CSA Group CSA B355:24 National Standard of Canada Platform lifts and stair lifts for barrier-free access

Preface

This is the eighth edition of CSA B355, Platform lifts and stair lifts for barrier-free access. It supersedes the previous editions published in 2019, 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 adverse environment lift installations;

b) revised requirements for the inclination for stair lifts and stair platform lifts;

c) addition of a requirement for locking and unlocking as intended in misalignment tests;

d) revised requirements for examination of operation;

e) revised terminology of platform vs. carriage;

f) addition of a requirement for hydraulic fluid overheating protection;

g) addition of a requirement for supporting handhold clearances in normal operation and while the lift is in motion;

h) revised requirements for the carriage and counterweight safeties;

i) revised requirements for requirements in CSA B44.1/ASME A17.5;

j) revised requirements for audible alarm and warning signals and actuation;

k) revised requirements for emergency stop devices;

l) removal of pendant control requirements;

m) addition of requirements for signs required with lift operating instructions; and

n) revised engineering tests of safeties in informative Annex A. An itemized list of changes is provided in Annex C.

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

This Code was prepared by the Technical Committee on 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 Code 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 Code is stated in its Scope, it is important to note that it remains the responsibility of the users of the Code to judge its suitability for their particular purpose.

3) This Code 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 Code.

4) To submit a request for interpretation of this Code, please send the following information to [email protected] and 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 Code 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] and 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 General

This Code 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 Requirement inclusions

This Code 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 Recommendations and non-mandatory inclusions

This Code 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 Code also provides non- mandatory guidelines for relocatable lifts (see Annex E).

1.4 Device exclusions

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

1.5 Scope exclusions

This Code does not address location of, access to, and usage of the lifts specified herein.

Note: These factors might be regulated by the authority having jurisdiction.

 1.6 Performance with technical documentation

The provisions of this Code 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 Code, 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 Code provided that technical documentation or physical performance verification can assure the safety equivalence of such modifications to the corresponding requirements of this Standard.

c) where possible, phrase the request in such a way that a specific “yes” or “no” answer will address the

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.

1. This Code is subject to review within five years from the date of 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] and include “Proposal for change” in the subject line:
   • Standard designation (number);
   • relevant clause, table, and/or figure number;
   • wording of the proposed change; and
   • rationale for the change.