In the US, we travel 2.55 billion miles a year by vertical transportation. In elevators alone, we take 18 billion trips. So of course, there would be the highest standards in place to ensure public safety. Which is why routine elevator service and maintenance serves a purpose beyond functionality and repairs. It’s called compliance.
Each state has its own list of codes and requirements, in addition to the requirements laid out by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) which updates its elevator safety requirements every three years.
Commercial ADA Provisions for Elevators
The ADA understands that some adjustments are not readily achievable. However, if they can be completed at a minor cost or with little inconvenience, you’re obligated to make those adjustments. As a property manager, it helps to be aware of the precedents set by the ADA, which include requirements regarding:
- Electronic operation, including the automatic opening and closing of doors
- Specific measurements for where call buttons must be placed
- Certain control features
- Braille plate requirements on hall stations and entrance jams
- Specific amounts of space for wheelchair accommodation
- Visible and audible hall signs
- Certain heights for handrails
- Grouped, accessible emergency control buttons
Commercial ASME Provisions for Elevators
ASME A17.1 is one of ASME’s most popular safety standards and was originated back in 1921. In addition to elevators, it also addresses escalators, dumbwaiters, moving walks and material lifts. It provides requirements applying to the design, construction, installation, operation, testing, inspection, maintenance, alteration and repair of all these.
Commercial Elevator Requirements For PA, NJ, and DE
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware all require compliance with their codes in addition to those laid out by the ADA & ASME A17.1. The codes for all three states include requirements on the following:
- Safety standards that apply to design, construction, operation, maintenance, alterations, and more
- Inspection and testing procedures for all moving devices
- Minimum requirements for public safety
- Electrical equipment requirements
- Standards for Aramid fiber ropes, steel wire ropes, and non-circular elastomeric coated steel suspension
- Performance codes regarding every step from design and construction through repairs and alterations
While the codes for all three states include many of the same requirements, they are not identical. For example, Delaware and New Jersey require annual pressure tests, but Pennsylvania only requires a pressure test every three years. As a property manager, these specifications can be overwhelming. Luckily, with regular inspections by a professional, you can rest assured that your elevator is safe and up to code.
Contact Us Today To Discuss Your Elevator
Elevators are a crucial part of many commercial and residential buildings. As a property owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your elevators are ADA & ASME compliant and that they meet the requirements of the code year in effect in your area. Contact Allied Elevator today and we’ll be happy to be your partner in compliance.
