Car lifts and hoists are lifting platforms that smoothly transport vehicles between different parking levels. The Australian Standards known as AS1418.8 and AS1735 are two separate standards concerning vertical transportation hoists & lifts. It is crucial to recognize that these standards address the design and performance requirements for two distinct types of car lift solutions.
We’ll aim to clarify the application of these two standards. AS1418.8:2008, which covers “Cranes, Hoists, and Winches – Part 8: Special Purpose Appliances”. And AS1735, which deals with “Lifts, Escalators, and Moving Walks.”
Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (NSW) – VT Declaration
Under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (NSW), design practitioners must provide compliance declarations. This declaration is for delivering a design for use in the building construction industry for items such as car hoists or car stacker systems. Currently, this act applies to Class 2 buildings in NSW, but there is a possibility these requirements will be extended to more building types.
AS 1418.8:2008 Cranes, Hoists and Winches – Part 8: Special Purpose Appliances.
When specifying vehicle hoists or platform lifts designed for personnel, the relevant standard is AS1418.8.
In simple terms, AS1418.8 has never permitted and currently does not permit passengers on a car hoist. It explicitly allows only an authorized operator—who, by definition, is not considered a passenger. This standard addresses the general design, components, testing, and operation for car hoist, including details on load ratings, load combinations, construction, inspection, and maintenance.
Platform lifts and hoists governed by AS1418.8 are designed to be operated strictly by authorized personnel. Excluding untrained visitors from using them. This standard permits only the driver to remain in the vehicle during operation. This ensures safety by requiring all operators to be properly trained. Unauthorized use is further prevented through access controls like codes, cards, or keys.
Unlike lifts with enclosed cabins, a car hoist under AS1418.8 typically features an open platform. This design is allowed because the control button must be continuously pressed (dead man switch) while the user is seated in the vehicle.
AS 1735 Lifts, Escalators, and Moving Walks
AS1735 is focused on passenger lifts and car elevators. One of the main distinctions between an AS1735 car elevator and an AS1418 hoist or platform lift is the ability to carry passengers. Passenger lifts and car elevators are subject to more stringent design and installation requirements. The requirements include larger space requirements and enhanced safety measures. These lifts also require a significantly deeper pit of about 1200mm beneath the elevator car, along with additional spaces like motor rooms to house the necessary machinery.
When passengers need to ride on the lift, compliance with AS1735 is necessary. This standard’s more extensive space and installation requirements must be adhered to. This can sometimes make it impractical for projects with limited size and space to use an AS1735-compliant solution.