Vertical Lift Enclosures (VRCs)

The primary purpose of a VRC enclosure is to create a secure, physical barrier around the lift to prevent personnel from entering the dangerous operational area. VRCs are specifically designed to transport materials, not people, and therefore do not require the same level of safety and control systems as a standard passenger elevator. An enclosure is crucial for mitigating risks such as fall hazards, crush points, and the danger of materials falling from the lift platform. Unlike an elevator shaft, a VRC enclosure is built to protect against material-specific hazards while complying with the strict safety standards for non-passenger transport.

Integrated safety interlocks are a critical component of VRC enclosures and are required by ANSI B20.1. They function as a “foolproof” system by creating a dependency between the gate and the VRC’s operation. When a gate is open, the interlock prevents the lift from moving. Conversely, the gate remains locked and cannot be opened unless the VRC platform is safely at that specific level. This prevents a worker from being crushed by the moving platform and ensures that no one can accidentally enter the enclosure when the VRC is not present, thereby eliminating a fall hazard.

The most critical regulation is the ANSI/ASME B20.1 Safety Standard for Conveyors and Related Equipment. This standard specifically addresses the safety requirements for VRCs, since they are classified as conveyors, not elevators. The standard dictates critical safety features such as load capacity, operating speed, and, most importantly, the need for fully enclosed guarding with interlocked gates at each access point. Complying with B20.1 ensures that the VRC enclosure meets the highest safety benchmarks and is recognized by regulatory bodies like OSHA, thereby protecting both the company and its employees from liability and injury.

The flexible, continuous design of our VRC enclosures is key to preventing material containment issues. Unlike simple, segmented barriers, our system extends seamlessly from one level to the next, creating a continuous wall around the lift’s path. This prevents materials from falling off the platform and into the surrounding workspace, which could cause a serious hazard for workers below. Additionally, it ensures that no part of a load, such as a pallet or a box, can protrude from the carriage and get caught on a building structure or another piece of equipment, which could cause a catastrophic failure.

A VRC enclosure is specifically for VRCs, which are a type of conveyor. The enclosure is designed to protect people from the VRC. A shaftway enclosure, on the other hand, is a more generic term for an enclosed vertical space that could be used for an elevator, dumbwaiter, or even just a utility chase. While both need to be secure, a VRC enclosure must comply with the specific mechanical and electrical safety standards of the ANSI B20.1 standard. Additionally, a shaftway might have fire-rating requirements or other building code considerations that are not applicable to a VRC enclosure, which is primarily focused on operational safety.