and step nosing or riser.
7.4.2 A machine brake is not required if a self-locking
drive utilizing a lead screw, worm, or other positive 7.6.4 Footrest Clearance. At no point in its travel shall
gearing that will stop and hold the carriage with the the edge of the footrest facing the upper landing be
rated load within 100 mm (4 in.) of down travel after more than 600 mm (24 in.) above the step or landing as
the power is removed is provided. measured vertically.

7.5 Suspension and Support Means 7.7 Capacity, Speed, and Angle of Inclination

7.5.1 General Requirements 7.7.1 Limitations of Capacity, Load, and Speed. The
capacity shall not exceed two persons. The rated load
7.5.1.1 Suspension and support means shall be shall not be less than 115 kg (250 lb) for a one-seat lift
one of the following: and not less than 180 kg (400 lb) for a two-seat lift. The
(a) steel or iron wire rope speed, as measured along the incline, shall not exceed
(b) steel aircraft cable 0.2 m/s (40 ft/min).
(c) roller chain
7.7.2 Limitation of Angle of Inclination. No lift shall
(d) direct-plunger hydraulic
be installed to operate on a greater incline than 45 deg
(e) roped-hydraulic
as measured on the mean.
if) rack and pinion
(g) screw 7.7.3 Capacity Plate. A capacity plate stating the
(h) friction machine guides and rollers rated load in pounds shall be furnished by the manufac-
turer and fastened in a conspicuous place on the device.
7.5.1.2 Steel tapes or welded link chains shall not
Letters and numbers shall be not less than 6 mm (0.25 in.)
be used as suspension means. Where wire ropes are ·in height.
used, the diameter shall not be less than 6 mm (0.25 in.).
Where aircraft cable is used, the diameter shall not be 7.7.4 Data Plates. A data plate shall be provided by
less than 3 mm (0.125 in.). the manufacturer and securely fastened in a conspicuous
place. It shall state the rated speed, rated load, suspen-
7.5.2 Factors of Safety. The suspension and support sion or support means, date of manufacture, and manu-
means shall have a factor of safety of not less than 7 facturer's name. Letters and numerals shall be not less
based on the tension in the rope, cable, chain, or forces than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in height.
exerted on the hydraulic cylinder, screw drive, or rack
and pinion when raising the rated load. When the car- 7.8 Safeties and Governors (05)
riage and counterweight are suspended by steel ropes
All carriages shall be provided with a safety, except
and the driving means between the machine and the
for platforms of direct-plunger hydraulic lifts.
counterweight is an endless roller-type chain, the factor
The safety shall be actuated by the action of a speed
of safety of such chain shall be not less than 8, based
governor or by the breakage or slackening of the suspen-
on the rated load. See section 8 for special requirements
sion or support means. Where actuation is by a governor,
for particular drive systems.
the safety shall be set at a maximum speed of 0.4 m/s
7.5.3 Replacement of Chains and Sprockets. If two (75 ft/min). Where actuation is by breakage or slack-
or more chains are used as a suspension or support ening of the suspension or support means, the safety

46
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
SAFETY STANDARD FOR ASME A1B.1-200S
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

shall be set without delay, and independent of the speed 7.8.4 Level of Chair on Safety Application. The appli-
governor, .if provided. cation of a Type A or Type B safety to stop the chair,
Safety parts shall conform to the requirements of para. with its rated load, shall not cause the chair to be out of
7.8.1. Governor ropes, where provided, shall conform to level more than 30 mm/m (0.375 in./ft) in any direction.
the requirements of para. 7.8.2.
7.8.5 Release. When chair safeties are applied, no
The application and release of safeties shall conform
decrease in tension in the governor rope nor motion of
to the requirements of paras. 7.8.3, 7.8.4, and 7.8.5.
the chair in the down direction shall release the safeties,
7.8.1 Minimum Factors of Safety and Stresses of but such safeties shall be permitted to be released by
Safety Parts and Rope Connections the motion of the chair in the up direction.
7.8.1.1 Parts of safeties, except springs, safety- 7.9 Terminal Stopping Devices
rope drums, leading sheaves, and their supporting
brackets and safety-jaw gibs, shall have a factor of safety 7.9.1 Normal terminal stopping devices required by
of not less than 31t2, based on the ultimate strength of para. 7.9.2 shall be permitted to use mechanically oper-
the material, and the materials used shall have an elon- ated, magnetically operated, optical, or static type
gation of not less than 15% in a length of 50 mm (2 in.). switches.
Forged, cast, or welded parts shall be stress relieved. Final terminal stopping devices required by para. 7.9.3
shall use only mechanically operated switches for
7.8.1.2 Springs shall be permitted to be used in determining chair position.
the operation of chair or counterweight safeties. Where Terminal stopping devices that are located on the chair
used, and where partially loaded prior to safety opera- or in the runway shall be of the enclosed type and
tion, the loading on the spring shall not produce a fiber securely mounted in such a manner so that horizontal
stress exceeding one half the elastic limit of the material. movement of the chair shall not affect the operation of
During operation of the safety, the fiber stress shall not the device.
exceed 85% of the elastic limit of the material. Helical
springs, where used, shall be in compression. 7.9.2 Upper and lower normal terminal stopping
devices operated by the chair shall be provided, and
7.8.1.3 Safety-rope drums, leading sheaves, and shall be set to stop the chair at or near the upper and
their supporting brackets and safety-jaw gibs shall be lower terminal landings under rated loading to zero
permitted to be made of cast iron and other metals loading c.onditions.
provided such parts have a factor of safety of not less
than 10. 7.9.3 Upper and lower final terminal stopping
devices operated by the chair to remove power from
7.8.1.4 Rope used as a connection from the safety the motor and the brake shall be provided, except· as
to the governor rope, including rope wound on the specified in para. 7.9.6. They shall be set to stop the
safety-rope drum, shall be not less than 3 mm (0.125 in.) chair after it travels past the normal terminal stopping
in diameter and shall be made of a corrosion-resistant device and before striking an obstruction. A slack-rope
metal. The factor of safety of the rope shall not be less device equipped with a slack-rope switch of the enclosed
than 5. Tiller-rope construction shall not be used. manually reset type that shall cause the electric power
7.8.1.5 The factors of safety shall be based upon
to be removed from the driving machine motor and
brake if any hoisting rope becomes slack shall be permit-
the maximum stresses developed in the parts during
the operation of the safety when stopping rated load ted to be used as the lower final terminal stopping
from governor tripping speed. device.
7.9.4 Final terminal stopping devices shall be
7.8.1.6 Safety-rope leading-sheaves brackets and
mechanically operated. The switch contacts shall be
other safety operating parts shall not be attached to or
supported by wood platform members. directly opened mechanically. Arrangements that
depend on a spring, or gravity, or a combination thereof,
7.8.2 Material and Factor of Safety. Governor ropes to open the contacts shall not be used.
shall be of iron, steel, monel metal, phosphor bronze,
7.9.5 The final terminal stopping device shall not
or stainless steel. They shall be of a regular-lay construc-
control the same controller switches as the normal termi-
tion, and not less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in diameter. The
nal stopping devices unless two or more separate and
factor of safety of governor ropes shall be not less than
independent switches are provided, two of which shall
5. Tiller-rope construction shall not be used.
be closed to complete the driving-machine motor-and
7.8.3 Means of Application. Safeties shall be applied brake circuit in either direction of travel. Where a two-
mechanically. Electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic devices or three-phase alternating-current driving-machine
shall not be used to apply the safeties required by section motor is used, these switches shall be of the multipole
7, nor to hold such safeties in the retracted position. type.

47
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made oftbis material without written consent of ASME. ~
ASME A18.1-2005 SAFElY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

The control shall be so designed and installed that a the "STOP" position and when any electrical protective
single ground or short circuit shall be permitted to allow device functions.
either, but not prevent both, the normal and final stop-
7.10.6 Control and Operating Circuits. The design and
ping devic,e circuits from stopping the chair.
installation of the control and operating circuits shall
7.9.6 Final terminal stopping devices are not conform to the requirements of paras. 7.10.6.1 and
required for direct-plunger hydraulic driving machines. 7.10.6.2.
Lower final terminal stopping devices are not required
where the limitations of the machine or runway limit 7.10.6.1 Control systems that depend on the com-
the travel of the chair (e.g., a carriage at rest on the' pletion or maintenance of an electric circuit shall not be
bottom terminal landing). used for interruption of the power and application of
the driving-machine brake at terminal landings or for
7.10 Operating Devices and Control Equipment stopping the machine when the safety applies.
7.10.1 Operation. Operation of the lift from the upper 7.10.6.2 If springs are used to actuate switches,
or lower landing and from the chair shall be controlled contactors, or relays to break the circuit to stop the lift
by "UP" and "DOWN" control switches at all stations, at the terminal landing, they shall be of the restrained
and shall be by means of the continuous-pressure type. compression type.
Controls shall be 1 220 mm (48 in.) maximum and
380 mm (15 in.) minimum above the platform floor or 7.10.7 Slack-Rope and Slack-Chain Devices for Wind-
facility floor or ground level. Operating devices shall be ing Drum and Roller-Chain-Type Driving Machines. Wind-
designed such that both the "UP" and "DOWN" circuits ing drum driving machines with rope suspension shall
cannot be operated at the same time. be provided with a slack-rope device of the manually
reset type that will remove power from the motor and
7.10.2 Motor Reversal Protection. If an instantane- brake if the car is obstructed in its descent and the
ously reversible motor is not used, a protective device suspension ropes slacken. Lifts with roller chain suspen-
or circuit shall be provided to prevent the motor from sion means shall be provided with a slack-chain device,
continuing in the same direction if the reversing control which will remove power from the motor and brake if
is actuated. the car is obstructed in its descent and the suspension
7.10.3 Electrical Equipment and Wiring means slacken. This device is not required to be of the
manually reset type if the chain sprockets are guarded
7.10.3.1 All electrical equipment and wiring shall to prevent the chain from becoming disengaged from
conform to the requirements of ANSI/NFPA 70. the sprockets.
7.10.3.2 Electrical equipment shall be certified to
the requirements of CAN/CSA B44.1/ ASME A17.5. 7.11 Code Data Plate
A code data plate shall be provided that indicates the
7.10.3.3 The failure of any single magnetically
operated switch, relay, or contractor to release in the A18.1 Standard to be used for inspections and tests. The
data plate shall be in, plain view, securely attached on
intended manner, or the failure of any solid state device
the main line disconnect or on the controller. The data
to operate as intended, or the occurrence of a single
plate shall be of such material and construction that the
accidental ground or combination of accidental grounds
letters and figures stamped, etched, cast, or otherwise
shall not permit the lift to start if this failure renders
ineffective any electrical protective device. applied to the face shall remain permanently and readily
legible. The height of the letters and figures shall be not
7.10.4 Phase Reversal and Failure Protection. Chair- less than 3 mm (0.125 in.).
lifts having polyphase alternating current power supply
shall be provided with means to prevent the starting of
the lift motor if the phase rotation is in the wrong direc- 8 DRIVING MEANS
tion, or if there is a failure of any phase. Section 8 contains requirements for specific types of
This protection shall be considered to be provided if a driving means where referenced by other sections of
reversal of phase of the incoming polyphase alternating this Standard.
current power will not cause the driving machine motor
to operate in the wrong direction. 8.1 Hydraulic Driving Means
7.10.5 Release and Application of Driving-Machine 8.1.1 Hydraulic Jack and Connections. Where multi-
Brake. Driving-machine brakes shall not be electrically ple hydraulic jacks are used, they shall be hydraulically
released until power has been applied to the driving- connected to form a single hydraulic system.
machine motor. All power feed lines to the brake shall
be opened, and the brake shall apply automatically 8.1.1.1 Direct-Acting Hydraulic Lifts. The driving
when any operating device in para. 7.10.1 or 7.10.2 is in member of the hydraulic jack shall be attached to the

4R
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
SAFETY STANDARD FOR ASME A18.1-2005
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

platform frame or platform floor with fastenings of suffi- the electric power to be removed from the hydraulic
cient strength to support that member with a factor of machine pump motor and the control valves should any
safety of not less than 4. rope become slack.
The connection to the hydraulic jack shall be capable
8.1.2.7 The traveling sheave shall be attached to
of withstanding, without damage, any forces resulting
the upper end of the plunger or cylinder of the hydraulic
from a plunger stop as described in para. 8.1.5.2.
driving machine with fastenings having a minimum fac-
Any plunger or cylinder head connector or connection
tor of safety of 4 based upon the ultimate strength of
shall conform to the requirements of paras. 8.1.3.1,
the material used. The load to be used in determining
8.1.3.4, and 8.1.6.
the factor of safety shall be the resultant of the maximum
8.1.2 Roped-Hydraulic Lift tensions in the ropes leading from the sheave with the
lift at rest and with rated load in the platform.
8.1.2.1 Roped-hydraulic lifts having less than
three hydraulic jacks shall be suspended with no fewer 8.1.3 Plungers
than two wire ropes per hydraulic jack. Where three or 8.1.3.1 Material. :For tensile, compressive, bending,
more hydraulic jacks are utilized, one rope per jack shall and torsional loading the plunger and connecting cou-
be permitted to be used. Should one hydraulic jack plings for the plunger shall have a factor of safety of
become disconnected, the remaining jacks shall be capa- not less than 5 based on ultimate strength.
ble of supporting the load without exceeding allowable Pressure loadings shall have a factor of safety of not
platform frame stresses or hydraulic jack stress. less than that calculated per para. 9.5.
8.1.2.2 Where platforms are suspended by 8.1.3.2 Plunger Design. Plungers made of steel
hoisting ropes attached to the platform frame or to the shall be designed in accordance with the applicable for-
overhead supporting beams by means of rope shackles, mula in para. 9.2 for calculation of elastic stability, bend-
the shackles shall be attached to steel hitch plates or to ing, and external pressure. For other materials, the
structural or formed steel shapes. Such plates or shapes appropriate modules of elasticity must be utilized.
shall be secured to the underside or to the webs of the Plungers subject to internal pressure shall also be
platform frame members with bolts, rivets, or welds so designed and constructed in accordance with cylinder
located that the tensions in. the hoisting ropes will not design formula in para. 9.3.
develop direct tension in the bolts or rivets.
Where bolts and rivets are subjected to shearing 8.1.3.3 Plunger Connection. When the hydraulic
stresses due to tension in the hoisting ropes, the total jack is not subjected to eccentric loading, it shall carry
shear shall not exceed 60 MPa (8,600 psi) of actual area in tension the weight of the plunger with a factor of
in the shear plane. The stresses in the welds due to safety of not less than 4 and restrict total vertical move-
tensions in the hoisting ropes shall not exceed 55 MPa ment to less than 20% of the buffer stroke, where vibra-
(8,000 psi) on the throat area of the welds. Bolts made tion damping means are provided.
of steel having greater strength than specified by ASTM In addition, when the hydraulic jack is subjected to
A 307 shall be permitted to be used and the maximum eccentric loading, the plunger connection to the platform
allowable stresses increased proportionally based on the shall also be so designed and constructed as to transmit
ratio of the ultimate strengths. Elongation shall conform the full eccentric moment into the plunger with a factor
to the requirements of the corresponding ASTM specifi- of safety of not less than 4.
cation. The plunger and the plunger connection to the plat-
The hitch plate supporting beams shall be designed form shall also be so designed and constructed that
to withstand two times the sum of the tensions in all the total vertical deflection of the loading edge of the
hoisting ropes attached to the hitch plates. platform due to eccentric loading of the platform shall
not exceed 20 mrn (0.75 in.).
8.1.2.3 The roping ratio that relates the driving
member of the hydraulic jack speed to the platform 8.1.3.4 Plunger Joints. Plungers composed of more
speed shall not exceed 1:2. than one section shall have joints designed and -con-
structed to carry in tension the weight of all plunger
8.1.2.4 Ropes passing through seals fixed in cylin- sections below the joint with a factor of safety of not
der heads shall be permitted to have a clear plastic less than 4 and to transmit in compression the gross
coating applied in order to seal properly and facilitate load on the plunger with a factor of safety of not less
rope inspection. than 5 based on ultimate strength.
Joints shall withstand without damage any forces
8.1.2.5 Means shall be provided to prevent the
resulting from a plunger stop as described in para.
ropes, if slack, from leaving the sheave grooves.
8.1.5.1.
8.1.2.6 A slack rope device with an enclosed man- For eccentric loading, the joints shall conform to the
ually reset switch shall be provided that shall cause requirements of paras. 8.1.3.2 and 8.1.3.3.

49
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
ASME A18.1-2005 SAFElY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY (HAIRLIFTS

8.1.3.5 Plungers Subject to External Pressure. For Closed heads of cylinders only shall be of dished
plungers subjected to external pressure, the working .seamless construction, concave to pressure, except if the
pressure shall be not greater than indicated by the for- bottom of the cylinder is supported, and if the cylinder
mula in para. 9.2.3. is not buried.
They shall be designed and constructed in accordance
8.1.3.6 Plunger Heads Subject to Fluid Pressure.
with the applicable formulas in para. 9.4, provided that
Heads of plungers subject to fluid pressure shall con- steel heads shall in no case have a thickness less than
form to the requirements of para. 8.1.4.6.
that required for the adjoining shell.
8.1.3.7 Plunger-Follower Guide. A plunger-follower Dished seamless heads, convex. to pressure if used
guide shall be permitted to be used provided it is on plungers, shall have a maximum allowable working
arranged so that the lift is always in a position where pressure of not more than 60% of that for heads of the
the unsupported length of the plunger conforms to the same dimensions with pressure on the concave side.
"maximum free length" as defined in para. 9.2, and to 8.1.4.7 Collection of Oil Leakage. Means shall be
open the power circuit if this length is exceeded. provided to collect for removal any oil leakage from the
Telescopic plungers shall have each plunger section cylinder packing gland. The amount collected before
internally guided. If more than two movable sections removal shall not exceed 20 L (5 gal).
are used, external guides shall be provided for each
plunger section. 8.1.4.8 Installation Below Ground. Cylinders
installed below ground shall be provided with protec-
8.1.4 Cylinders tion from corrosion by one or more of the following
8.1.4.1 Material. The cylinder and connecting cou- methods:
plings for the cylinder shall be made of materials in (a) monitored cathodic protection.
compliance with the following. For tensile, compressive, (b) a coating to protect the cylinder and piping from
bending, and torsional loading the cylinder and connect- corrosion that will withstand the installation process.
ing couplings shall have a factor of safety of not less (c) by a protective plastic casing immune to galvanic
than 5 based on ultimate strength. For pressure calcula- or electrolytic action, salt water, and other known under-
tions the cylinder and connecting coupling shall have a ground conditions. The casing shall be capped at the
factor of safety of not less than that calculated as speci- bottom and all joints shall be solvent or head welded to
fied in para. 9.5. ensure water tightness and be constructed of polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) pipe with minimum pipe stiffness of 320
8.1.4.2 Cylinder Design. Cylinders shall be kPa (46 psi) (as per ASTM D 2412) or of material with
designed and constructed in accordance with the for- equivalent characteristics; and the annulus between the
mula in para. 9.3. cylinder and the top of the protective plastic casing shall
8.1.4.3 Clearance at Bottom of Cylinder. Clearance be sealed and provided with means of inspection for
shall be provided at the bottom of the cylinder so that the presence of oil.
the bottom of the plunger will.not strike the safety bulk- If the space between the protective casing and cylinder
head of the cylinder when the platform is resting on its is empty, the casing must be designed to withstand a
full y compressed buffer. static head of water from ground level to the bottom
of the casing based on manufacturer's ratings of the
8.1.4.4 Safety Bulkhead. Buried cylinders shall be material used.
provided with a safety bulkhead having an orifice of a
size that would permit the platform to descend at a 8.1.4.9 Means for Relief of Air or Gas. Cylinders
speed not greater than 0.08 m/s (15 ft/min) nor less shall be provided with a means to release air or other gas.
than 0.03 m/s (5 ft/min). A space of not less than 25 mm 8.1.4.10 The cylinder shall be provided with a
(1 in.) shall be left between the welds of the safety bulk- flow control device, installed at the cylinder oil inlet,
head and the cylinder head. Safety bulkheads shall con- that will prevent the carriage from descending at a rate
form to the requirements of para. 8.1.4.6. in excess of 125% of the rated speed.
Th~se requirements do not apply where a double cyl-
inder is used and where both inner and outer cylinders 8.1.5 Stops
conform to the requirements of para. 8.1.4. 8.1.5.1 Metal Stops and/or Other Means. Metal
stops and/or other means shall be provided at one end
8.1.4.5 Cylinder Packing Heads. Cylinder packing
of the plunger and at the packing head end of the cylin-
heads shall conform to the appropriate requirements of
der to prevent the plunger from traveling beyond the
paras. 8.1.5 and 9.4.
limits of the cylinder.
8.1.4.6 Closed Cylinder and Plunger Heads. Closed The metal stops and/ or other means shall be so
heads of cylinders, and heads of plungers subject to fluid designed and constructed as to stop the plunger travel-
pressure, shall conform to the following requirements. ing in the up direction at maximum speed under full

so
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
SAFElY STANDARD FOR ASME A18.1-200S
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY (HAIRLIFTS

load pressure, should the normal terminal stopping 8.1.7.3 Steel Piping. Where used, steel piping shall
device fail to operate. No running test onto the stop ring be of the welded, grooved, threaded, or bolted flange
is required. type. Threads of piping and fittings shall conform to
ASME Standard B1.20.1.
8.1.5.2 Hydraulic System. The connections to the
hydraulic driving machine, plunger, plunger connec:- 8.2 Screw Machines
tion, couplings, plunger joints, cylinder, cylinder con-
necting couplings, or any other parts of the hydraulic 8.2.1 The screw machine shall function to raise or
system shall be designed and constructed to withstand, lower the platform acting in conjunction with a screw
without damage, a plunger stop in accordance with para. column that directly supports the platform.
8.1.5.1. 8.2.2 . Screws shall be made of steel. Nuts shall be
8.1.6 Welding. All welding shall conform to the made of bronze or other materials having an elongation
requirements of para. 9.1. of at least 14% in 50 mm (2 in.).

8.1.7 Hydraulic Connections 8.2.3 Means shall be provided to maintain the screw
in its operating position Under all conditions of opera-
8.1.7.1 Flexible Hose and Fittings. Flexible hose and tion. Screws suspended from their upper end shall be
fitting assemblies and flexible couplings shall be permit- restrained at their lower end.
ted for hydraulic connections. Where installed between
the check valve and the cylinder, they shall conform to 8.2.4 A casing, closed at the end, shall be provided
the following requirements: to enclose and protect the screw column in cases where
(a) Installation shall be accomplished without intro- the screw column extends outside the runway and
ducing twist in the hose and shall conform with the machine room.
minimum bending radius of SAE 100 R2 type high- 8.2.5 The screw column, nut, and their attachments
pressure, steel wire reinforced, rubber covered hydraulic shall provide sufficient strength to support the loads
hose specified in SAE J5 17D. imposed on their connections with a factor of safety of 5.
(b) The hose shall be suitably protected from surface
abrasion where it passes through a wall or enclosure. 8.2.6 Means shall be provided to prevent the disen-
(c) The hose and fitting assembly shall have a bursting gagement of the nut from the screw column. This means
strength sufficient to withstand not less than 8 times the shall be so designed and constructed as to prevent disen-
working pressure (see Definitions in para. 1.3) gagement in the event of overtravel at full speed and
(d) Conform to the requirements of SAE 100 R2 type without damage to any part of the lift installation. Any
hose specified in SAE J5 17D and be compatible with additional loads imposed by this action shall so be con-
the fluid used: sidered in the computations made in accordance with
(1) use non-reusable type fittings para. 8.2.7.
(2) be permanently marked or tagged with 8.2.7 Where the screw column is a compression
(a) the SAE hose type identification member, column formulas of para. 9.2 shall be used in
(b) the bursting strength the design with the words "screw column" substituted
(c) manufacturer of hose and fittings for the word "plunger" and:
(e) Flexible couplings shall be so designed and con- A net cross-sectional area of screw at the root
structed that failure of the sealing equipment will not of the thread, mm2 (in. 2)
permit separation of the parts connected. The devices L maximum free length of screw, mm (in.)
or means used for preventing the separation of the parts R radius of gyration of screw at root of
connected shall be removable only with the use of tools. thread, mm (in.)
Devices or means removable with hand-operated quick- W the total weight with rated load plus one-
release levers or toggles shall not be permitted. half the weight of the screw column, kg (lb)
W/A maximum allowable fiber stress
8.1.7.2 Hydraulic Tubing and Fittings
8.2.8 Where the screw column is a tension member,
8.1.7.2.1 Hydraulic tubing and fittings in con-
the unit stress (considering the root dimension and any
formance with
associated stress concentration and/ or the reduced sec-
(a) SAE Standard J524 for tubing.
tion at any joints in the screw) shall not exceed one-fifth
(b) SAE Standard J514 for fittings shall be permitted
of the ultimate strength of the material with a maximum
to be used for hydraulic connections between the check
fiber stress not to exceed 125 kPa (18,000 psi).
valve and the cylinder. The tubing and fitting assembly
shall have a bursting strength sufficient to withstand 8.2.9 A positive mechanical means shall be provided
not less than 8 times the working pressure. (See Defini- to prevent rotation or separation of sections of a multiple
tions in para. 1.3.) section screw column.

Sl
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
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 AsME A18.1-2005 SAFElY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

. 8.3 Friction Machines 9.2 Plunger Design

8~3.1 The friction developed shall be self-adjusting to Plungers shall be designed and constructed in accor-
allow for wear and be capable of lifting and supporting a dance with one of the following formulas.
platform loaded with 125% of the rated load. 9.2.1 Plungers Not Subject to Eccentric Loading
(05) 8.3.2 The friction drive wheels and the guide means 9.2.1.1 Where slenderness ratio of plunger is less
shall be made of metal or other durable material or a than 120
combination of materials. Wear or failure of these mate-
rials shall not reduce the available friction required to (Sf Units)
ensure compliance with para. 8.3.1. The presence of
~ = 9.377 X 107 - 3.344 X 103 (LlRf
moisture shall not reduce the available friction required
to ensure compliance with para. 8.3.1.
(U.S. Customary)
8.3.3 Friction drive, if used to drive the over-speed
governor, shall be independent of the main friction drive. ~ = 13,600 - 0.485 (LlRf
8.3.4 If the over-speed governor is friction driven,
the control system shall include circuitry to continually . 9.2.1.2 8 Where slenderness ratio of plunger is
monitor the rotation of the over-speed governor driving greater than 120
means during travel. If rotation ceases, electric power
(Sf Units)
shall be removed from the driving machine motor and
brake (if provided) within 10 sec or 1000 mm (40 in.) W 6.552 X 1011
of travel, whichever occurs first. ReleaSing operating A (LIR)2
controls shall be permitted to reset the monitor or its
circuitry. (U.S. Customary)

8.3.5 The force transmitted to the rotating device by W 95,000,000

friction shall be at least twice the force necessary to A = (LIR)2
actuate the safeties.
where
A net sectional area of plunger (area of metal),
9 ENGINEERING TYPE TESTING AND DESIGN m 2 (in. 2)
L maximum free length of plunger, mm (in.).
Section 9 contains formulas, figures, tables, and speci- Where a plunger-follower guide is used, L
fications to be applied where required by the other sec- shall be taken as one-half the amount that
tions of this Standard. the free length would be if no follower guide
was provided.
9.1 Welding R radius of gyration of plunger section mm
(in.)
9.1.1 Qualification of Welders. Welding of parts, allowable gross weight to be sustained by
W
except for tack welds later incorporated into finished
plunger, N (lbf). Where a counterweight is
welds, shall be done by welders qualified in accordance
provided, the weight of the counterweight
with the requirements of Section 5 of ANSI! AWS D1.1. plus the unbalanced weight of the counter-
At the option of the manufacturer or contractor, the weight ropes shall be permitted to be
welders shall be permitted to be qualified by one of the deducted in determining W In determining
following: W, one-half of the weight of the plunger shall
(a) the manufacturer or contractor be included except where a plunger-follower
(b) a professional consulting engineer guide, is used, in which case, three-fourths
(c) a recognized testing laboratory of the plunger weight shall be included.
W/A = maximum allowable fiber stress, kPa (psi)
9.1.2 Welding Steel. Welding of steel shall be done 9.2.1.3 Plungers having a free length of 7 600 mm
in accordance with the applicable section of ANSI/ AWS (300 in.) or less shall be permitted to be accepted without
D1.1 or ANSI! AWS D1.3. further examination for strength and elastic stability
provided all of the following conditions exist:
9.1.3 Welding Metals Other Than Steel. Welding of
(a) The working pressure is 2 MPa (300 psi) or less.
materials other than steel shall be done in accordance
with the latest AWS requirements applicable to the spe-
cific materials used. 8 Formulas are for steel.

52
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
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SAFElY STANDARD FOR ASME A18.1-2005
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

(b) The plunger is 100 mm (4 in.) nominal pipe size (U.s. Customary)
or larger.
(c) Pipe not lighter than schedule 40 is used and not t
P = 28,890 15 - 462
more than 1.6 mm (0.0625 in.) of metal has been removed
from the wall thickness in machining.
where
9.2.1.4 For plungers with varying cross section, D external finished diameter, mm (in.)
the stress shall be calculated for a factor of safety of at p = working pressure, kPa (psi)
least 3 using accepted methods for elastic stability. t = finished wall thickness, mm (in.)
9.2.2 Plungers Subject to Eccentric Loading. For 9.2.4 Telescoping Plungers. Telescoping plungers
plungers subject to bending, the stresses due to bending shall have each plunger section internally guided. If
as determined by the following formula shall be sub- more than two movable sections are used, plunger fol-
tracted from the stress WIA as determined by the appli- lower guides shall be provided for each plunger section.
cable formulas in para. 9.2.1: ITI the formulas in paras. 9.2.1.1 and 9.2.1.2, the values
of A and R shall be for the smallest plunger section.
(51 Units) When plunger follower guides are used, the value of L
shall be the maximum free length of the smallest section
5 = (~e) in inches. When plunger follower guides are not used,
the value of L shall be taken as 1.4 times the maximum
(U.s. Customary)
free length of the smallest plunger section.

9.3 Cylinder Design

5 = Wbe
Z Cylinder shall be designed and constructed in accor-
dance with the following formula: .
where
5 stress due to bending, MPa (psi) t=pd+ C
Z section modulus of plunger section, mm3 (in. 3) 25
eccentricity of W b, mm (in.)
maximum eccentric load, N (lbf). Where any where
or all of this load is caused by moving wheel C depth of the thread or groove, mm (in.)
loads imposed on the edge of the platform, 5 allowable stress, kPa (psi) (see para. 9.5.2)
the total of such loads shall be doubled for d internal diameter, mm (in.)
impact. P working pressure, kPa (psi)
t minimum thickness of wall, mm (in.)
9.2.3 Plungers Subjected to External Pressure. For
plungers subjected to external pressure, the working 9.4 Cylinder and Plunger Heads
pressure shall be not more than that indicated by the
following formula. Heads of cylinders and heads of plungers subject to
fluid pressure shall be designed and constructed in
9.2.3.1 Where the ratio of tID is less than 0.023 accordance with one of the following applicable for-
mulas:
(51 Units)
9.4.1 Flat unreinforced heads

p = 2 296 [1 - J 1 - 1 600 (li),] t=d

V!P4S
(U.S. Customary) 9.4.2 Dished seamless hemispherical heads, concave
to pressure
p = 333 [1 - J1 - (li)']
1,600
t = 5pr
65

9.2.3.2 Where the ratio of tiD is greater than 0.023 9.4.3 Dished seamless ellipsoidal heads, concave to
pressure (ellipsoidal heads in which one-half of the
(51 Units) minor axis equals one-quarter the inside diameter of
skirt),
t
P = 199200
15 - 3185
t = 5pD
65

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ASME A18.1-2005 SAFElY STAN DARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

where that manufacturer for the same or lesser capacity

D inside diameter of skirt, mm (in.) (rated load).
S allowable stress, kPa (psi) (see para. 9.5.2)
9.6.2 Test of Speed Limiting Device. The test shall be
d diameter of head between supporting
made either in the manufacturer's plant, in a testing
edges, mm (in.)
laboratory, or in the field by suspending the platform
p working pressure, kPa (psi)
with rated load at the maximum height of travel above
r radius to which head is dished, measured on
the lower limit of normal travel and allowing it to drop
concave side (not greater than d), mm (in.)
(free-fall) until the descent is controlled by the speed
minimum thickness of head, mm (in.)
limiting device. The platform shall be allowed to con-
9.5. Safety Factor tinue its descent until brought to rest. The test shall be
instrumented so that a graph of velocity versus distance
9.5.1 The minimum factor of safety for components can be plotted. The test shall be witnessed by, and the test
subject to fluid pressure shall be as follows: results certified by, a testing laboratory or a registered
professional engineer. After the test, the screw column,
5.04
F = E _ 2.8 + 2.7 screw column supports, speed limiting device, guide
rails, and platform frame shall be inspected to determine
where that there has been no damage. A test on a given capacity
E = percent elongation in 50 mm (2 in.) gauge length lift shall be accepted for all similarly designed lifts by
as per ASTM E 8 expressed as a whole number that manufacturer for the same or lesser capacity
(e.g., 20% = 20 and 5% = 5). The minimum (rated load).
allowable E shall be 5.
9.7 Minimum Load to Sustain and Lower
F minimum factor of safety based on 0.2% proof
stress yield point. The minimum allowable F The following formulas shall be used for determining
shall be 3 the minimum load to sustain and lower:

(S1 Units)
9.5.2 The allowable stress to be used in paras. 9.3
through 9.4 shall be determined as follows: W = 35.05A 2 + 325.7A

s = y.p. (U.S. Customary)

F
W = 0.667A2 + 66.7A
where
F minimum factor of safety based on 0.2% proof where
yield stress point as determined in para. 9.5.1 A inside net platform area, mm2 (ff)
S allowable stress kPa (psi) W = minimum rated load, kg (lb)
y.p. yield point, based on 0.2% proof yield stress
point, kPa (psi) Figure 9.7 gives the minimum load to sustain and
lower for various inside net platform areas.
9.6 Engineering Tests: Safety Nut and Speed
Limiting Device of Screw Column Lifts 9.8 Tapered Rope Sockets

This section specifies the engineering tests of safety 9.8.1 The axial length, L, of the tapered portion of
nuts and speed limiting devices that are permitted as the socket shall be not less than 43~ times the diameter
alternate safety devices on screw column lifts. of the wire rope used.
9.6.1 Test of Safety Nut. The test shall be made in 9.8.2 The axial length, L', of the open portion of the
either the manufacturer's plant, in a testing laboratory, rope socket shall be not less than 4 times the diameter
or in the field by suspending the platform with rated of the wire rope used.
load a distance above the safety nut of at least 12 mm 9.8.3 The length of the straight bore, L", at the small
(0.5 in.) and allowing it to drop (free-fall) until the entire end of the socket shall be not more than 12 mm (0.5 in.)
load rests on the safety nut. The test shall be witnessed nor less than 3 mm (0.125 in.), and its outer edge shall
by, and the test results certified by, a -testing laboratory be rounded and free from cutting edges.
or registered professional engineer. After the test, the
screw column, screw supports safety nut, guide rails, 9.8.4 The diameter, d, of the hole at the large end
and platform frame shall be inspected.to determine that of the tapered portion of the socket shall be not less
there has been no damage. A test on a given capacity than 21~ times nor more than 3 times the diameter of
lift shall be accepted for all similarly designed lifts by the wire rope used.

Copyright © 2005.by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~

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SAFElY STANDARD FOR ASME AlB.l-200S
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

1500 (3300) /
V
v
/
.. /"
v
J} 1000 (2200)
-0
ra
o
....J
/
v
"C
CI)

ro
/
0::

500 (1100)

/"
o /
o 1 (10.8) 2 (21.5) 3 (32.4) 4 (43.1)
Inside Net Platform Area, m 2 (ft2)
GENERAL NOTE:
1 Ib = 0.45 kg
1 fe = 9.29 E - 02m 2

Fig.9.7 Minimum loads to Sustain and lower Based Upon Inside Net Platform Area (05)

9.8.5 The diameter of the hole in the small end of 9.8.6.2.2 Cured resin shall have the following
the socket shall not exceed the nominal diameter of the properties:
rope by more than 2 mm (0.09375 in.). (a) Socket Performance. Resin, when cured, shall
develop sufficient holding strength to solvent-washed
9.8.6 Only babbitt metal or thermo setting resin com-
wire-in-wire rope sockets to develop 80% of the ultimate
posi tions intended for wire rope resocketing shall be
strength of all types of wire rope. No slippage of wire
used to secure ropes in tapered sockets. The embedment
is permissible when testing resin-filled rope socket
material shall conform to para. 9.8.6.1 or 9.8.6.2.
assemblies in tension; however, after testing, some seat-
9.8.6.1 Babbitt metal shall contain at least 9% of ing of the resin cone shall be permitted to be apparent
antimony and shall be clean and free from dross. and is acceptable. Resin terminations shall also be capa-
ble of withstanding tensile shock loading.
9.8.6.2 Thermosetting resin composition shall
(b) Shrinkage. The volumetric shrinkage of fully cured
conform to the following.
resin shall not exceed 2%. The use of an inert filler in
9.8.6.2.1 Uncured (liquid) material shall have the resin is permissible.
the following properties: (c) Curing. The resin-catalyst mixture shall be capable
(a) Viscosity of Resin-Catalyst Mixture. The viscosity of of curing either at ambient 16°C-38°C (60 0P-1000P) or
the resin-catalyst mixture shall be sufficiently low to elevated temperatures. At temperatures below 16°C
permit rapid, complete saturation of the rope rosette in (60 0P), an elevated temperature cure shall be used.
order to prevent entrapment of air.
(b) Flash Point. All components shall have a minimum 9.8.6.2.3 The thermoset resin composition
flash point of 27°C (80 0P). intended for wire rope socketing shall be supplied in
. (c) Shelf Life. All components shall have a minimum two parts consisting of preweighed resin and catalyst,
of 1 year shelf life at 21°C (70 0P). each packaged separately within a kit. Each kit con-
(d) Pot Life and Cure Time. After mixing, the resin- taining the thermoset resin composition shall consist of
catalyst mixture shall be pourable for a minimum of the following:
8 min at 21°C (70 0P) and shall cure within 1 hr after (a) preweighed thermoset resin
hardening. Heating of the resin mixture in the socket to (b) preweighed catalyst
accelerate curing shall follow the resin manufacturer's (c) necessary materials for mixing and pouring
instructions. (d) detachable label on resin container

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ASME A18.l·200S SAFElY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

9.8.6.2.4 The label on the resin container shall on its behalf. Immediately after the inspection and tests,
show the following information: the inspector shall submit to the authority having juris-
(a) product name diction a statement certifying that the inspection and
(b) part designation (e.g., "Part A" or "Resin") tests have been performed and a report on the results
(c) manufacturer's name and address thereof.
(d) mixing instructions The authority having jurisdiction may authorize the
(e) ICC information person witnessing the tests to
if) safety warnings and cautions (a) submit to the bwner or his authorized agent a
(g) packaging date statement certifying that the tests have been performed
(h) flash point and a report on the results thereof
(i) shelf life (b) attach a metal tag to the tested devices as required
(j) storage instructions
(k) curing instructions 10.1.3 Acceptance Inspections and Tests
(l) net weight
10.1.3.1 The acceptance inspection shall be made
9.8.6.2.5 The label on the catalyst container shall by an inspector employed by the authority having juris-
show the following information: diction, except as specified in para. 10.1.3.3.
(a) product name
(b) part designation (e.g., "Part B," "Catalyst," or 10.1.3.2 The person installing or altering the
"Hardener") . equipment shall perform all of the tests required by para.
(c) manufacturer's name and address lOA or 10.5 in the presence of an inspector employed by
(d) safety warnings and cautions the authority having jurisdiction, except as specified in
(e) flash point para. 10.1.3.3.
if) storage instructions
(g) net weight 10.1.3.3 The authority having jurisdiction may
authorize a qualified person to make the inspection and
witness the tests on its behalf. Immediately after the
10 ROUTINE, PERIODIC, AND ACCEPTANCE inspection and tests, the inspector shall submit to the
INSPECTIONS AND TESTS authority having jurisdiction a statement certifying that
Section 10 covers routine, periodic, and acceptance the inspection and tests have been performed and a
inspections and tests. The inspections and tests shall report on the results thereof.
apply to the corresponding requirements of sections 2
through 7. 10.1.4 Applicability of Inspection and Test Require-
ments. Inspections and tests required by section 10 are
10.1 General Requirements to determine that the equipment conforms with the fol-
lowing applicable standard requirements:
10.1.1 Routine Inspections and Tests. Routine inspec-
(a) the standard requirements at the time of instal-
tions and tests shall be made by an inspector employed
by the authority having jurisdiction, by an inspector lation
employed by an accredited insurance company, which (b) the standard requirements at the time of any alter-
is the primary insurer of the equipment to be inspected, ation
or by a person authorized by the authority having juris-
10.1.5 Installation Placed Out of Service. When an
diction.
installation is placed out of service (see para. 1.3, Defini-
10.1.2 Periodic Inspections and Tests tions), inspections and tests may be discontinued. Before
10.1.2.1 Periodic inspections and tests shall be the installation is put back in service, it shall be subject
witnessed by an inspector employed by the authority to all of the required routine and periodic tests and
having jurisdiction, except as specified in para. 10.1.2.3. inspections, including the I-year, 3-year, and 5-year
tests.
10.1.2.2 The owner or his authorized agent shall
have all of the tests required by para. 10.3 made by a
10.2 Routine Inspections and Tests
person qualified to perform such service in the presence
of an inspeCtor employed by the authority having juris- 10.2.1 Inspection and Test Periods. The routine
diction, except as specified in para. 10.1.2.3. inspections and tests of sections 2, 3, and 4 lifts shall be
10.1.2.3 Where the authority having jurisdiction made at intervals not longer than 6 months. Routine
does not employ a qualified inspector, it shall authorize inspections and tests of sections 5, 6, and 7 lifts shall be
a qualified person to witness the inspection and tests made at intervals not longer than 1 year.

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SAFETY STANDARD FOR ASME AI8.1-200S
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

10.2.2 Inspection and Test Requirements. Routine (t) Suspension rope

inspections and tests shall include where applicable the (u) Compensation ropes and chains
following.
10.2.2.4 Outside Runway Inspections
10.2.2.1 Inside Platform Inspections (a) Runway doors
(a) Stop switches (b) Runway door locking devices
(b) Operating control devices (c) Runway enclosure
(c) Floor' and landing sill
(d) Lighting 10.3 Periodic Inspections and Tests
(e) Emergency signal Inspection and Test Periods. In addition to the routine
if) Door or gate inspections and tests (para. 10.2), the applicable inspec-
(g) Enclosure tions and tests specified in para. 10.3.1 shall be per-
(h) Floor formed in intervals not longer than 1 year, the applicable
(i) Signs and operating device symbols inspections and tests specified in para. 10.3.2 shall be
(j) Rated load, platform floor area, and data plate made at intervals not longer than 3 years, and the appli-
(k) Ride cable inspections and tests specified in para. 10.3.3 shall
be made at intervals not longer than 5 years.
10.2.2.2 Machine Inspections
(a) Enclosure of machine space 10.3.1 One-Year Inspection and Test Requirements
(b) Guarding of exposed auxiliary equipment
10.3.1.1 Cylinders. Cylinders that are exposed shall
(c) Overhead beam and fastenings
be visually inspected. Cylinders that are not exposed
(d) Drive machine brake
shall be tested. After a minimum of 15 min, a change
(e) Traction drive machines
in platform position that cannot be accounted for by
if) Gears and bearings visible oil leakage, valve leakage, or temperature change
(g) Winding drum machine
indicates a leak in the unexposed portion of the cylinder
(h) Belt- or chain-drive machine
or the piping.
(i) Traction sheaves .
(j) Secondary and deflector sheaves 10.3.1.2 Safeties
(k) Rope fastenings
10.3.1.2.1 All working parts of platform safeties
(1) Slack rope devices shall be inspected to determine that they are in satisfac-
(m) Governor, overspeed switch, and seal tory operating condition.
(n) Platform safeties
(0) Hydraulic power unit 10.3.1.2.2 Safeties shall be subjected to the fol-
(p) Control valves lowing tests with no load in the platform.
(q) Hydraulic cylinders (a) Type A, B, or C governor-operated safeties shall
be operated by tripping the governor by hand with the
10.2.2.3 Inside Runway Inspections platform operating at the slowest operating speed in the
(a)Platform, overhead, and deflector sheaves down direction. In this test the safety ,shall bring the
(b) Normal terminal stopping devices platform to rest promptly. In the case of Type A, B, or
(c) Final terminal stopping devices C safeties employing rollers or dogs for application of
(d) Broken rope, chain, or tape switch the safety, the rollers or dogs are not required to operate
(e) Counterweight their full traveL
if) Head room (b) Governor-operated wood guide-rail safeties shall
(g) Slack rope devices be tested by tripping the governor by hand with the
(h) Traveling sheave platform at rest and moving the platform in the down
(i) Platform safeties and guiding members direction until it is brought to rest by the safety, and the
(j) Runway construction hoisting ropes slip on the traction machines or become
(k) Pipes, wiring, and ducts slack on winding drum machines.
(1) Runway clearances (c) Type A and wood guide-rail safeties without gov-

(m) Traveling cables and junction boxes

ernors, which are operated as a result of the breaking
(n) Door and gate equipment
or slackening of the hoisting ropes, shall be tested by
(0) Platform frame
obtaining the necessary slack rope to cause it to function.
(p) Guide rails fastening and equipment 10.3.1.3 Governors. Governors shall be inspected
(q) Governor rope and operated manually to determine that all parts,
(r) Governor releasing carrier including those that impart the governor pull-through
(s) Wire rope fastening and hitch plate tension to the governor rope, operate freely.

.')7

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ASME A1B.1-200S SAFETY STANDARD FOR
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

10.3.1.4 Slack-Rope Devices on Winding Drum 10.3.3.2.2 The governor rope pull-through force
Machines. Slack-rope devices on winding drum shall be tested to determine conformance with the appli-
machines shall be operated manually and inspected to cable requirements, and the adjustment means shall be
determine conformance with the applicable require- sealed.
ments.
10.3.3.2.3 After these tests, a metal tag indicat-
10.3.1.5 Normal and Final Terminal Stopping ing the date of the governor tests together with the name
Devices. Normal and final terminal stopping devices of the person or firm that performed the tests shall be
shall be inspected and tested to determine conformance attached to the governor in a permanent manner.
with the applicable requirements. 10.3.3.3 Brake. The brake shall be tested by placing
10.3.1.6 Broken Rope, Tape, orChain Switch. Where 125% of rated load in the platform and running it to the
a rope, tape, or chain is used to connect the motion of lowest landing by normal operating means. The driving
the platform to the machine room normal limit, the machine shall safely lower, stop, and hold the platform
switch that senses failure of this connection shall be with this overload.
tested. 10.3.3.4 Ropes. Ropes used on roped-hydraulic
lifts shall be inspected. Coated rope shall be required
10.3.1.7 Slack-Rope Device on Roped-Hydraulic to have a magnetic flux test capable of detecting broken
Machines. Slack-rope devices for roped-hydraulic lifts wires in addition to a visual test.
will be tested for conformance by lowering the platform
or blocking and creating slack rope causing the device 10.3.3.5 Fastenings. Wire rope fastenings on
to operate. The slack rope can also be obtained by opera- roped-hydraulic lifts utilizing hydraulic jacks equipped
tion of the safety during the annual safety test. with pistons that are hidden by cylinder head seals shall
also be inspected even if it is temporarily necessary to
10.3.2 Three-Year Inspection and Test Requirements support the platform by other means and disassemble
the cylinder head.
10.3.2.1 Unexposed Portions of Pistons. Piston
rods of roped water hydraulic lifts shall be exposed, 10.4 Acceptance Inspections and Tests
thoroughly cleaned, and inspected for wear or corrosion.
The piston rods shall be replaced if at any place the Inspections and Tests Required. All new installations
diameter is less than the root diameter of the threads. shall be inspected and tested to determine their safety
and compliance with the applicable requirements of this
10.33 Five-Year Inspection and Test Requirements Standard before being placed in service. The inspections
and tests shall include routine (para. 10.2), periodic
10.3.3.1 Platform Safeties. Types A, S, and C safe- (para. 10.3), and those specified in para. 10.4.l.
ties, except those operating on wood guide rails and Installations on which alterations have been per-
their governors, shall be tested with rated load in the formed shall be inspected and tested as required by
platform. Test shall be made by tripping the governor para. 10.5 before being placed back in service.
by hand at the rated speed. The following operational
conditions shall be checked: 10.4.1 General Requirements for Types A, B, and C
(a) Type S safeties shall stop the platform with the
Safeties. The following requirements apply to the
rated load within the required range of stopping devices acceptance tests of Types A, S, and C safeties.
for which the governor is tripped. 10.4.1.1 Platform safeties shall be tested with
(b) For Type A safeties and Type A safety parts of rated load in the platform. In making the test of platform
Type C safeties, there shall be sufficient travel of the safeties, the load shall be centered on each quarter of
safety rollers or dogs remaining after the test to bring the the platform floor symmetrically with respect to the
platform and its rated load to rest on safety application at center lines of the platform floor. Counterweight safeties,
governor tripping speed. A metal tag shall be attached where provided, shall be tested with no load in the
to the safety-releasing carrier in a permanent manner, platform.
giving the date 6f the safety test together with the name 10.4.1.2 The tripping speed of the governor shall
of the person or firm who performed the test. be measured by means of a tachometer.
10.3.3.2 Governors 10.4.1.3 If adjustments to the governor tripping
speed are made, the governor shall be sealed immedi-
10.3.3.2.1 The tripping speed of the governor
ately following the test.
and the speed at which the governor overspeed switch,
where provided, operates shall be tested to determine 10.4.1.4 The operation of the governor overspeed
conformance with the applicable requirements and the and the platform safety-mechanism switch shall be
adjustable means shall be sealed. tested to determine conformance.

SR
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SAFETY STANDARD FOR ASME A1B.1-2005
PLATFORM LIFTS AND STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS

10.4.1.5 After the safety has stopped the platform, cause sufficient overspeed when the machine brake is
the level of the platform floor shall be checked to deter- released to trip the governor jaws, shall be tested by
mine conformance. operating the platform at its normal speed in the down
direction and tripping governor jaws by hand.
10.4.2 Type A Governor-Operated Safeties. Type A
governor-operated safeties shall be tested by operating 10.4.4.2 The overspeed switch on the governor
the platform at its normal speed in the down direction shall be inoperative during the overspeed test. In order
and tripping the governor jaws by hand. A test shall to assume that the safety will retard the platform with
also be made of the inertia application of the safety to minimum assistance from the driving machine and min-
determine conformance by attaching the proper weight imize the development of slack rope and fallback of the
to the return run of the governor rope. The manufacturer counterweight, the switch on the platform operated by
shall inform the person making the test of the weight the platform safety mechanism shall, for the duration
necessary to be added to the governor rope when mak- of the test, be temporarily adjusted to open as close as
ing the inertia application test. This weight shall be the possible to the position at which the platform safety
weight necessary to reproduce inertia operation of the mechanism is in the fully applied position.
safety, at not more than 910 gravity. The inertia applica-
tion test shall be made with the platform stationary, and 10.4.5 Normal Terminal Stopping Devices
the weight when released shall move the safety parts 10.4.5.1 The bottom normal terminal stopping
into contact with the rails. Inertia application of the device shall be tested with 125% of rated load on the
safety on Type A auxiliary safety plank of Type C safeties platform for conformance.
is not required.
10.4.5.2 The top normal terminal stopping device
10.4.2.1 If means other than inertia application of shall be tested with no load on the platform for confor-
the safety is provided, such means shall be tested in an mance.
appropriate manner to ensure that the safety will apply
without appreciable delay under free-fall condition and 10.4.6 Stop Ring. The plunger shall be inspected by
that safety application is independent of the location of inching the platform up to verify that a stop ring has
the break in the hoisting ropes. been provided.
10.4.3 Type A Safeties Without Governors. Type A 10.4.7 Bottom Cylinder Clearance. The bottom cylin-
safeties without governors, which are operated only as der clearance shall be checked to determine confor-
a result of the breaking or slackening of the suspension mance.
ropes, shall be tested by obtaining the necessary slack
10.4.8 Speed. The rated speed in the up direction
rope to cause it to function.
and the operating speed in the down direction shall be
10.4.4 Types Band C Safeties verified.
10.4.4.1 Types Band C safeties shall be subjected
10.5 Inspection and Test Requirements for Altered
to an overspeed test, with the suspension ropes attached,
Installations
by gradually increasing the speed of the platform until
the governor causes application of the safety. Safeties of Where any alteration is made, the entire installation
lifts equipped with alternating current driving macrine shall comply with the applicable sections 2 through 7
motors, where the platform with its rated load does not including para. 10.4, Acceptance Inspection and Tests.

S9
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
 nO
Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
 ISBN 0-7918-2959-6

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Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ~

No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~