ASME Elevator Code Elevators, escalators and moving walks are the safest form of transportation in the world. In 1921 the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) developed uniform safety requirements for elevators, and published the first edition of ASME A17.1. CSA B44.1-14/ASME A17.5-2014: Elevator and Escalator Electrical Equipment, ASME A17.6-2010: Standard for Elevator Suspension, Compensation, and Governor Systems, and other Referenced Standards identified in ASME A17.1-2013/CSA B44-13: Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, Section 9 are accepted to the degree that such are not in conflict with. ASME A17.1-2019, as a code, is intended to provide safety of life and limb and promote public welfare. It covers not only elevators, escalators, moving walks, dumbwaiters, material lifts, and related equipment, but also their associated parts, rooms, spaces, and hoistways. ASME A17.1/CSA B44 Handbook ASME A17.1-2010, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators CSA B44-10, Safety Code for Elevators Edward A. Donoghue, CPCA AN AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD Three Park Avenue. New York, NY. 10016 USA. ASME A17.1/2000 with supplements A17.1a –02 and A17.1b –03 Safety code for Elevators and Escalators as modified by NYC Building Code Appendix K; Chapter K1 ASME A17.1s –2005 Supplement to Safety Code for Elevator and Escalator for Machine Room Less (MRL) elevators as modified by Appendix K; Chapter K4.
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The Division of Fire Safety, Elevator Safety Unit has adopted the following standard: American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) A17.1. 2016.
All new installations of elevator equipment and alterations must conform to the following national standards:- American Society of Mechanical Engineers Safety Code of Elevators and Escalators (ASME A17.1, 2016 Edition.)
- American National Safety Code for Personnel Hoist (ANSI A10.4, (2016 Edition)
- American National Standard Safety Code for Man lifts (ANSI A90.1, (2015 Edition)
- Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chair Lifts (A18.1, (2014 Edition)
- Inspectors Manual for Elevators and Escalators (ASME A17.2, (2014 Edition)
- American National Standards Institute for Transport Platforms (ANSI/SIA A92.10 2009
- American National Standards Institute Accessible and Usable Building and Facilities (ICC A117.1 2009)
With the adoption of A17.1-2016 testing of the following safety devices are required by the authority of Code of State Regulations 11 CSR 40-5.065 (G) (1) Maintenance, Repair and Alterations shall comply with ASME A17.1 sections 8.6.
- Section 8.6.5.16.4 A plunger gripper, where provided shall be examined and test per 8.10.3.2.5(n)
- Section 8.6.5.16.5 Over speed valves, where provided., shall be inspected and tested to verify that they will stop the car, traveling down with rated load, within the specified limits of 3.19.4.7 (a) using a written procedure supplied by the valve manufacturer or the person or firm maintaining the equipment. If the seal has been altered or broken, the over speed valve shall be resealed after successful test (Item 5.15.2)
- Rated load testing of overspeed valves will begin on January 1, 2021, and shall be required at intervals of 60 months.
Asme A17 1 Elevator Code
Code Amendments
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers Safety Code of Elevators and Escalators (ASME A17.2.3, Section 2.12.2 Periodic)
- 2.12.2 Periodic Take appropriate safety precautions before opening the incline. (See Personnel Safety in the Foreword). Remove at least 6 to 8 steps of the escalator. Using a good light visually inspect the drip pans, undersides of steps, trusses, roller tracks, chains, handrails, and the interior of balustrades, skirts, and newels. Determine that they are present, in good working condition, clean of dirt and rubbish, and free of oil and combustibles. Visually inspect for any damage to the fire-resistive materials on the escalator enclosure. (See Item 2.1) Visually inspect the chains for lubrication and buildup of dirt and grease. If in the opinion of the Inspector, additional steps may need to be removed to perform a proper inspection.
The Division of Fire Safety, Elevator Safety Unit has adopted the following standard: American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) A17.1 2004.
All new installations of elevator equipment and alterations must conform to the following national standards:
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers Safety Code of Elevators and Escalators (ASME A17.1, 2004 Edition with 2005 Addendum and 2005 Supplement with Amendments.)
- American National Safety Code for Personnel Hoist (ANSI A10.4, 2004 Edition)
- American National Standard Safety Code for Man lifts (ANSI A90.1, 2003 Edition)
- Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chair Lifts (A18.1, 2005 Edition)
- Inspectors Manual for Elevators and Escalators (ASME A17.2, 2004 Edition)
Code Amendments
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers Safety Code of Elevators and Escalators (ASME A17.2.3, Section 2.12.2 Periodic)
- 2.12.2 Periodic Take appropriate safety precautions before opening the incline. (See Personnel Safety in the Foreword). Remove at least 6 to 8 steps of the escalator. Using a good light visually inspect the drip pans, undersides of steps, trusses, roller tracks, chains, handrails, and the interior of balustrades, skirts, and newels. Determine that they are present, in good working condition, clean of dirt and rubbish, and free of oil and combustibles. Visually inspect for any damage to the fire-resistive materials on the escalator enclosure. (See Item 2.1) Visually inspect the chains for lubrication and buildup of dirt and grease. If in the opinion of the Inspector, additional steps may need to be removed to perform a proper inspection.
The Elevator Safety Act does not preclude municipalities or local governmental entities, which have an existing local ordinance or law, which meets or exceeds state requirements. However, a state operating certificate is still required and will be issued upon receipt of an approved inspection by an approved local entity.
To obtain a copy of the statute and promulgated rules and regulations please contact the Division at 573-751-2930.
Currently, the Elevator Safety Unit consists of a Deputy Chief, three State Inspectors, a Senior Office Support Assistant and an Office Support Assistant.
Fee Schedule for inspections conducted by a State employed inspector with the Division of Fire Safety is as follows:
- Annual Inspection: $125 per unit, PLUS expenses
- State Operating Certificate fee: $25 per unit
Upon receipt of an approved safety inspection and test data, if applicable, the division will issue a state-operating certificate for the respective equipment. No elevator or related equipment shall operate in Missouri without a state operating certificate. Violation of this section may result in misdemeanor criminal charges.
Code Amendments
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers Safety Code of Elevators and Escalators (ASME A17.2, 2004 Item .8.12.2 Periodic)
- . 812.2 Periodic Take appropriate safety precautions before opening the incline. (See Personnel Safety in the Foreword). Remove at least 6 to 8 steps of the escalator. Using a good light visually inspect the drip pans, undersides of steps, trusses, roller tracks, chains, handrails, and the interior of balustrades, skirts, and newels. Determine that they are present, in good working condition, clean of dirt and rubbish, and free of oil and combustibles. Visually inspect for any damage to the fire-resistive materials on the escalator enclosure. (See Item . 8.1) Visually inspect the chains for lubrication and buildup of dirt and grease. If in the opinion of the Inspector, additional steps may need to be removed to perform a proper inspection.
The Elevator Safety Act does not preclude, (Political Subdivisions) which local ordinance or law, which meets state (statute) requirements (per Sections 701. (357) (359) (367) RSMo ), However a state operating certificate is still required and will be issued upon receipt of an approved inspection by an approved local entity.
To obtain a copy of the statute and promulgated rules and regulations please contact the Division at 573-751-2930. 5971
Currently, the Elevator Safety Unit consists of a Deputy Chief, three State Inspectors, a Senior Office Support Assistant and an Office Support Assistant.
Fee Schedule for inspections conducted by a State employed inspector with the Division of Fire Safety is as follows:
- Annual Inspection: $125 per unit, PLUS expenses
- State Operating Certificate fee: $25 per unit
New Installations & Alterations
The Elevator Safety Act also requires the Missouri Division of Fire Safety to issue an installation or alteration permit upon review and approval of plans for new installations or alterations. Please mail all new installation and alteration plans to the Division of Fire Safety, Elevator Safety Unit, and P.O. Box 844, Jefferson City, MO 65102.
There are exceptions to the plan review process for units located in municipalities that contract with St. Louis County and for all units located in Kansas City. However, while the city of Kansas City does not require the inspection of dumbwaiters, state law requires an annual safety inspection of this equipment type be conducted by a state licensed elevator inspector.Existing Installations
Asme A17 1 Elevator Code 2010
Within a political subdivision or municipality that had adopted an edition of the A17.1, A17.2, A90.1 or A10.4 codes prior to August 1994, the annual inspection and witnessing of applicable tests shall be performed by local officials according to the code adopted when the equipment was installed. In areas with no elevator equipment code in effect prior to August 1994, the Missouri minimum standard set forth in 11 CSR 40-5.065 will be applied to all existing elevators and applicable equipment installed prior to July 1, 1999.
Documents / Forms
- License type and fee
- Initial Elevator Mechanic I or II and renewal, a fee of $75 for a two (2) year license; and
- Initial Elevator Contractor I or II and renewal, a fee of $200 for a two (2) year license; and
- All fees shall be payable to the Elevator Safety Fund - Missouri Division of Fire Safety and are non-refundable or nontransferable except for overpayments resulting from mistakes of law or fact.
Laws and Regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Links
2.27.1 Car Emergency Signaling Devices.
- 2.27.1.1 Emergency Communications The two-way communications (RATH® SmartPhones) shall conform to 2.27.1.1.1 through 2.27.1.1.6.
- 2.27.1.1.1 A communications means (RATH® SmartPhones) between the car and a location staffed by authorized personnel who can take appropriate action shall be provided.
- 2.27.1.1.2 If the call is not acknowledged [2.27.1.1.3(c)] within 45 s, the call shall be automatically directed to an alternate on- or off-site location.
- 2.27.1.1.3 The communications means (RATH® SmartPhones) within the car shall comply with the following requirements:
- a) In jurisdictions enforcing NBCC, Nonmandatory Appendix E; in jurisdictions not enforcing the NBCC, ANSI/ICC A117.1, ADAAG, or ADA/ABAAG.
- b) A push button to actuate the two-way communication means (RATH® SmartPhones) shall be provided in or adjacent to a car operating panel. The push button shall be visible and permanently identified with the “PHONE” symbol (see 2.26.12.1). The identification shall be on or adjacent to the “PHONE” push button. The communications means (RATH® SmartPhones) shall be initiated when the push button is actuated.
- c) On the same panel as the phone push button, a message shall be displayed that is activated by authorized personnel to acknowledge that communications (RATH® SmartView) are established. The message shall be permitted to be extinguished where necessary to display a new message [see (d) and (e)] or when the communications are terminated.
- d) On the same panel as the phone push button, messages shall be displayed that permit authorized personnel to communication (RATH® SmartView) with and obtain responses from a trapped passenger(s), including a passenger(s) who cannot verbally communicate or hear.
- e) On the same panel as the phone push button, a message (RATH® SmartView) shall be displayed that is activated by the authorized personnel to indicate when help is on the way. The message shall continue to be displayed until a new message is displayed [see 2.27.1.1.4(c)] or the communications are terminated.
- f) The communications means (RATH® SmartView) shall provide on demand to authorized personnel information that identifies the building location and elevator number.
- g) The communications (RATH® SmartPhones), once established, shall be disconnected only when authorized personnel terminate the call or a timed termination occurs. A timed termination by the communications means (RATH® SmartPhones) in the elevator, with the ability to extend the call by authorized personnel, is permitted if voice notification is sent by the communications means (RATH® SmartPhones) to authorized personnel a minimum of 3 min after communication has been established. Upon notification, authorized personnel shall have the ability to extend the call; automatic disconnection shall be permitted if the means to extend are not enacted within 20 s of the voice notification.
- h) The communications means (RATH® SmartPhones) shall not use a handset in the car.
- i) The communications (RATH® SmartPhones) shall not be transmitted to an automated answering system. The call shall be answered by authorized personnel.
- j) Operating instructions shall be incorporated with or adjacent to the phone push button.
- k) A means to display video (RATH® SmartView) to observe passengers at any location on the car floor, to authorized personnel for entrapment assessment, shall be provided.
- 2.27.1.1.4 Where the elevator rise is 18 m (60 ft) or more, a communications means (RATH® Master Station) within the building accessible to emergency personnel shall be provided and shall comply with the following requirements:
- a) The means shall enable emergency personnel within the building to establish communications (RATH® SmartPhones) to each car individually. The communications (RATH® SmartView) shall be established without any intentional delay and shall not require intervention by a person within the car. The means shall override communications to outside of the building.
- b) The communications (RATH® Master Station), once established, shall be disconnected only when emergency personnel terminate the call or a timed termination occurs. A timed termination by the communications means in the elevator, with the ability to extend the call by emergency personnel, is permitted if voice notification is sent by the communications means to emergency personnel a minimum of 3 min after communication has been established. Upon notification, emergency personnel shall have the ability to extend the call; automatic disconnection shall be permitted if the means to extend are not enacted within 20 s of the voice notification.
- c) Once the communications (RATH® Master Station with SmartView) have been established, a message shall be displayed on the same panel as the phone push button, that is activated by emergency personnel to indicate that help is on-site. The message shall be permitted to be extinguished where necessary to display a new message [see (e)] or when the communications are terminated.
- d) Operating instructions shall be incorporated with or adjacent to the communications means (RATH® Master Station) outside the car. Instructions shall conform to 2.27.7.3.
- e) On the same panel as the phone push button, messages shall be displayed that permit emergency personnel to communicate with (RATH® SmartView) and obtain responses from a trapped passenger, including a passenger who cannot verbally communication or hear.
- f) A means to display video (RATH® SmartView) to observe passengers at any location on the car floor, to emergency personnel for entrapment assessment, shall be provided.
- 2.27.1.1.5 If the communications means (RATH® SmartPhones) is connected to the normal building power, it shall automatically transfer to an auxiliary power supply as required by the applicable building code, or, where applicable, NFPA 99, after the normal building power fails. This power source(s) shall be capable of providing for the means of communications (RATH® SmartPhones) (see 2.27.1.1.3 and 2.27.1.1.4) for at least 4h and the audible signaling device (see 2.27.1.2) for at least 1h.
- 2.27.1.1.6
- a) The voice communication means (RATH® SmartPhones) within the car shall include a means to verify operability of the telephone line, (RATH® 2100-ALARM) where
- 1) verification of the telephone line operability shall be automatically performed
- 2) verification may be continuous or periodic
- 3) periodic verification shall be at least on a daily basis
- 4) verification shall not require activation of the communication link(s). If means other than a telephone line (e.g., VOIP, network, intercom) are used for the communications, similar verification of this equivalent means shall be performed.
- b) If the verification means in (a) determines that the telephone line or equivalent means is not functional, an audible and illuminated visual signal shall be activated. A minimum of one visual and one audible signal shall be provided for each group of elevators controlled by a fire recall switch.
- 1) The visual indicator shall
- a) be located at the designated landing in the vicinity of the fire recall switch and visible to elevator user(s)
- b) be labeled “ELEVATOR COMMUNICATIONS FAILURE” in red letters a minimum of 5 mm (0.25 in.) high
- c) illuminate intermittently
- d) continue illuminating intermittently until the telephone line or equivalent means is functional
- 2) The audible signal shall
- a) be 10 dBA minimum above ambient, but shall not exceed 80 dBA measured at the designated landing fire recall switch
- b) sound at least once every 30 s with a minimum duration of 1/2 s
- c) continue to sound until silenced by authorized personnel or the telephone line or equivalent means is functional
- 3) A means to silence the audible signal shall be provided and shall be accessible only to authorized personnel. The signal when silenced shall remain silent for a period of no less than 12 h or until activated by the next failed periodic verification [see (a)(3)].
- 4) The verification means in (a) shall continue to monitor the operability of the telephone line or equivalent means while the telephone line or equivalent means is not functional on a continuous basis or periodically with intervals of not more than 5 min. When the verification determines that the operability of the telephone line or equivalent means has been restored after being nonfunctional, the audible signal shall be silenced unless the signal has already been silenced in accordance with (b)(3) and the illuminated visual signal shall be extinguished.
- 1) The visual indicator shall
2.27.1.2 Emergency Stop Switch Audible Signal. When an emergency stop switch (2.26.2.5) is provided, an audible signaling device shall be provided. The audible signaling device shall- a) have a rated sound pressure rating of not less than 80 dBA nor greater than 90 dBA at 3 m (10 ft)
- b) respond without delay after the switch has been activated
- c) be located inside the building and audible inside the car and outside the hoistway
- d) for elevators with a rise greater than 30 m (100 ft), be duplicated as follows:
- 1) one device shall be mounted on the car
- 2) a second device shall be placed at the designated level
Click to Download: - a) The voice communication means (RATH® SmartPhones) within the car shall include a means to verify operability of the telephone line, (RATH® 2100-ALARM) where