The Vertical Reciprocating Conveyer (VRC) Subcommittee of the Conveyor & Sortation Systems industry group is comprised of the industry’s leading suppliers of material lifts intended to meet the safety requirements of ASME B20.1 – Safety Standard for Conveyors and Related Equipment. These members design, manufacture, and install VRCs worldwide for use in a wide variety of industrial, commercial, and institutional operating environments.
A VRC, Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors, also known as a freight lift, offers one of the most efficient ways of moving heavy materials up or down between two or more fixed levels. A VRC is a type of vertical conveyor and sortation system that is actuated by either electro-hydraulic or electro-mechanical means that allows you to move products between multiple levels by using a platform to lift or lower products. A VRC can be custom designed to move product between 2 to 10 levels carrying loads up to 200,000 pounds at varying speeds. A VRC is designed to move materials only and is not designed to carry passengers or an operator. VRCs are used within manufacturing, retail, wholesale, or distribution facilities where one or more overhead storage, floors or mezzanines are utilized. They are highly customizable for any operating environment and footprint size. VRCs can be operated automatically or manually, or a combination of both. There are many types of VRCs, the most popular models use mechanical or hydraulic actuation, using cables, belts, or chains to hoist their platforms. VRC’s fall under ANSI B.20 code.
VRC Subcommittee members meet regularly to review, discuss and implement programs which effectively communicate and promote the safe application, design, installation and operation of vertical reciprocating lifts.
The VRC Programs Include:
- The publication and promotion of technical literature on the application, installation, training, inspection, safe use, and maintenance of VRCs.
- The ongoing review of, and revision to, nationally recognized safety standards which effect vertical reciprocating lifts.
- The discussion and adoption of industry best practices as it pertains to the application, design, installation, and safe operation of VRC equipment.
- The preparation and distribution of educational and promotional materials which explain the benefits of VRC equipment solutions.
- The regular review and discussion of regulatory and legislative activity – at the federal, state, and local levels – which may effect the vertical reciprocating lift industry, and respond to that activity as an industry when deemed necessary.
- The establishment of liaison relationships with those private and governmental agencies establishing policy which effects the application and use of VRC equipment and technology.
