Platform lifts in existing buildings

[Codegeek]

This is a hypothetical question...

I'm looking at Section 3411.8.3 in the 2012 IBC which recognizes that platform lifts can serve as a component of an accessible route when complying with A117.1 and installed in accordance with ASME A18.1.

Since this would be an existing building, there is no requirement for accessible means of egress per Section 3411.6, exception #2 and Section 1007.1, exception #1.

Based on the fact that the language requiring the platform lift to be on standby power is found only in Section 1007.5, would there be no requirement for standby power on a platform lift being used in an existing building?

Your thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[cda]

are you saying the lift is not a part of the moe??

if not than standby power is not required

 

[Codegeek]

According to the IBC, an accessible MOE is not required in an existing building. So if there is no requirement for an accessible MOE, then no standby correct? That's essentially my question.

 

[mtlogcabin]

Correct

Even in a new building elevators and platform lifts do not require standby power in all cases

 

[Codegeek]

Thanks mt, that's what I thought but I just wanted to make sure. I appreciate the confirmation.

 

[north star]

= + = +

The requirement for standby power is also in Section 2702.2.6, `06 IBC.

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[Codegeek]

= + = +The requirement for standby power is also in Section 2702.2.6, `06 IBC.

+ = + =

Agreed. That specific reference refers only to the lift needing standy power when the lift is serving as the accessible means of egress. All the more code language to indicate that standby power is NOT needed on an existing building platform lift installation.

Thanks everyone.

 

[north star]

= + = +

codegeek,

In your hypothetical scenario, was the lift installed as an

Accessible MOE in the initial installation?

+ = + =

 

[Codegeek]

There's never been one installed for the scenario. I'm doing some research and I know the question will come up from a client, hence the question. If it were a real situation, it would most likely be installed after the original construction and therefore be part of an existing building.

 

[north star]

= = =

Wouldn't an "after the original construction" be considered

"NEW" construction, and therefore, be considered an

Accessible MOE?

In some words, ...if a lift is installed, ...isn't it for

Accessibility? ...and if the ADA person can get up onto

the platform, how will they get down if power is lost?

+ + +

 

[Codegeek]

= = =Wouldn't an "after the original construction" be considered

"NEW" construction, and therefore, be considered an

Accessible MOE?

In some words, ...if a lift is installed, ...isn't it for

Accessibility? ...and if the ADA person can get up onto

the platform, how will they get down if power is lost?

+ + +

Several years after the original construction wouldn't be new would it, especially if the existing tenant is making alterations to the space which would deem the use of the platform as necessary for accessibility?

That's why I posed the question, if the lift can be used in alterations for the accessible route, what now happens to the AMOE? Since the IBC and IEBC say AMOE isn't required in existing buildings, then I suppose it's not an issue.

 

[north star]

+ + +

Perhaps, I misunderstood your posting, ...thinking that the lift

would now be added to an existing platform.

If the lift has been there all along, then "mtlogcabin" and yourself

are correct, ...no back-up power is required, ...however, in the

interest of trying to assist "challenged individuals", ...I WOULD

recommend installing some type of back-up power capabilities,

or, some lifts DO come with a release mechanism that would

lower the lift to an Accessible level without the use of electrical

power.

+ + +

 

[Codegeek]

Thanks northstar, I agree that recommending the standby power would be a reasonable item to provide if the lift does not have the ability to lower without the use of power.