Seattle ADA Lift — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the Seattle ADA Lift?
A: The Seattle ADA Lift is a bespoke, vertically retracting stair lift designed primarily for the U.S. market. It is based on the ASME A18.1 accessibility standard and accommodates both seated and standing users. The lift provides full enclosure on all four sides using rising handrails and barriers for maximum safety.
Q: Does the Seattle ADA Lift fully conform to ASME A18.1?
A: It does not conform to every clause of ASME A18.1 in its default state, but it has been engineered to meet the intent of the standard. Sesame Access works directly with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to adapt the design for approval and local compliance.
Q: How is the Seattle ADA Lift different from other Sesame retracting stair lifts?
A: Unlike the Buckingham or Wellington lifts, which are designed mainly for seated users, the Seattle Lift encloses the user on all four sides with 1100 mm-high barriers. It also includes continuous handrails on both sides and a horizontal grab rail positioned between 850 mm and 1000 mm above the platform, as required by ASME A18.1.
Q: What is the total travel height?
A: The Seattle ADA Lift can achieve up to 3 m of vertical travel, depending on the number of steps and platform length.
Q: What are the platform dimensions?
A:
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Platform length: 1700 mm (usable 1518 mm)
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Platform width (including handrails): 1314 mm
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Usable width inside handrails: 918 mm
These dimensions can be increased if required by local standards (for example, 1100 mm width in Scotland or Ireland).
Q: What is the pit depth?
A: Standard pit depth is 1700 mm for rises up to 1650 mm. For greater rises, the pit depth equals the total rise + 50 mm. Bellows can also be used to maintain a 1700 mm pit while increasing rise height.
Q: What are the upper landing barrier dimensions?
A:
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Depth from top riser back into the building: 600 mm
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Width: 1200 mm
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Typical pit depth for the barrier: around 1900 mm, though this can match the lift pit for easier construction and servicing.
Q: What are the lift pit dimensions?
A:
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Pit length (front to back): 1800 mm
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Pit width: 1514 mm.
Q: What safety systems does the Seattle ADA Lift include?
A: Safety features include:
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Touch-sensitive rising barriers
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Press-and-hold (dead-man) control operation
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Automatic stop on obstruction (150 N threshold)
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Safety edges or tape switches where local handrails present crush risks
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Manual lowering procedure and optional battery backup/UPS.
Q: Can the Seattle ADA Lift be installed outdoors?
A: Yes. The lift is suitable for both internal and external use, with drainage and weather-proofing provisions included in the design.
Q: What finishes are available?
A: The default design features glass handrails with stainless-steel framing and rising barriers. These can be replaced or electroplated in alternative finishes, provided no crush hazards are introduced.
Q: What are the machine room cabinet specifications (UL-approved)?
A: The system uses two separate UL-approved cabinets:
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Hydraulic cabinet: 1065 mm (H) × 762 mm (W) × 325 mm (D)
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Electrical cabinet: 1063 mm (H) × 914 mm (W) × 325 mm (D)
Power requirement: Three-phase, 480 V, 60 Hz, 30 A. Cabinets should be located within 10 m of the lift (longer runs require upgraded specification).
Q: How does the AHJ approval process work for U.S. installations?
A: Sesame Access prepares site-specific drawings and submits them to the AHJ for review before manufacture. The AHJ may request modifications to meet local interpretations of ASME A18.1. Sesame then adapts the lift accordingly to achieve sign-off.
Q: Is the lift UL-certified?
A: The lift itself is not UL-listed, but its machine room panels are UL-approved. This ensures the electrical and hydraulic components are compliant when reviewed on-site by the AHJ.
Q: What is the standard warranty and service arrangement?
A: Sesame engineers carry out the installation and provide a six-month warranty period. During this time, local service engineers are trained to maintain the system. After the first year, local teams take over the maintenance contract with remote support from Sesame.
Q: How is servicing performed if pit access is limited?
A: Ideally, access is via a hatch below the lift. If not, service engineers remove steps individually or access the lift from the upper landing. Maintenance design aims to simplify this process wherever possible.
Q: How often is the Seattle ADA Lift used at the Space Needle installation?
A: The Seattle Space Needle lift operates approximately 15 times per day, every day, and has proven extremely reliable.
Q: Does the lift include any optional features?
A: The Seattle Space Needle version included LED lighting in the stair risers and motion scanners that stop the lift if a person approaches the barriers—these are site-specific safety enhancements that can be added if required by the AHJ.