Elevator Code Compliance (short version)
Elevator code compliance refers to following the set of regulations, guidelines, and safety standards established by government authorities or regulatory bodies for elevator design, installation, maintenance, and operation. These codes are in place to ensure the safety of elevator users and to prevent accidents or malfunctions.
Elevator codes cover various aspects of elevator systems, including construction materials, load capacity, electrical requirements, emergency communication systems, elevator car dimensions, door opening mechanisms, and safety features such as sensors, alarms, and emergency brakes.
Compliance with elevator codes is essential to ensure that elevators meet the minimum safety requirements and perform their intended function smoothly and reliably. Failure to comply with these codes can result in fines, penalties, or legal consequences, as well as increased risks to public safety. Therefore, it is crucial for elevator manufacturers, installers, and building owners to adhere to the specified code requirements and regulations.
In the unfortunate event of an elevator-related accident, one of the first questions the commercial property insurance company is going to ask is whether the elevator was up to code.
From the perspective of the jurisdiction (either WA State LNI or the City of Seattle), the owner or owner’s agent (property manager) is responsible for elevator code compliance.
Elevator code compliance and the exhaustive list of requirements it entails may feel overwhelming. However, it is important to recognize that they play a critical role in ensuring the safety of your elevator and the well-being of its passengers. Our aim is to simplify this process for you, providing comprehensive understanding and valuable resources.
Skip to What do I need to do? Or continue reading to enjoy this heartwarming topic.
History of Elevator Codes
From ASME.org:
Advancement in steel manufacturing and production in the late 19th and early 20th century allowed for the design and construction of taller buildings. With taller buildings, elevator use increased as a quicker, more convenient way of movement to upper floors. To outline safe and standardized elevator design and use, the first edition of the ASME A17 standard, “American Standard Safety Code for Elevators”, was issued in 1921. After the publication of the standard, requests for a guide covering the inspection of elevators were received. The A17 committee prepared, with input from cities, states, insurance and elevator maintenance companies, and the Federal Government, the ASME A17, “American Recommended Practice for the Inspection of Elevators Inspector’s Manual”, which was issued in 1937 simultaneously with the third edition of the A17 standard.
Current A17.1 Codes
Want to know more about what is required in your jurisdiction?
Washington state current adopted code A17.1-2019 – find current WA State codes here:
https://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=296-96
https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/elevators/building-owners-property-managers/
City of Seattle current adopted code A17.1-2019 – The city elevator code requirements are incorporated into Seattle Building Code. The Elevator and Escalator portion can be found here:
In addition to the safety and accessibility codes established by the ASME), there are also regulations outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that govern minimum elevator requirements. The ADA plays a vital role in ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to elevator safety and usage. Many of these requirements are now standard features on all elevators, including audible signals that indicate when an elevator has arrived, the placement of braille or tactile buttons within accessible reach, and visual car lanterns that clearly indicate the direction of travel.
Furthermore, the ADA considers specific criteria when an elevator serves as a required part of the accessible route and means of egress within a building. These guidelines emphasize the need for two-way communication systems to be provided in each elevator, ensuring that passengers can easily communicate in case of an emergency or other situations.
ADA requirements for elevators covered under ASME A17.1 can be found at https://www.access-board.gov/ada/guides/chapter-4-elevators-and-platform-lifts/
Code Required Safety Testing
There are two types of inspections commonly performed: Category One (CAT 1) and Category Five (CAT 5). CAT 1 testing is conducted annually and involves a basic examination to ensure that the elevator's essential components, such as brakes, doors, and emergency systems, are functioning properly. On the other hand, CAT 5 testing is more comprehensive and rigorous, and it takes place every five years to thoroughly evaluate the elevator's performance and compliance with safety regulations.
For Hydraulic elevators, CAT 5 testing tests the seismic rupture valve.
New Codes to Washington State and City of Seattle Jurisdictions:
WA State adopted ASME A17.3 (Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators) in 2018. The City of Seattle anticipates adoption in early 2025.
ASME A17.3 will become a decisive driver of elevator modernization. All existing elevators and escalators will fall under ASME A17.3. A very large number of those elevators were installed before 1990. Why is 1990 important? ASME A17.3’s minimum safety codes are essentially pegged to that year’s A17.1 code. Many pre-1990 elevators will most likely NOT be capable of meeting the new safety codes. They will need to be modernized.
Learn more about Modernization here - https://www.elevatorsupport.com/modernization. If your elevator was installed before 1990, we can’t stress enough how important it is to start planning now. Call or email us TODAY to get started.
Background on A17.3:
From ANSI.org:
By 1986, numerous state and local jurisdictions had developed their own codes for existing elevator installations, so the need for a nationally recognized consensus code for existing installations had become evident. In result, the ASME A17 Elevator and Escalator Committee issued the first edition of A17.3. ASME A17.3-2020 is the current edition of this code. ASME A17.3-2020 serves as the basis for state and local jurisdictional authorities in adopting retroactive requirements for existing elevators and escalators with the ultimate goal of enhancing the safety of the general public. The code also acts as a standard reference for engineers, architects, insurance companies, manufacturers, building owners and managers, and others in providing a reasonable degree of safety for the general public. Covering existing elevators, escalators, and their hoistways, ASME A17.3-2020 details guidelines for machinery and equipment, hydraulic elevators, dumbwaiters, hand elevators, sidewalk elevators, moving walks, private residence elevators, and numerous other concepts in its expansive content.
Read more at the ANSI Blog: ASME A17.3-2020: Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators https://blog.ansi.org/?p=158024.
What do I need to do?
Number one, if you don’t have one get a service company. Only licensed elevator technicians are allowed to perform elevator services, including all the code required testing. ESC’s preventative maintenance includes CAT 1 and Quarterly Keyed Fire Recall testing.
As an Electrical Contractor, we also perform the annual shunt trip testing.
Smoke Detectors associated with elevators must be tested by a Licensed Fire Service company. Make sure that when you have them perform their tests that they log it on the test record inside the elevator machine room.
If you are in WA State Jurisdiction you can search for code reports here: https://secure.lni.wa.gov/elevatorlookup/. Or you can wait for your inspection report to come in the mail.
The City of Seattle doesn’t have a publicly accessible website to search them out. You’ll have to wait for your letter.
Some frequently cited code violations and what they mean:
Got Questions? Call (425) 821-7289 or email us. Even if we aren’t your service provider, feel free to call or email us. We’re an elevator company in the Greater Seattle Area and, I know it sounds weird, but we will either pick up the phone and talk to you, or we’ll actually call you back. We love to help educate people about elevators and are happy to answer your questions.
Summary
We’ve covered more than you ever wanted to about Elevator Codes. There are three ASME codes for elevators and escalators: ASME A17.1 – Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators (new/modernized), A17.2 – Inspection Guide for Elevators Escalators, and Moving Walks, and A17.3 – Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators. Elevator codes are complex and require a lot of time and attention from building owners and property managers. Getting inspection reports completed by your elevator service company within their due date, filing the completion paperwork, and sometimes just getting a hold of someone at your service company to ask questions or know the items are being taken care of takes its toll. Your service provider should be your trusted expert at handling them and taking them off your very long to-do list. If you are in the State jurisdiction look up your elevator, in the city of Seattle contact the elevator inspection division to see if there are outstanding inspection reports, communicate them to your service company to get them completed, and close the loop by sending completed inspection reports back.
If you are getting fined, don’t have a service provider, or are looking for a new service provider, don’t wait to contact us and experience the highest level of elevator service in the Seattle area.