CSA Group CSA B355:19 National Standard of Canada (reaffirmed 2024) Platform lifts and stair lifts for barrier-free access

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 is considered suitable for use for conformity assessment within the stated scope of the Standard.

This Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee for Platform Lifts and Stair Lifts for Barrier-Free Access under the jurisdiction of the Strategic Steering Committee on Mechanical Industrial Equipment Safety, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee.

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.

Notes:

1) Use of the singular does not exclude the plural (and vice versa) when the sense allows.

2) Although the intended primary application of this Standard is stated in its Scope, it is important to note that it remains the responsibility of the users of the Standard to judge its suitability for their particular purpose.

3) This Standard was developed by consensus, which is defined by CSA Policy governing standardization — Code of good practice for standardization as “substantial agreement. Consensus implies much more than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity”. It is consistent with this definition that a member may be included in the Technical Committee list and yet not be in full agreement with all clauses of this Standard.

4) To submit a request for interpretation of this Standard, please send the following information to [email protected] include “Request for interpretation” in the subject line:

a) define the problem, making reference to the specific clause, and, where appropriate, include an illustrative sketch;

b) provide an explanation of circumstances surrounding the actual field condition; and

c) where possible, phrase the request in such a way that a specific “yes” or “no” answer will address the issue.Committee interpretations are processed in accordance with the CSA Directives and guidelines governing standardization and are available on the Current Standards Activities page at standardsactivities.csagroup.org.

5) This Standard is subject to review within five years from the date of publication. Suggestions for its improvement will be referred to the appropriate committee. To submit a proposal for change, please send the following information to [email protected] include “Proposal for change” in the subject line:

a) Standard designation (number);

b) relevant clause, table, and/or figure number;

c) wording of the proposed change; and

d) rationale for the change.

1 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 11and Annexes Aand 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.