Australian Hydraulic Platform Lift Compliance: AS-1735 Guide
Compliance matters a lot for elevators and lifts, and in fact, this compliance is the major difference between a properly functioning lift and one that can break down at any time without notice. AS-1735 standards must be followed in fitting, manufacturing and installation of hydraulic platform lifts and, in fact, any other kind of lift or elevator. AS-1735 provides guidelines for the installation, performance, maintenance, and care of these machines. Let us understand AS-1735 in detail in this post.
AS-1735 provides guidelines for the lift installation - Oldmateelevators
UNDERSTANDING AS-1735 IN PRACTICE
Standards Australia established
the framework for lift design, construction, installation, and maintenance
under AS-1735. For hydraulic systems, the standards set in AS-1735 are very
clear, and they cover the following –
- Load ratings and car dimensions
- Emergency lowering and backup systems
- Door protection and obstruction detection
- Pit depth and overhead clearances
ROUTINE INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
One thing to understand here is
that compliance doesn't set in isolation. There are obligations enforced by the
Australian Building Codes Board and the National Construction Code regarding
mechanical standards for hydraulic platform lift installations and all other
types of lifts and elevators
services.
| Standards for hydraulic platform lift installations - Oldmateelevators |
DEFECTS TRIGGERED BY INSTALLATION MISTAKES
On-site issues emerge during the
installation of hydraulic
platform lifts in existing buildings. Common mistakes committed in this
situation are –
- Inadequate structural support for hydraulic rams
- Incorrect pit drainage in flood-prone areas
- Poor ventilation in enclosed shafts
- Electrical supply not matched to pump requirements
These mistakes can lead to slow
approval and inflated installation costs. Affordable hydraulic platform lift
services must be availed to determine coordination between every employee
involved in supplying, installation and lift maintenance.
SERVICING OBLIGATIONS UNDER AS-1735
The installation of a hydraulic
platform lift doesn't mean the compliance-related headache is over. Ongoing
servicing and maintenance should also be performed as per AS-1735, and this
includes prescribed inspection intervals, annual testing of safety circuits,
pressure systems and emergency lowering functions. Facility managers where
hydraulic platform lift installations are present must be involved in
recordkeeping, and service logs should also be available for easy reference.
| Facility managers where hydraulic platform lift installations - Oldmateelevators |
DESIGNING FOR AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS
Hydraulic platform lifts respond
differently in different climates prevailing in Australia. For example, a
hydraulic platform lift installed in Queensland will perform completely differently
compared to cooler southern states.
Oil viscosity will be affected,
and also the performance under different temperatures. Outdoor hydraulic
platform lifts demand UV-resistant finish and weather-rated enclosures.
Frequently asked questions related to the maintenance of hydraulic platform
lifts as per AS-1735 standards are presented below.
WHAT IS AS-1735?
- A national standard governing lift design, safety systems, installation and maintenance in Australia.
DO HYDRAULIC PLATFORM LIFTS REQUIRE ANNUAL INSPECTIONS?
- Yes.
- Most states mandate yearly servicing and documented safety testing.
DOES AS-1735 COVER ACCESSIBILITY?
- It addresses lift safety; accessibility compliance aligns with the NCC.
CAN EXISTING BUILDINGS RETROFIT A COMPLIANT HYDRAULIC LIFT?
- Yes, provided structural, electrical and spatial requirements meet current standards.
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