A recent ASME errata document (R24_2733.pdf) confirms that the 2023 edition of ASME A18.1 – Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts contains significant editorial errors. Several rules present in the previous edition were inadvertently dropped. This document outlines the corrective changes needed to restore critical safety and design requirements.
What the Errata Addresses
- Omitted Rules Restored:
The errata lists multiple sections where key language was omitted. This includes essential updates to definitions, safety requirements (such as interlocks, emergency lowering, and barrier systems), and design and testing protocols. - Technical Corrections:
Changes correct the technical specifications for load capacities, operational speeds, and installation details. These corrections ensure that the standard meets the industry’s safety benchmarks and design best practices. - Extent of Impact:
The omissions span several sections of the standard. The corrections affect not only the language but also the practical application of the safety measures, potentially compromising the functionality of platform lifts and stairway chairlifts if not addressed.
Implications for Compliance and Safety
- For Builders and Architects:
Incorporating the errata is crucial during design and planning. Projects built to the uncorrected 2023 edition may lack essential safety features, leading to potential risks and noncompliance with local regulations. - For Local AHJs:
Jurisdictions adopting the “latest edition” must ensure that the errata corrections are applied. Failure to do so could result in inspection challenges and enforcement issues, as critical safety elements might be missing from installations. - Adoption Options:
- Immediate Action: Adopt the 2023 edition alongside the errata.
- Delay Adoption: Postpone implementation until the next full revision, expected in 2026, to avoid potential compliance and safety risks.
What You Should Do
- Review the Errata Document:
Download and review R24_2733.pdf to understand all corrections. Ensure that design, construction, and maintenance protocols reflect these changes. - Communicate:
Inform your project teams, inspectors, and regulatory officials about the errata. Clarify that the 2023 edition must be read in conjunction with the errata to meet safety requirements. - Verify Local Adoption Status:
Check with your local AHJ to confirm which edition of ASME A18.1 is in effect and whether the errata have been incorporated into your jurisdiction’s code. - Plan for Future Revisions:
Consider the long-term implications for your projects. Delaying adoption until the revised edition (anticipated in 2026) may be preferable if it avoids the complexities introduced by the current omissions.
By addressing these corrections now, builders, architects, and AHJs can ensure that projects remain safe, compliant, and aligned with the industry’s best practices. It is a critical step toward safeguarding public safety and maintaining consistency across installations.
