#1. Emergency Car Lighting and Communication
It is very common for the battery back-up-system which is used for elevator cab lighting and the emergency bell to go bad. This is very simple for your elevator maintenance contractor to check and it’s a good idea to ask them to show you how you can easily check it too. Emergency phones, where installed, are required to function. A simple test can be performed by pushing the call button (or picking up the receiver) to verify that there is someone on the other end capable of taking appropriate action in case of an emergency. Phones may be required in existing cars that do not currently have them if there is a possibility that someone could be trapped in the car at anytime and have a need to get help.
#2. Housekeeping in the Machine Room and the Pit
(CEC CAN RESOLVE THIS ISSUE)
Elevator machine rooms are required to house only that equipment directly related to the elevator. It is all too easy to use the elevator machine room for a storage place. A simple check to make sure that non-elevator related materials, not in the machine room can save you a violation later. The pit is required to be kept clean; leaking oil, accumulation of water, and general litter are common violations in pits. Another common violation is a trip hazard such as sump pump wells without proper covers. A walkthrough of the machine room and a look at the pit with your elevator contractor is an easy way to prevent these common violations.
#3. Signs
A sign is required outside of each elevator landing that says “IN FIRE EMERGENCY, DO NOT USE ELEVATOR. USE EXIT STAIRS.” Additionally, where fire service key switches are provided either in the lobby and/or in the car, instructions are required. These signs should be available from your elevator maintenance company for a reasonable fee. Some locations are prone to vandalism. In such cases, vandal resistant signs can also be made available.
#4. GFCI Outlets and Lighting
(CEC CAN RESOLVE THIS ISSUE)
All machine rooms and elevator pits require lighting that is protected against breakage. Lighting is required to be accessible from the entrances of both pits and the machine room. Also, pits and machine rooms are required to have a convenience outlet that has a GFCI circuit breaker built in. This work is generally provided by a qualified electrician, your elevator company, and access to the elevator shaft is provided by your elevator maintenance company.
#5. Hoistway Door Indications
(CEC CAN RESOLVE THIS ISSUE)
The hoistway doors are required to have indications on the shaft side of the elevator which indicates the floor that the doors are located on. (I.E. Ground, First, Second). This work can be done by your elevator maintenance company or similar service.
#6. Monthly Fire Service Maintenance Log
Where an elevator is provided with fire service, a monthly test of the fire service function is required. A log of the finding of those tests is required to be in the elevator machine room. The monthly test can be performed by your elevator maintenance company, or they may be able to train an individual within the building to perform the tests and be responsible to maintain the fire service log.
#7. Door Restrictors
Elevators installed or substantially modernized after 1982 are required to have restrictions installed on the car doors to prevent opening when the elevator is not at a landing. This work is required to be performed by a qualified elevator installer.
#8. Machine Room Door and Fire Extinguisher
(CEC CAN RESOLVE THIS ISSUE)
The machine room door is required to be self-closing and self-locking. The machine room is required to have an ABC type fire extinguisher located in close proximity to the machine room door. This work can be done by any qualified individual.
#9. Annual Tests Overdue
An annual test of the elevator’s safety function is required to be witnessed by an independent elevator inspector. By definition, the inspector must be approved by the local code enforcement department, be QEI certified, and cannot have a financial interest in the equipment being tested. The tests are performed by your elevator maintenance company and must be witnessed by the inspector. If the tests are overdue or if the tests were completed without having been witnessed by the independent inspector, which is a violation. It is very important to make sure that your elevator maintenance company does not complete tests without your inspector there.
#10. Hoistway Cleaning
(CEC CAN RESOLVE THIS ISSUE)
Garbage left in the elevator pit, or fluff and dirt gathered the full length of an elevator hoistway, can pose a serious fire hazard and even give you a long list of violations. Behind the doors, dirt and grime accumulates and is seldom cleaned. For both reasons mentioned, health and fire, the elevator hoistway should be kept meticulously clean. The pit is required to be kept clean; leaking oil, accumulation of water, and general litter are common violations in pits. Another common violation is a trip hazard such as sump pump wells without proper covers. A walkthrough of the machine room and a look at the pit with your elevator contractor is an easy way to prevent these common violations.
Recent Comments