scope:

This Standard applies to the construction, maintenance, inspection, and operation of manlifts in relation to accident hazards.  Manlifts covered by this scope consist of platforms or brackets and accompanying handholds mounted on, or attached to, an endless belt operating vertically in one direction only and being supported by, and driven through, pulleys at the top and bottom.  These manlifts are intended for conveyance of persons only.  It is not intended that this scope cover moving stairways, elevators with enclosed platforms ("Paternoster" elevators), gravity lifts, nor conveyors used only for conveying materials.

Purpose.

The purpose of this standard is to establish reasonable safety requirements for manlifts.  It is intended as a guide to Government authorities in drafting their regulations and may be adopted by them in whole or in part.  It is intended also for use as a standard reference for manlift safety requirements by manufacturers, architects, plant designers, and consulting engineers, and for users of manlifts through voluntary application.  It is not the intent of this standard to supersede applicalble Government laws, rules and regulations.