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New personnel elevator open in 3001

  • Published
  • By Micah Garbarino
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Tinker's largest building and the headquarters of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Bldg. 3001, recently opened a new Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant elevator in the administrative side of the building.

The $600,000 project took nearly a year to complete, but has been in the planning stages since 2004, said William Stockdale, facility manager for Bldg. 3001. There are now three elevators on the administrative side of the building, but the newest, located at Post 1AF75 is the only elevator that meets the requirements of the ADA.

"Before this project was completed, employees who needed the space that an ADA compliant elevator offers had to use the freight elevator to gain access to the south end of the building," Mr. Stockdale said.

The freight elevator, located at Post 1AD81, is the only elevator approved to move freight to the second floor, but it is not ADA compliant. There is a third elevator located at post 1AH97, which was the only personnel elevator on the administrative side of the facility until the new elevator's completion.

All told, Tinker has 42 elevators across the installation. Officials said the maintenance and energy fees associated with these lifts could be reduced if those who are able decide to take the stairs instead.

"The new elevator was not installed to replace stairs, but as an aid for people with disabilities," said Briton Young, a mechanical engineer with the 72nd Air Base Wing Civil Engineer Directorate. "People often forget the stairs and choose the elevator, unaware of the great reasons to take the stairs. It uses less electricity and extends the life of the elevator and time between maintenance. An added benefit is that taking the stairs will improve everyone's health."

Stay active, healthy, aware

Officials are asking that use of elevators and push-button door openers is limited to those with disabilities or people carrying heavy items.

These were installed to allow facility access to those with disabilities, but have become a "quick fix" for those in a hurry. Some are occasionally out of service from overuse, unavailable to those who really need them.

Most people have weight-loss goals. Tinker has a goal of reducing energy consumption by 4 percent annually and cutting down on avoidable maintenance costs.

"Making the choice to take the stairs or open the door will get both you and Tinker in better shape," said Briton Young, a mechanical engineer with the 72nd Air Base Wing Civil Engineer Directorate.

The Health and Wellness Center provides individuals with knowledge and skills that encourage healthy lifestyle behaviors. Various nutrition and fitness programs are available. Call 734-5505 or 734-5506 for more information.

The Civilian Health Promotion Services office also offers a variety of classes on nutrition and fitness that can be held in your organization. For more information call 734-4645.