Policies regarding the installation of inclined platform lifts in public building stairways vary extensively from one jurisdiction to another. Before approaching authorities regarding the possible use of an inclined platform lift consider the following factors and options. Usually the selection of good location, combined with the specification of the right product with the right safety options, such as fire alarm integration and foldable components, can result in a safe application that will satisfy the local Building Inspector and Fire Marshal.
Given a choice, always locate the lift in the widest and least busy stairway. In some cases, a building may have an extra stairway or one with egress width beyond requirements for the building occupancy. In the case of alterations, often a small stairway can be widened to maintain the required egress width.
The curving Garaventa GSL Artira will follow the shape of the stairway, including upper and lower landings. This means that the platform can be parked away from the landings when being loaded or stored. The guide tubes, of similar dimensions to handrails, have no impact on stair width. Thus egress width is affected only when the lift is actually in use. Typically this is only a few minutes per day, given the limited use of these lifts.
Although not a code requirement, AV Alerts are a very popular safety option. Mounted in the stairway, or at the upper and lower entrance to the stairway, they activate as soon as the lift is turned on or the platform is opened. This alerts stairway pedestrians to the presence of the lift in the stairs.
Like elevators, inclined platform lifts should not be used in a fire or emergency. Garaventa lifts can be integrated with building fire alarm systems so that the lift can not be activated once the alarm has been triggered. Further, if the lift is on the stairs when the alarm is triggered, the special control circuitry allows the lift to travel only to the designated exit level where it shuts down. A variation of this design that automatically takes the lift to the exit level, much like fire service on an elevator, is also available.
A common concern is that the platform and passenger restraining arms, if left folded open on the stairs, could create a tripping obstruction or egress obstruction.
Manual Fold Capabilities: All Garaventa platforms and restraining arms are designed so that they can be quickly and easily folded in the event of an emergency. Clutches and quick-release systems allow disengagement from the motors.
Auto-Fold: For further safety, lifts can be equipped with a special timer circuit that will automatically fold the platform if left open for a certain time period. This ensures the platform is always folded out of the way, ready for the next lift user.
Auxiliary Power Supply: A concern related to maintaining egress width is the possibility that power to the lift may fail while the lift is on the stairway. Statistically the risk is small. However, if power failures are common in the area, auxiliary power systems (battery backup) are available. These systems are always standing by and engage automatically if the power is lost.
Stairway Clearance Submittals: Finally, when your design is done, know the impact of the lift on egress width including the effect of the guide rails, folded platform and open platform. To assist you Garaventa engineers will prepare site drawings showing the lift layout, platform parking positions and path of travel when folded and open.
Egress width is an important consideration when planning for the use of an inclined platform lift. However, as listed above, there are a variety of solutions that will either eliminate or mitigate the issue. This calls for proper planning in terms of lift location, model selection and specification.
For assistance contact your local Garaventa representative or the Garaventa Design Consulting Team at 1-800-663-6556.
