Elevator Safety Code FAQs
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Q. Are all elevators affected by the adoption of the A17.1-2004 and 2016 code editions in relation to jack replacements?
A. No. Only hydraulic elevators manufactured prior to 1975 that have not already had a jack replacement are affected.
Q. How do I know if my hydraulic elevator has a single bottom jack?
A. It may be difficult to make this determination; however, the elevator company you have a maintenance contract with may be able to make this determination.
Q. If my elevator has a single bottom jack what are my options to ensure compliance with the 2004 code.
A. You have three options:
- Replace with double bottom jack
- Install car safety device
- Install a plunger gripper as a temporary fix.
Q. If I select one of the options rather than replacing the single bottom jack will this prevent me from having to ever replace the single bottom jack?
A. No. Choosing to install the plunger grippers or the safety devices will not prevent the single bottom jack from eventually failing. The options are simply a temporary fix.
Q. Who can perform this work?
A. Any reputable elevator service company can perform this work.
Q. Why am I being required to comply with the 2004 code?
A. Nationally recognized codes are implemented to address safety issues and often are in response to accidents. Failure of a single bottom jack has the potential to allow the elevator car to suddenly drop to the bottom of the hoistway causing injury to the elevator rider(s) and cause considerable damage to the elevator/structure. Due to the age of single bottom jacks, the potential for failure is more evident.
Q. I have heard there may be potential of Environmental Protection Agency (EPS) regulations in connection with single bottom jacks?
A. Whether you have a single bottom jack or double bottom jack each contain hydraulic oil. Leakage of oil into the soil is an EPA violation and becomes costly to clean up. Due to the age of single bottom jacks, the potential for leakage is greater.
Q. Why require the single bottom jack to be changed before a hydraulic oil leak occurs or the jack fails?
A. In addition to costs associated with changing the single bottom jack, you now have created additional costs to remove contaminated soil which can be expensive. As mentioned before, jack failure can result in the elevator car to suddenly drip risking injury to a rider(s) and cause additional damage to the elevator and structure. Civil litigation is sure to follow if a rider is injured.
Q. How much time will I be allowed to have before I must be in compliance?
A. The effective date of this amendment will be established via the promulgated rule process. If additional time is needed to achieve compliance, the Elevator Safety Board will review the circumstances on a case by case basis to establish a reasonable time frame for the owner to achieve compliance.
Q. What elevator code is being enforced in Missouri?
A. The Elevator Safety Board adopted ASME A17.1-2016 as well as the established Missouri Minimum State Standards applicable to all elevator equipment installed after August 28, 1994.
Q. Are all elevators and installations inspected to the ASME 2016- A17.1 code?
A. No, all elevators are inspected to the Missouri Minimum Standards and the ASME A17.1 edition in which the unit was installed under. Prior editions include A17.1-1996 and A17.1-2004/2005(a) (s)
Q. What is the cost of an elevator inspection?
A. Competitive pricing drives the cost of an inspection. Costs may vary between different state licensed inspectors, so it is recommended that a customer obtain more than one bid for conducting the inspection. Usually if a re-inspection is required, a cost is associated with the re-inspection.
Q. What guidelines or procedures are required for the inspection?
A. In order to set up an inspection you must schedule a state-licensed inspector along with a licensed elevator mechanic to perform testing as required. A current list of state licensed inspectors may be obtained at http://dfs.dps.mo.gov/programs/elevator/elevator-inspector-list.php or by contacting the Division of Fire Safety at (573) 751-3660
Q. After completion of the inspection who do I contact to get information on how to correct any violations?
A. You may either contact your elevator contractor, mechanic or the inspector that conducted the inspection. The Division of Fire Safety will provide written notification of the violations and notice of 120 days to comply.
Q. If violations cannot be corrected within the 120 day time frame, can additional time be provided?
A. Yes, to request additional time you must submit in writing a request for an extension with details outlining proposed dates of completion.
Q. How often is a state inspection required?
A. A state inspection is required annually.
Q. When is a re-inspection required?
A. A re-inspection is required on all life safety violations. This includes Fire Fighters Operation Emergency Communications and Signaling Devices, Emergency cab lighting failures and any major violations that could cause injury to a rider. The Division of Fire Safety will indicate on the letter outlining violations if a re-inspection is required.
For questions regarding elevator safety, contact elevator@dfs.dps.mo.gov.