Compliance standards are lists of high-risk non-compliances that pose a significant risk to safety. Any high-risk non-compliances should be immediately addressed upon occurrence.
These compliance standards lists for hydraulic elevators are used by Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) inspectors during periodic inspections.
If a non-compliance is found, a device may be shut down or an order issued to resolve the non-compliance within 14 days. Other non-compliances that do not pose the same level of risk should be addressed in accordance with the timeline documented in the inspector's report.
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Responsibilities of elevator owners, contractors and mechanics
Elevator owners, contractors and mechanics are responsible for full compliance of elevators in accordance with:
ASME A17.1-2019/CSA B44:19– Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators (CSAGroup.org)
Ontario Regulation 222/01: Certification and Training of Elevating Device Mechanics (Ontario.ca)
All applicable Director’s Orders
All applicable advisories
All applicable manufacturers’ bulletins
Incident reporting
An “incident” is defined as a consequence to a person or property.
Incident reporting is required by law – Director’s Guideline
Promptly report all incidents, accidents, and hazardous conditions to the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)
Important reminders
Device removed from service
The mechanic shall ensure that the elevator is not returned to service in an unsafe condition.
Maintenance Control Program (MCP)
The contractor / certificate holder must complete the Maintenance Control Program (MCP) at the required intervals to ensure the device is in compliance. The MCP shall contain all the Original Equipment Manufacturer's (OEM) manuals and bulletins.
Compliance standards/High-risk items for hydraulic elevators
The components listed below are high-risk items that must be inspected regularly to ensure public safety. During periodic inspections, TSSA inspectors will be checking these items and orders will be issued for non-compliance.
Note: In some circumstances, orders may be issued where high-risk safety hazards are discovered which are not identified in this standard.
SHUT DOWN – If an item is deficient and an order is issued for immediate compliance (0 days for the compliance time):
Remove the device from service, and
Repair before putting it back into service.
A repair can be done immediately during the maintenance unless it is a reportable incident according to the Incident Reporting Guidelines. Even if it is a reportable incident, a TSSA Supervisor or Investigator can authorize an immediate repair.
REPAIR / REPLACE – If the item is deficient and an order is issued for compliance within a 14-day time period:
Fix as required.
General requirements
| Issue | Compliance Order |
|---|---|
| The owner / contractor shall ensure that any alteration to the elevator is completed by a registered contractor. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
| No person shall act as a contractor unless registered or undertake any work outside of the scope of their registration. | SHUT DOWN |
No person shall undertake any work on an elevating device unless that person is employed by a contractor and | SHUT DOWN |
| No person shall construct, install, alter, repair, maintain, test, operate or use an elevating device or part thereof, except in accordance with this regulation, the code adoption document, and any applicable Director's Orders. | SHUT DOWN |
| No person shall operate an elevating device or cause or permit it to be operated if it is in an unsafe condition. | SHUT DOWN |
| If a device is ordered removed from service by TSSA, it shall not be returned to service unless allowed by a TSSA inspector. | SHUT DOWN |
| If a seal is affixed to the disconnect, it shall not be removed unless allowed by the inspector who applied it. In some cases, the inspector's supervisor may allow its removal. | SHUT DOWN |
Owner
| Issue | Compliance Order |
|---|---|
| If the Director is not notified within 10 days of a licence information change. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
| If the licence has expired. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
| If the Maintenance Control Program (MCP) logbook is not on site, readily available or being maintained with up-to-date data. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
| If keys to access the machine room / control room are not kept on site. | SHUT DOWN or REPAIR / REPLACE (Depending on circumstances) |
| If the means to access the machine room / control room is damaged (walkway or other | SHUT DOWN or REPAIR / REPLACE (Depending on circumstances) |
| If the roof access is not properly hinged and / or counterbalanced. | SHUT DOWN or REPAIR / REPLACE (Depending on circumstances) |
| If the roof access ladder is not secure. | SHUT DOWN or REPAIR / REPLACE (Depending on circumstances) |
| If there is no means to safely enter the elevator pit. For example, if there is no non-combustible ladder. | SHUT DOWN or REPAIR / REPLACE (Depending on circumstances) |
Maintenance Control Program (MCP)
| Issue | Compliance Order |
|---|---|
| If the logbook onsite is not specific to the device or logbook entries included are not applicable for components that require action. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
Oil Loss monitoring program
| Issue | Compliance Order |
|---|---|
If no reason is provided for why oil was added or removed from the system. | SHUT DOWN |
| If oil loss monitoring is not being checked and recorded at each maintenance visit. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
Machine Room / Control Room (MCP Requirement 8.6.4.8)
| Issue | Compliance Order |
|---|---|
| If the machine room floor contains water, dirt, rubbish, oil, grease, and / or other flammable liquids. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
| If articles are being stored that are not for maintenance of the device. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
| If the access door is not self-closing and self-locking. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
If the machine room / control room or the hoistway is being used as a storage area. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
| If the main disconnect, drive machine or governor are not numbered properly. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
| If a minimum of one metre of clearance is not present around all electrical equipment that has replaceable parts. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
| If the stairway is damaged or not safe and convenient. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
Hydraulic system
| Issue | Compliance Order |
|---|---|
| If oil is missing in the system that cannot be accounted for. | SHUT DOWN |
| If a low-pressure switch has not been added to the inverted cylinder as per Director's Order 160/2001. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
Controller
| Issue | Compliance Order |
|---|---|
| If contacts are worn on relays. |
Governor
| Issue | Compliance Order |
|---|---|
| If overspeed switch is not operative. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
Doors / Gates
| Issue | Compliance Order |
|---|---|
| If normal or reduced door closing time is shorter than what is indicated on door data tag. | SHUT DOWN |
| If Cat 1 test is not completed in accordance with requirement 8.6.4.19.16 – Means to Restrict Hoistway / Car Door Opening. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
| If door clutch is striking landing door pick up rollers and stopping car in flight. | SHUT DOWN |
| If door clutch is striking landing door pick up rollers and not stopping car in flight. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
| If the distance between the car door and the landing door exceeds 140 mm (horizontal sliding doors). | REPAIR / REPLACE |
Car door
| Issue | Compliance Order |
|---|---|
| If door reopening device is not operative. | SHUT DOWN or REPAIR / REPLACE (Depending on circumstances) |
| If the door safety edge is operating intermittently. | SHUT DOWN |
| If the door restrictor is not operative. | SHUT DOWN |
Top of car
| Issue | Compliance Order |
|---|---|
| If top of car inspection station is not provided as per Director's Order 173/02. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
Landing
| Issue | Compliance Order |
|---|---|
If any hoistway access switches are not operative. | SHUT DOWN |
If levelling accuracy is not being maintained. | SHUT DOWN |
| If car levelling is not substantially level at all floors. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
Pit
| Issue | Compliance Order |
|---|---|
If pit access ladder is not secure. | SHUT DOWN or REPAIR / REPLACE (Depending on circumstances) |
| If pit access key is not Group 1 security. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
| If pit access door electric contact is not operative. | SHUT DOWN |
| If the car safeties are not operative. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
Inside of car
| Issue | Compliance Order |
|---|---|
| If emergency systems (alarm, lighting, communication, ventilation) have not been maintained as per requirement 8.6.4.15. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
| If in-car alarm and communications are not operative. | REPAIR / REPLACE |
| If a hole exists in the car station that could led to accidental contact. | REPAIR / REPLACE |