Lifts

All lift platforms on vehicles used to transport students with mobility impairments shall meet the following requirements and shall be able to lift a maximum weight of eight hundred (800) pounds on HS and HB vehicles and seven hundred fifty (750) pounds on all other classes of vehicles: (a) For class HS, HB and HV vehicles: (1) The lift platforms shall have a minimum usable width of thirty (30) inches and a minimum usable length of forty-two (42) inches when measured two (2) inches above the platform surface, and shall have a minimum usable width of twenty-eight and one-half (28½) inches and a minimum usable length of forty (40) inches when measured at the platform surface as shown in figure 1. The platform surface shall be skid resistant and shall be equipped with protective curbing on each side no less than one and one-half (1½) inches above the platform surface. The platform slope shall not exceed ten percent (10%) in the passage direction when loaded with six hundred (600) pounds evenly applied in a thirty by thirty (30 x 30) inch square at the center of the platform. A self-adjusting steel or equivalent strength ramp transition plate shall be provided to allow smooth wheelchair passage from ground level onto the lowered lift platform. The transition plate shall raise to a position perpendicular to the platform plus or minus twenty degrees (±20°) and shall latch in order to provide a roll-off barrier or end flap for the wheelchair. (2) In order to prevent a wheelchair located on the lift platform from tipping or inadvertently rolling or falling from the lift platform, the lift platform shall incorporate either: (A) a raised end flap as provided in subdivision (1) of this subsection extending a minimum of three and one-half (3½) inches in height, together with an adjustable restraint belt installed between the lift handrails or otherwise positioned across the open side(s) of the lift platform; or (B) a raised end flap extending at least eight (8) inches in height from the lift platform floor along the open side(s) of the platform. When required, the restraint belt shall be connected electrically or mechanically to the lift mechanism to prevent raising or lowering of the lift unless the restraint belt is properly latched. Both the raised end flap and/or restraint belt shall be installed in a manner to minimize risk to wheelchair occupants while on the lift platform. All electrical controls and wiring shall be weatherproof. The electrical system of the vehicle shall be capable of supporting the electrical requirements of the lift without significantly reducing the electrical supply to the remainder of the vehicle. (3) A manual backup system shall also be provided for use in the event of power loss. The backup system shall be capable of repeatedly lowering and raising the platform in no more than two (2) minutes per complete cycle and shall be operable from inside the vehicle. (b) For all classes of vehicles other than classes HS, HB or HV, the lift platforms shall conform to the requirements of Section 14-275c-31 (a) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. (c) Controls shall be provided that enable the operator to activate the lift from either the inside or outside the bus. There shall be a means for preventing the lift platform from falling while in operation due to a power failure or a single component mechanical failure. (d) The lift platform shall be equipped with two (2) handrails which shall be not less than twenty-five (25) inches in height and eighteen (18) inches in length and designed to fold when in stowed position so as not to add to overall lift projection into the vehicle. (e) An appropriate sized circuit breaker shall be installed between the power source and lift motor if electrical power is used. (f) Lift design shall prevent excessive pressure that could damage the lift system when the platform is fully lowered or raised, or that could jack the vehicle. (g) The lift mechanism shall be designed to prevent folding or stowing of the lift when the lift platform is occupied. (h) Any lift platform which does not provide a clear opening of at least thirty (30) inches when folded or stowed shall provide a mechanical emergency release which allows the platform to be unfolded in the event of electrical or hydraulic failure. (i) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section to the contrary, any lift platform on a vehicle used to transport students with mobility impairments and which meets the requirements of The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Public Law 101-336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327, shall be deemed to meet the requirements of this section. Figure 1. Minimum Clearance on Lifts