Amendment No. 1 to AS 1735.1-2003: Lifts, escalators and moving walks - Part 1: General requirements

AS 1735.1: Amendment No. 1 to AS 1735.1-2003: Lifts, escalators and moving walks - Part 1: General requirements

For engineers and designers involved in vertical transportation systems, staying abreast of critical safety and design updates is paramount. Amendment No. 1 to AS 1735.1-2003 provides essential revisions to the general requirements for lifts, escalators, and moving walks, ensuring that installations meet current Australian variations of international standards. Understanding these amendments is key to maintaining compliance and upholding the highest safety benchmarks in the industry.

What is AS 1735.1?

AS 1735.1, specifically Part 1 of the series, establishes the foundational general requirements for the design, construction, and installation of lifts, escalators, and moving walks. Published by Standards Australia, this standard serves as an authoritative guide to ensure the safe and reliable operation of these essential transport systems within the Australian context. Amendment No. 1 introduces specific updates to align with evolving international norms and address practical application nuances.

Scope & Purpose

This amendment primarily governs the references and specific variations applied to key international standards, including BS EN 81 and ASME A17.1 series, for their application in Australia. It details how these international standards are modified to suit Australian conditions, focusing on aspects like safe working clearances and access for maintenance. The purpose is to provide a clear, updated framework for engineers when incorporating international best practices into Australian lift and escalator designs, ensuring consistency and safety.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Lift engineers, design engineers, safety inspectors, building code officials, and maintenance technicians.
• • Industries affected: Building and Construction, Manufacturing, Maintenance Services, and Transportation Infrastructure.
• • Compliance nature: While AS 1735 standards are often referenced in building codes and regulations, making compliance effectively mandatory for new installations and significant upgrades, their direct application can be voluntary for specific private projects.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically checked by building certifiers, local government authorities, and workplace health and safety regulators.

Key Requirements Overview

Amendment No. 1 to AS 1735.1-2003 mandates updated references to the latest versions of BS EN 81 and ASME A17.1 standards, including their respective amendments. Professionals must ensure that the Australian application of these international standards is performed according to the specific modifications outlined in Appendix A of the amended document. Key provisions include the clear designation of "PERSON CLEARANCE" areas with specific minimum vertical clearances and requirements for safe access to equipment located beneath the car. The standard also specifies requirements for pit access and egress, ensuring safe entry and exit for personnel. Furthermore, it addresses the prohibition of "docking operations" where lift cars move with open doors for loading/unloading and mandates Residual Current Device (RCD) protection for specific circuits.

Related Standards & References

This amendment works in conjunction with the broader AS 1735 series, which covers various aspects of lifts, escalators, and moving walks. It is also critical to consult AS/NZS 3000 for electrical wiring and earthing requirements, as referenced within the amendment itself. Understanding the interplay between these standards is essential for a comprehensive