CSA B311:24

Preface

This is the third edition of CSA B311, Safety code for manlifts . It supersedes the previous editions published in 2002 and 1979. The following are major changes to this edition: a) The Code was updated to reflect changes in industry practice. Requirements related to the following technologies that are no longer being installed have been removed; however, requirements to maintain the following existing technologies currently in service are addressed in this edition: i) endless-belt-type manlifts; and ii) hand-powered counterbalanced manlifts. b) Requirements for various new technologies (e.g., elastomeric buffers, wireless controls) were added. c) The roles of authorized personnel and elevator personnel have been clarified. This Code was prepared by the Technical Committee on Manlifts, under the jurisdiction of the Strategic Steering Committee on Mechanical Industrial Equipment Safety, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee. This Code has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group.

Scope

1.1 Inclusions

This Code specifies minimum requirements for the design, construction, installation, operation, inspection, testing, alteration, and maintenance of permanently installed manlifts for the vertical or inclined vertical transportation of authorized personnel and, where authorized, their tools and equipment. Such manlifts are typically installed in grain elevators, radio antennas, bridge towers, underground facilities, dams, power plants, pulp mills, and similar structures. The types of power-type manlifts included in this Code are a) rack-and-pinion manlifts; and b) traction machines.

1.2 Exclusions

This Code does not apply to a) mine hoists; b) hoists for raising and lowering personnel or materials, or both; Note: Such hoists are covered by CSA Z185 and CAN/CSA-Z256. c) devices covered by ASME A17.1/CSA B44; d) suspended access equipment covered by CSA Z271; and e) devices and elevating work platforms covered by the CSA B354 series of standards.

1.3 Terminology

In this Code, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Code; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Code. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.

1.4 Units of measure

The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Code. The values given in parentheses are for information and comparison only.