GSA Courthouse Management Group
Mechanical Lift Analysis
Clearances between the platform and adjacent fixed floor levels exceed 1 IN.
There is a mechanism to prevent operating the lift when the gate is open, but there is no
mechanism to prevent opening the gate when the platform is raised.
Operation is generally smooth, but there is a "clicking" noise when the platform reaches the
lowest level.
It is possible to stop and start during a travel cycle.
Once the platform is at the raised height, it should remain at that position; however, it has a
tendency to slowly drop over a short period of time.
A custom piece of folding hardware must be fitted onto the platform to be raised to the judge's
bench height. When inserted, this hardware was misaligned and scrapped the adjacent fixed platform.
The platform is not rigid and stable, resulting in a substantial amount of flex.
Carpet is frayed at all edges where platform meets the adjacent fixed floor surfaces.
Access to the judge's bench from the platform was disconnected due to excessive movement and
flex when the lift was raised to that level.
The components of the lift were well integrated into the millwork, although modifications to the
design became necessary when the substitute manufacturer could not meet the project requirements.
The manufacturer, selected by substitution, did not produce a stable installation. The acceptance of
a non-standard, poorly engineered product led to the Court representatives deleting wheelchair lifts from
the renovated courtrooms in the existing building.
The lift occupies only a portion of the witness box floor area, with no wheel stops provided for
conditions when the lift is at a different level.
HDR Architecture, Inc.
Scranton, PA Installation 5-67
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