GSA Courthouse Management Group
Mechanical Lift Analysis
File: liftfm.j07
PROJECT / LOCATION:
JOHN M. SHAW U.S. COURTHOUSE
LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA
SITE VISIT (Y/N):
Y
SURVEYS (SENT / RECEIVED):
6/4
NUMBER OF LIFTS:
2
TYPE OF LIFT:
1 HYDRAULIC / SCISSORS
2
MANUFACTURER:
SOUTHWORTH /
T.L.SHIELD
MODEL #:
1
LS05-30
2
CAPACITY:
500 LB
NUMBER OF LEVELS SERVICED:
1
ACCOMMODATION:
PLAN DIAGRAM AT LIFT LOCATIONS
1 WITNESS BOX
2
CONSOLIDATED SURVEY & SITE VISIT INFORMATION:
The lift platform is actually the entire witness box floor and currently it can only be raised above
the witness box level to within 5 IN of the judge's bench level. (The limit switch would need to be
changed, plus the related cable mechanism lengthened in order to reach the judge's bench.)
A gate is provided at the judge's bench to access the lift platform. When the lifts are at the highest
position (5 IN lower than the judge's bench) the gate at that level unlocks, which indicates an intent
to access the judge's bench as part of the original design. It appears that there may have been a
coordination problem between the specifications, performance criteria, and shop drawing approval
process since the only issues that do not allow direct access to the judge's bench are the limit switch
and cable length.
The main concern from both maintenance staff and those that operate the lift are the difficulties
with the electromagnetic latch system. If the latch does not have total electromagnatic contact, the lift
won't operate because there is only a small amount of tolerance in the system. (The gate needs to
be jiggled until there is positive contact.) At this facility, and many others with similar
installations, this issue has led to concerns by the operators about dependability.
HDR Architecture, Inc.
Lafayette, LA Installation 5-42
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