Limited Use Limited Application (LULA Elevators)

A LULA elevator is a unique device that incorporates elements of a passenger elevator and an accessibility lift. While accessibility lifts are inspected under the B-355 code, LULA's are inspected under the elevator code (B-44). The major benefits to the end user can be summarized as follows:

• Automatic operation - unlike accessibility lifts you do not have to constantly hold the button to operate the device 
• Automatic sliding elevator doors - most accessibility lifts come standard with either swing gates or doors. The automatic sliding door allows for easier access to and from the car.
• Capacity - a LULA is typically rated at 1400lbs. Closed cab vertical platform lifts can have a capacity of up to 1400 lbs, but they are often rated at 1000lbs. Open cab vertical platform lifts start at capacities of as little as 550 lbs but are often rated at 750lbs.
• Car door - Accessibility lifts are not allowed to have a car door travel with the lift. As the device travels from floor to floor you can see the wall passing by. A LULA has a sliding elevator door that travels with the car. When you reach the desired floor, both the car door and the landing entrance door automatically open.

These features give the LULA the "feel" of a passenger elevator without some of the costly contractual work required. A LULA will usually require a pit of 14 inches rather than the 48 inches that is required for most passenger elevators. The hoistway construction is often simpler also. Typically a LULA's load is cantilevered off of one load bearing wall.

There are however code restrictions that must be considered when proposing a LULA.

• LULA's have a maximum travel of 7.5 meters (fire service will be required if the device travels more than 7 meters)
• LULA's have a maximum car size of 18 square feet (this will not accommodate a stretcher)
• The maximum speed of 40 feet per minute is slower than what you will find offered with regular passenger elevators.
• Just like passenger elevators, LULA's will require regular maintenance.
• A LULA must be installed under the supervision of a licensed elevator mechanic. Check to make sure that the company you choose to deal with has a local mechanic on staff.

LULA's are a great solution you will find installed in community centers, churches, schools, and anywhere that the travel is limited and an accessibility need exists.

For more code information and devices available in the province of Alberta please visit Canwest Elevators.

Canwest Elevator and Lifts is the largest independently owned elevator and lift company in the province of Alberta. With offices in Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton, we are able to service the entire province of Alberta and Eastern British Columbia

Inclined Platform Lifts

Inclined platform lifts are versatile accessibility lifts that can be incorporated into your barrier free design or can be utilized when a need suddenly arises. Benefits of inclined platform lifts include:

• They fit right on the stair way and do not require the same foot print as  traditional accessibility lifts. When folded up they only take up about 11" - 14" of the stair way.

• They typically do not require much contractual work, which can help reduce the overall cost. 

• They are an excellent solution for heritage buildings , or for buildings where creating an elevator or lift shaft is not possible

• They allow persons with disabilities to travel the same route as everyone else in the building.

• They can be installed quickly (2-3 days on site)

These lifts not only have the ability to accommodate straight stairways, they can also be installed on curving stair cases . The capacity would typically be 500lbs - 550lbs , depending on the model. Inclined platforms lifts offer a wide variety of platform sizes. It is recommended that you go with the largest size available especially if the unit comes with the side load feature (where the user is required to do a 90 degree turn at the lower landing). A quality inclined platform lift will have a Power Folding Platform as a standard feature. Passenger restraining arms should also be a standard feature.

Another option such as the Auto Fold feature may be required due to fire code regulations. A fire marshal may want to see if the lift will automatically fold up if left unattended for a period of time. This feature would keep the stair way from being blocked in the event of an emergency. We highly recommend this feature as it also deters vandalism from occurring if the lift is left unattended.

A fold down seat can be a useful option if the rider is not using a wheelchair. When these lifts are installed in public applications you can not be certain if the end user will be utilizing a cane, walker, or a wheelchair. The B-355 code is primarily concerned with safety, so a trained lift professional should be consulted when determining what practical options should be added. Simply satisfying the code is not always enough to ensure a successful installation.

If the wall structure is not strong enough to support the loads imposed , tower mounting the lift is always an option. Independently supported towers can be mounted directly into the stair tread and in the case of concrete stairs may need no wall support at all. It is also possible to mount the towers in the core of the stairway, leaving the stair treads completely untouched. It is always best to involve a lift consultant in the design phase so that the most appropriate mounting method can be determined.

A variety of colors and finishes are available so that the devices impact on the decor can be minimized. A stainless steel unit can also be provided for exterior applications.

Your local lift expert will be able to advise you of local code requirements and give you a descriptions of all the options available.

Canwest Elevator and Lifts is the largest independently owned elevator and lift company in the province of Alberta. With offices in Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton, we are able to service the entire province of Alberta and Eastern British Columbia

When minimum code is not enough

Unlike like residential elevators installed in Alberta, devices installed in public applications are required to be registered and inspected by AEDARSA. By doing this the industry is regulated, and devices installed all meet a minimum standard. There are however, situations where simply meeting code is not enough.






To install an inclined platform lift and not have an automatic folding platform seems ridiculous. If the intent of these lifts is to grant independence and ensure true barrier free access, manually folding platforms fall short of these goals.While some individuals have increased mobility,  how can we expect all wheelchair user to manually fold the lift up and down? This is a perfect example of meeting code, but not meeting the needs of the end user.



I am always perplexed when a see a specification that asks for the smallest platform available (while still meeting code). Why not specify the largest one available? This is very achievable when in the design phase. You would be surprised as to the impact on the end user, when 6 extra inches is added to the length of the lift platform. Under the B-355 code, accessibility lifts are able to have a platform as large as 21 square feet.



This lift has a pit so no ramp is necessary

Another situation I often run into is when a ramp is used at the lower landing rather than a 3 inch pit. This is sometimes necessary if the device is going into existing construction. If I see this specified on new construction, I always see if the ramp can be eliminated and a pit can be utilized. This is far easier for the end user to access the lift if they do not have to wheel up a ramp as they try to open the door. If the ramp is the only option then it is highly recommended that a power door operator be used.



This brings us to call stations and their installation location. If a power door operator is incorporated into a lift with a ramp, it is critical that the call station is located remotely - not in the door frame. B-355 elevators or lifts are required to operate on constant pressure controls, which means you have to constantly hold the button while calling the lift or operating the lift. If the call station is located in the path of a door swing this can be very difficult for the wheelchair user. If the call station is in the door frame and a ramp is incorporated into the design, it is almost impossible to wheel up the ramp, hold your position while you call the lift, and try to avoid the door as it swings open.

Other pet peeves include bi-folding doors with a track on the bottom (perfect for catching smaller walker wheels), improper egress as you exit the lift, and designs that do not consider an evacuation device for folks using wheelchairs.

If you have any questions regarding accessibility lifts, please feel free to contact us.

Canwest Elevator and Lifts is the largest independently owned elevator and lift company in the province of Alberta. With offices in Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton, we are able to service the entire province of Alberta and Eastern British Columbia

The right lift for the right application

  When it comes to commercial accessibility , there is no shortage of products available in the Alberta market place. The key is to find the right product that satisfies the challenges of  the situation.

The following is a brief description of devices available:

Vertical Platform Lifts (open or half cab) are typically rated for a 750 lb capacity. This is a lift that is open in the hoist-way and has side walls that are about 42" high. They can come with their own plexi-glass enclosure or a hoistway can be constructed. The standard doors are plexi-glass and steel (not fire rated), but it can be ordered with fire doors if necessary (Shaftway model only). The largest platform available for these devices is  usually 45" x 60" , but the configuration of the cab can effect this . This lift is inspected under the B-355 code and operates using constant pressure.

Vertical Platform Lifts (full height cab) are usually rated for 1000lb capacity but can be upgraded to 1400lb if required. They have a full height cab complete with a ceiling. The standard offering comes with fire rated swing doors. This lift is inspected under the B-355 code and operates using constant pressure. Typically these would be installed with a 48" x 60" or a 36" x 60"platform. The maximum vertical travel allowable by code is 7 meters for all B-355 devices

A LULA has a 1400lb capacity and functions like a regular passenger elevator (with restrictions on speed, travel, and cab size). It also has standard elevator doors. The LULA is inspected under the elevator code (B-44). A licensed elevator mechanic is required to install a LULA.

 Inclined Platform Lifts are devices that can accommodate a wheelchair and travel up the stair way. In Canada there are very few products that satisfy the B-355 code , so make sure you ask to see an installation before you consider buying one. These devices can be directly mounted to the wall or can be supported by custom built towers. When not in use they fold up out of the way and take up approximately 11"- 14" of the stair way. An Inclined platform lift such as the Gavaventa Artira can even accommodate curving stairways. There are many options available and often minimum code does not satisfy the end user, so it is important to consult a trained professional.

More information on accessibility lifts can be found by visiting Canwest Elevators

Canwest Elevator and Lifts is the largest independently owned elevator and lift company in the province of Alberta. With offices in Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton, we are able to service the entire province of Alberta and Eastern British Columbia