Ricon:: A Wabtec Company

Safety Standard Non-Compliance Recall Notification (# 06E101000)

This notice is posted as a convenience to our customers who wish to check their Ricon lift serial number(s) against the master list of lifts requiring inspection and/or repair.

Ricon Corp. has determined that a safety related non-compliance with S6.10.2.7 of the 403 (Inner Barrier Interlock) exists in certain “DOT Public Use” wheelchair lifts only manufactured between January 6, 2006 and September 6, 2006.

WHY ARE WE CONDUCTING THIS RECALL:

The potential non-compliance is the result of the inner barrier interlock switch system in the lift baseplate not detecting the presence of a passenger (either wheelchair or standee) on the barrier and allowing the platform to move down more than one inch below floor level when occupied.

This condition can result during installation if the installer runs wires through the baseplate assembly and the wires lodge under the trigger block of the interlock interfering with the switch movement.  In the event this condition occurs during passenger operations it may be possible for the wheelchair to tip backwards onto the platform if the user is backing onto the lift from inside the vehicle and has the small front wheels fully or partially on the inner barrier when the platform was lowered.  A standee could lose his or her balance if they were positioned fully or partially on the inner barrier when the platform was lowered.  Either condition could cause personal injury.   No incidents have been reported to date.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

Locate the Serial number(s) on your lift(s).  Enter each serial # in the space provided at the bottom of this page and press submit.  If your serial # is one of those included in this recall follow the procedures outlined below to determine if your lift(s) needs adjustment or modifications:

1. Park the vehicle in a safe location and operate the lift through the unfold/deploy cycle.

2. With the lift at the vehicle floor level, place a 25 pound weight completely on any part of the inner barrier, (yellow painted plate) and push the down switch.

3. If the lift platform goes down one inch or less and then stops all movement, the lift does not require adjustment or modification and may be returned to normal service.

4. If the platform continues to move downward, the operator should take the following steps:

a. Remove the 25-pound weight, return the lift to the stowed position and turn power off to the hand control.

b. Tag the lift to show it is NOT OPERATIONAL following your own “lockout/red tag” procedures.

c. Contact the Ricon Customer Support Department at 800-322-2884 for guidance on how to correct the non-compliance.

d. DO NOT USE THE LIFT again until a factory-trained technician has corrected the non-compliant condition.

WHAT RICON CORPORATION WILL DO:

Upon notification from you, Ricon will work with you to locate and correct the source of interference or other problem with the inner barrier interlock switch as quickly as possible. If you are already factory trained to perform service on Ricon lifts, the repairs can be done at your location. If you are not factory trained to service Ricon lifts, we will arrange for the repairs to be done at the nearest Ricon authorized service center/dealer.

Lift repairs may include removal and/or re-routing any added wire running through the baseplate, adjustment of the inner barrier interface with the baseplate or replacement of the switch block assembly. We will provide all the necessary adjustment instructions and/or replacement parts Free of Charge.

We have attached an “Inspection/Repair Log”, for your convenience, to record the inspection and/or repairs that are completed on your lifts. Please download this form and fax a copy of the completed Log indicating the inspection and/or repairs were completed to (818) 267-3138.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.  If you have any questions concerning these procedures please contact Ricon at (818) 267-3038 or by email at bmccoy@wabtec.com