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wheel chair lift sidewall height - where in the code?

C

ccollings

SAWHORSE
Joined
Sep 4, 2020
Messages
107
Location
Cleveland
we are installing a wheelchair lift in a auditorium to access the orchestra pit. I've been told by the elevator installer that code requires the sidewalls of the lift shaft to be 42" a.f.f. I can not find this anywhere in the code. does anyone know where this is? This is a image of a similar auditorium. We have the side walls of the lift at 30" a.f.f. which is the height of the orchestra pit wall and will require a code variance. IMG_8363.jpg
 
Unless it is within the elevator code (ASME A18.1), I think the IBC section below could apply. Ask the inspector for the code section?

1029.17.3 Sightline-constrained guard heights.
Unless subject to the requirements of Section 1029.17.4, a fascia or railing system in accordance with the guard requirements of Section 1015 and having a minimum height of 26 inches (660 mm) shall be provided where the floor or footboard elevation is more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below and the fascia or railing would otherwise interfere with the sightlines of immediately adjacent seating.
 
Since the installer is calling out 42" I'm guessing they're referring to requirements from 1015 but there's an exception there that I think would apply here:

On the audience side of stages and raised platforms, including stairs leading up to the stage and raised platforms.
 
We've done several auditoriums before with a similar orchestra pit lift design and have never had an issue. this is the first time that an installer has told us that we need to get a variance but without a specific code reference I don't know what I'm getting a variance of.
 
I'm a retired to theatre consultant, have worked on planning of over 100 theatre over 40 years, and a member of the ANSI A117.1 committee. My interpretation is about what your installer says. I have seen installations where they have not protected the lift with 42" guards, so some would say there is allowance. My solution has been the Virtuoso or Protege model from https://www.ascension-lift.com/wheelchair-lifts/. When up, they have a 42" guard around the platform. It descends with the lift and no part projects upward. The guard at the pit rail only needs to be the height of the pit rail. The lift itself can also be rolled out of the way. Meets the standard. BEWARE: probably double the cost of many lifts.

Accessibility regulations has made orchestra pits very difficult. For the most part, in later years before I retired, I worked very hard for under stage access. A stair and low bid lift backstage was just a trifle more expensive than through-the-house access, and much better for a number of reasons besides accessibility. Many of my colleagues simply refuse to do a recessed orchestra pit unless under stage access can be included. Just make pit at first row level, which is usually accesible.

I get you are in a difficult place now, and may be stuck, so maybe this helps next time.

FWIW, I've tried to stay in touch with my past projects with a little success. On those I reach, not one recalls lift being used by a person. Often by musical instruments in spite of warnings. Ditto lifts to control rooms in theatres.
 
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