Long story short, in order to be considered ADA compliant, a platform lift must comply with the ASME A18.1 Safety Standard. However, the standard is nuanced, and complying with the letter of the standard can be a bit complicated.
Platform lifts serve as a means of providing accessible routes in buildings, but their use is carefully regulated. For example, in new construction, a platform lift can only be installed in specific situations. These include providing access to wheelchair spaces, performance areas, speakers’ platforms, and certain limited-occupancy spaces. They’re also permitted in courtroom stations, within lodging rooms and residential units, and in recreational facilities like amusement rides and sports facilities.
The ASME A18.1 places significant emphasis on safety and operational standards. This emphasis is reflected in platform lift design, construction, installation, and maintenance.
A platform lift must meet the following requirements to be ADA compliant:
- Must comply with ASME A18.1 Safety Standard (1999 or 2003 editions), although local requirements may differ.
- Must be independently operable without attendant assistance
- Platform must be 36 inches minimum width, with length requirements of:
- 48 inches minimum if doors are only on narrow ends
- 60 inches minimum if doors are on longer sides
- Must have power-operated doors/gates that remain open for at least 20 seconds
- Maximum clearance of 1¼ inches between platform sill and runway landing edge
- Must include standby power if part of an accessible means of egress
- Controls must meet operable parts requirements and reach ranges
- Platform must meet clear floor space and surface requirements
Ascension Platform Lifts
Physical Dimensions
Per ASME A18.1, platform lifts must meet specific dimensional requirements. The platform must be at least 36 inches wide, and its length requirements vary depending on door placement. For example, if doors are only on the narrow ends, the platform needs to be at least 48 inches long. However, if a door is placed on the longer side, the minimum length increases to 60 inches to allow for proper side approach maneuvering.
Powered Doors, Gates, and Standby Power
The standards also specify various technical requirements, such as power-operated doors and gates that must remain open for at least 20 seconds, and a maximum clearance of 1¼ inches between the platform sill and runway landing edge. Platform lifts that are part of an accessible means of egress must be equipped with standby power, according to the International Building Code.
Platform Clear Floor Space and Surface Requirements
On a platform lift, the platform must provide enough unobstructed space for a wheelchair user to safely maneuver. The surface needs to be stable, firm, and slip-resistant. Any changes in level on the platform surface must be minimal to prevent tripping hazards or difficulties for wheelchair users. The platform must remain level throughout operation, and the floor surface should provide good traction without creating obstacles or hazards for wheels or mobility devices.
The platform clear-floor space must be at least 36 inches (3 feet) wide, while the length requirements vary depending on how the doors or gates are configured.
For example, if the platform has doors only on the narrow ends (think of it like a straight-through passage), the platform must be at least 48 inches (4 feet) long. This configuration allows a wheelchair user to enter from one end and exit from the other while having enough space to maneuver safely.
However, if the door or gate is on the longer side of the platform (imagine entering from the side rather than the end), then the platform must be at least 60 inches (5 feet) long. This extra length is important to provide the space for a wheelchair user to make a side approach and turn safely when entering or exiting from the side.
Think of it this way: when a wheelchair user needs to turn to exit from the side, they need more space to execute that 90-degree turn compared to moving straight through. That’s why the length requirement increases by a full foot when side access is provided.
Read Through a Summary of ASME A18.1 Portable Code
Portable Lifts, ADA Compliance, and Temporary Structures
Portable platform lifts are only permitted in one very specific scenario: when serving temporary structures. This is the ASME A18.1 standard’s sole exception to the rule requiring permanent installation of platform lifts.
The general rule is that platform lifts must be permanent and installed during initial construction or when a building is being altered. This requirement exists to ensure reliable, consistent access for people with disabilities.
However, when dealing with temporary structures – temporary stages, exhibition booths, provisional facilities, etc. – the rules recognize that permanent installation doesn’t make sense. In such cases, portable platform lifts may be used to provide accessibility.
