Ohio Admin. Code 3304-6-07 - Access devices

[Comment: For dates of non-regulatory government publications, publications of recognized organizations and associations, federal rules, and federal statutory provisions referenced in this rule, see the "Incorporation by Reference" section at the end of rule 3304-6-01 of the Administrative Code.]

(A) Wheelchair lifts. Automatic and semi-automatic wheelchair lifts include a variety of electric powered, mechanical, and hydraulic systems used to raise or lower a person in a wheelchair from one level to another.

(1) This paragraph is limited to automatic power lift systems manufactured for use by persons with disabilities and retrofitted in vehicles (for example, vans). An automatic wheelchair lift permits independent entry into a van for a person who remains in a wheelchair. RSC OOD shall purchase only those wheelchair lifts that comply with FMVSS 403, platform lift systems for motor vehicles, and that do not reduce the ground clearance of the standard (unmodified) vehicle to less than eight inches.

(2) A semi-automatic lift is designed to be operated by a person other than the individual being raised or lowered by the lift, for example, an attendant, and is not suitable for drivers who can otherwise drive a vehicle without an attendant. This paragraph is limited to power lift systems manufactured for use by persons with disabilities and retrofitted in vehicles, and that must be operated by an attendant. Semi-automatic wheelchair lifts shall comply with FMVSS 403.

(3) (2) All lifts installed by retail dealers shall be installed in compliance with FMVSS 404, platform lift installations for motor vehicles.

(B) Seat lifts. Seat lift systems include a variety of devices that assist an individual into or out of a vehicle seat. Seat lift systems can be powered or manual in operation.

(1) All powered systems shall be independently operable by the user. Powered seat lift controls shall be permanently labeled with movement icons consistent with the provisions of MIL-STD 1472C.

(2) All wires shall be protected against entanglement, possible disengagement, breakage, and stretching during seat lift movement in any direction.

(3) Seat lift capacity shall be stated by the manufacturer.

(4) Installation shall not interfere with driving functions.

(C) Exterior mounted entry switching. Exterior mounted entry switching is any electrical control device mounted on the exterior of a vehicle that is designed to operate adaptive or other equipment by an operator with a disability, such as: door open/close, unfold/closing of the lift platform, and up/down operation of the lift platform.

(1) Exterior mounted entry switching performance requirements.

(a) If a lockbox (exterior switch(es)) is used, it shall: be located so that opened vehicle doors do not interfere with the consumer's access to the switches.

(i) Be constructed of fiberglass, aluminum, stainless steel, or other noncorrosive material and be attached with noncorrosive fasteners;

(ii) Have an enclosed back; and

(iii) Be located so that opened vehicle doors do not interfere with the consumer's access to the switches.

(b) Controls Exterior switches shall possess a water-tight seal to prevent moisture from penetrating below the control panel switches. The door of the control box shall have a weather seal to exclude any rain or moisture. The control box switches shall have a lock which can be operated by an individual with limited finger dexterity.

(c) Exterior control boxes Switches that do not conform to this general performance guideline may be accepted if they are listed as an option on the original proposal and authorized by the RTSU of RSC OOD.

(2) Alternative controls. Magnetic, remote (radio, etc.) controls or other alternative exterior controls may be used if required because of the consumer's disability.

(D) Powered door operators. Powered door operators are any powered devices that will open and close vehicle doors to enable access to the vehicle. Exterior controls for powered door operators shall meet the standards of paragraph (C) of this rule. Powered door operators shall close the doors in four to ten seconds and shall meet the following specifications:

(1) Door operators shall permit complete closing of the door in a position at least equivalent to the manufacturer's original installations so the doors fit within the vehicle body when in the full-powered, closed position.

(2) OEM door latches must be retained except doors that are equipped with the wheelchair lifts and that are linked to an alarm system consisting of either a flashing visible signal located in the driver's compartment or an alarm audible to the driver that is activated when the door is open consistent with FMVSS 206.S4, door locks and door retention components, requirements.

(3) Door operators shall have an interior, emergency, quick-release manual mechanism that shall permit the opening of the doors to ensure the consumer's exit if power fails.

(4) Door operators shall be designed and installed so that the doors can close only when the lift is fully folded.

(5) Automatic lighting shall be installed in conjunction with automatic power doors to illuminate the lowest lift platform position when the automatic doors are opened. Automatic interior lights shall go on when the door is opened and shut off when the door is closed.

(E) Ramps. Ramps permit an occupant in a wheelchair to roll or be pushed into and out of a vehicle. These devices shall be permanently installed.

(1) Ramps are permitted on lowered floor minivans and specialty vehicles as defined in rule 3304-6-15 of the Administrative Code.

(2) Ramps shall be prohibited in full sized vans unless they meet with ADA compliant ramp angles.

(F) Steps. Steps are either folding or fixed and are used by ambulatory persons to gain access to a vehicle or exit from it. OEM steps or running boards are excluded from the provision of this paragraph.

(1) Steps shall have a nonskid surface.

(2) Steps shall be affixed to the vehicle in a manner sufficient to sustain the weight of the intended user without permanent deformation or separation from the vehicle.

(3) Steps shall conform to section 5577.05 of the Revised Code with reference to the maximum width of a vehicle.

(G) Assist handles. Assist handles are hand grips provided for the purpose of transferring from one location to another during entering or leaving a vehicle, moving around inside a vehicle, or performing other similar maneuvers. OEM assist handles are excluded from consideration under this paragraph.

(1) Handle dimensions shall afford a grip clearance of at least one and seven-eighths inches by four and three-eighths inches (inside dimensions) with at least a one inch diameter grip.

(2) Covers of handles shall be rounded and shall be padded to prevent injury.

(3) The grip surface shall be covered or equipped with a material that will provide thermal protection from heat or cold and afford maximum hand grip.

(4) Handles shall be installed so that they can support the load to be applied by the intended user without permanent deformation or separation from the vehicle.

Notes

Ohio Admin. Code 3304-6-07

Effective: 9/8/2014
R.C. 119.032 review dates: 06/23/2014 and 09/08/2019
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 3304.15(C)(1)
Rule Amplifies: 3304.15, 3304.17
Prior Effective Dates: 09/04/1990, 05/10/1995, 08/02/1999, 06/03/2002, 08/04/2008