Elevator maintenance is regulated by various federal, state, and local laws and codes to ensure the safety of the public and the proper functioning of the equipment.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) publishes the A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, which sets the minimum standards for the design, construction, installation, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, alteration, and repair of elevators and escalators in the United States.
States and municipalities often adopt the ASME code and may also have their own additional regulations. For example, the state of New York has the New York State Elevator Code, which is based on the ASME code but includes additional requirements.
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the safe and reliable operation of elevators. Most states require that elevators be inspected at least once a year by a qualified elevator inspector. Some states have more frequent inspection requirements, such as every six months.
In addition to annual inspections, elevators must also be maintained on a regular basis by a qualified elevator maintenance company. This may include daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly tasks, such as cleaning, lubrication, testing, and adjustment of various components.
Elevator maintenance companies must also keep detailed records of all maintenance, inspections, and repairs. These records must be available for review by the appropriate regulatory agency upon request.
If an elevator is found to be in violation of any safety code or regulation, the regulatory agency may issue a citation and order the elevator to be taken out of service until the violation is corrected. Repeat violations can result in fines and/or revocation of the elevator maintenance company's license.
In addition to regular maintenance, elevators must also be tested and inspected after any major modification or repair. This includes testing the elevator's safety devices and emergency procedures, as well as testing the elevator's speed and leveling accuracy.
It is important to note that elevator maintenance is not only a legal requirement, but also a crucial safety measure. Properly maintained elevators are less likely to malfunction and cause injury to passengers or damage to the equipment.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the building owner or manager to ensure that elevators are maintained in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. They should hire a qualified elevator maintenance company and ensure that all maintenance, inspections, and repairs are performed in a timely manner.
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