Code of Massachusetts Regulations
524 CMR - BOARD OF ELEVATOR REGULATIONS
Title 524 CMR 31.00 - Casket Lifts Installed In Licensed Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapels, Or Preparation Rooms
Section 31.02 - Requirements
Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024
(1) Hoistway Enclosures.
EXCEPTIONS: Where casket lifts serve only one floor not exceeding 15' travel a hinged vertical lifting hoistway cover shall be permitted when the lifting arms on the car will open and close the hoistway cover automatically, and provided the key operated switch is located only at the hoistway cover landing. The hoistway cover shall be installed to automatically close when the car leaves the upper landing opening.
(2) Ventilation. Not compulsory if not required by cities and towns in the Commonwealth.
(3) Pits. A pit shall be provided at the bottom of every hoistway when the car is at the lowest landing, and the distance between the lowest point of the car platform framing and to the floor of the pit shall not be less than five inches. The clearance between the car and the hoistway shall not exceed 11/2
(4) Hoistway Doors. All landing openings shall be protected by swing or horizontal slide doors of solid construction and a fire test of 1% hours fire rated assembly.
(5) Door Clearance. Landing doors shall be so located that the distance from the face of the doors to the edge of the hoistway shall not be more than four inches from the face of the door section nearest to the car.
(6) Vision Panels. Each door shall be provided with a vision panel not less than 20 square inches and the total area of one or more vision panels in any door shall be not more than 80 square inches. Each clear panel opening shall reject a ball six inches in diameter.
(7) Interlocks. All landing doors shall be equipped with electro-mechanical interlocks.
(8) Car Platform. The car platform size shall not exceed 96" long by 40" deep.
(9) Car Floor. The car floor shall be wood plank or steel plate supported by a steel frame.
(10) Car Enclosure. Casket lifts shall be enclosed with solid sheet steel partitions on the unused sides not less than 42" wide and 42" in height and shall be flush.
(11) Capacity. The full load capacity shall not exceed 750 lbs.
(12) Speed. The contract speed shall not exceed 25 feet per minute.
(13) Travel. The total travel of lifts serving more than one floor shall not exceed 25'.
(14) Control Operation. The car shall be operated from the landing opening only by key-operated continuous pressure switch.
(15) Guide Rails. Steel guides shall be used on all installations.
(16) Car Safety. Cars suspended by ropes or chains of the winding drum type shall be provided with a car safety located within the car frame. The safety shall be of the instantaneous type.
(17) Machines.
(18) Hydraulic Electric Systems. The electric system shall be so interlocked that due to electrical power failure, the car platform will remain in the position to the power failure and will move only on the resumption of power when the operating key switch is activated to start operation.
(19) Hydraulic Valves. An overload relief valve shall be installed in the hydraulic circuit to prevent operation of the platform if loaded above rated capacity.
(20) Mechanical Stops. Mechanical stops shall be installed to prevent lifting platform from traveling above the predetermined level.
(21) Hydraulic Piping and Connections. Flexible hose and fittings may be installed between the check valve or control valve and cylinder if they comply with the following requirements: Steel wire reinforced rubber covered hose shall have a bursting strength of ten times working pressure and the hose must be replaced at least once every six years.
(22) Ropes and Chains. Car platforms suspended by ropes or chains shall have not less than 2" steel ropes or equivalent number of steel roller or multiple link steel chains. Rope or chain fastenings may be thimbles and clamps or other approved type of fastening.
(23) Safety Factor. Suspension of car platforms by ropes or chains shall be at least six.
(24) Slack - Rope - Chain. A slack rope or slack chain switch shall be installed in connection with all machinery of the winding drum type which will automatically shut off the power and apply the brake and stop the machinery, if the load carrying platform is obstructed in its descent.
(25) Voltage. The maximum system or circuit potential permitted in the hoistway or landing operating devices shall not exceed 240 volts.
(26) Riders. All persons are prohibited from riding on a casket lift.
(27) Signs. A sign shall be provided on the car in a conspicuous location with letters at least one inch reading CAPACITY 750 POUNDS. A sign shall be located on the car reading NO RIDERS with letters one inch high.
(28) Casket Lift Regulations. Casket lift installations are not designed as freight elevators, which require conformity with 524 CMR.
(29) Inspection and Tests. Upon completion of the work of installations or alterations, the licensed elevator mechanic making the installation or alterations shall make a practical test of the devices in the presence of a qualified licensed elevator inspector. A full report within ten days after the inspection shall be made by the inspector to the Commissioner of Public Safety upon forms furnished by him. The owner or his agent in a building in which a lift is installed or altered shall arrange for an inspection with the authorized division of state, city or town inspection department of not less than one year.
(30) Plans. No casket lift shall be installed or altered until plans and specifications of such installations or proposed alterations shall have been filed by the owner of the premises where the lift is to be installed or altered with the inspector or manufacturer, and a certificate of approval of requirements shall have been issued by him.
(31) Fees. As required by state, city or town requirements.
