The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Section A18.1 Safety Standards for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts, Section 2.1.3 allows for the use of a wheelchair lift without a runway (hoistway).  This means that when the wheelchair lift unit is activated into an elevated position and is no longer situated on the ground floor, it creates an open space/void directly underneath the unit, allowing for someone (usually a child) to potentially and inadvertently access the space under the unit.

While there is a safety pan under the wheelchair lift unit that will stop a downward traveling unit upon making contact with the device, due to conditions in Miami Beach such as rain, salt, lack of use, etc., Elevator Inspectors have occasionally found the safety pan devices to be ineffective or inoperable, which can result in an injury or a fatality.

The Public Works Department is aware of this danger and is communicating these concerns with wheelchair companies that install this type of lift product.  However, until a permanent solution is implemented, the Administration recommends restricting the installation of non-runway wheelchair lifts in the City via its Code of Ordinance.