CSA B355:19

Preface:

This is the seventh edition of CSA B355, Platform lifts and stair lifts for barrier-free access. It supersedes the previous editions published in 2015, 2009, 2000, 1994, 1986, and 1981 under the title Lifts for persons with physical disabilities. This edition incorporates the requirements previously contained in CAN/CSA-B613, Private residence lifts for persons with physical disabilities.

This edition also includes the following changes:
a) addition of requirements to address the risk of falling from an inclined platform;
b) addition of the following definitions: alteration; driving machine, direct; endurance limit of a component; pendant control; portable equipment; relocatable lift; replacement; and traction machine;
c) removal of the definition for conformance test. Definitions for wheelchair and attendant platform and wheelchair platform were removed and new requirements were added;
d) modification of the following definitions: vertical platform lift, enclosed vertical platform lift, and unenclosed vertical platform lift;
e) revised runway requirements;
f) addition of non-mandatory Annex D, addressing alterations;
g) addition of requirements to address glass in vision panels, in the runway, in a door or gate, and on the carriage;
h) addition of requirements to address type test;
i) addition of requirements for testing and certification of interlocks, combination mechanical locks, and electrical contacts;
j) addition of requirements to address traction drives;
k) revised requirements for overspeed governors;
l) revised requirements for foldable seats;
m) revised requirements for electrical protective devices;
n) addition of marking requirements for interlocks that require gravity to operate;
o) addition of new requirements for data plates; and
p) corrections to Table 1.

This Standard has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group.

Scope:

1.1
This Standard specifies minimum requirements for the design, construction, installation, and operation of platform lifts and stair lifts that provide barrier-free access for persons with limited mobility, travelling between fixed points of a building or structure, including a private residence, with a view to safeguarding against risk of accidents associated with the operation of such equipment.

1.2
This Standard addresses requirements for
a) enclosed vertical platform lifts;
b) unenclosed vertical platform lifts;
c) stair lifts;
d) enclosed stair platform lifts; and
e) unenclosed stair platform lifts.

1.3
This Standard provides recommendations for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of platform lifts and stair lifts for barrier-free access (see Clause 11 and Annexes A and B). This Standard also provides non-mandatory guidelines for relocatable lifts (see Annex E).

1.4
This Standard does not apply to elevating devices addressed by ASME A17.1/CSA B44 or to portable equipment.

1.5
This Standard does not address location of, access to, and usage of the lifts specified herein. Note: These factors might be regulated by the enforcing authority.

1.6
The provisions of this Standard are not intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety to those prescribed by this Standard, provided that there is technical documentation to demonstrate the equivalency of the system, method, or device.
Note: Authorities having jurisdiction may permit modifications to this Standard provided that technical documentation or physical performance verification can assure the safety equivalence of such modifications to the corresponding requirements of this Standard.

1.7
In this Standard, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (nonmandatory) to define their application.