Compliance Standard - Escalator Owners-Operators

Compliance Standards - Escalator Owners and Operators

Compliance standards are lists of high-risk non-compliances associated with various devices. On periodic inspections, TSSA will only follow-up on these high-risk non-compliances; however, regulated parties should recognize these high-risk non-compliances as items that need to be immediately addressed at any time. Other non-compliances do not pose the same level of risk but should be addressed in accordance with the timeline outlined in the compliance standard and indicated by the inspector. For more information, visit  Compliance Standards - What, Why and Benefits.

Escalator owners and operators are responsible for verifying that proper operating and maintenance procedures are being followed to ensure public safety, and have specific responsibilities for escalator safety under the following regulations:

• Ontario Regulation 209/01: Elevating Devices
• Ontario Regulation 222/01: Certification and Training of Elevating Device Mechanics
• Elevating Devices Code Adoption Document Amendment 277-19 as well as all applicable Director’s Orders
• ASME A17.1-2019/CSA B44:19– Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators

Important Note re: Barricades

When contractors complete any work on an escalator, they must ensure barricades or other guards are placed around the escalators or moving walks and shall be so secured in place as to prevent any passerby from gaining access to the escalator or moving walk by simple actions, such as lifting and pushing the barricade aside or by stepping* over the barricade whenever work is completed on the device.
*Note: Based on the Ontario Building Code [re: guards], barricades of at least 1,070 millimetres (42 inches) in height should meet the intent of this part of the requirement.

Incident Reporting

• Incident reporting is required by law - Director's Guideline #230/09. 

• Note: A consequence to a person or property equals an incident.

• In the case of death, serious injury or immediate hazard, call the TSSA at 1-877-682-8772.

• Report all incidents to TSSA by email at ed-incident@tssa.org or call 1-877-682-8772.

• Consult the Incident Reporting Guidelines and submit the required Incident Reporting Form.

Important Reminders

• Daily Start Up - Ensure the daily start-up is completed by a trained person. A number of the checks below are contained in the daily start up.
• Public Safety - Always ensure public safety by prohibiting access to escalators when performing inspections.  
• Signage - Ensure required signs and data plates are not damaged or missing.
• Noises and Vibrations - Report any unusual noises or vibrations to your maintenance contractor.
• Certified Mechanics- Ensure that any work on an escalator, other than tasks described in this compliance standard, is performed by a certified escalator mechanic.
• Escalator Licence Renewals and Changes - Authorization by TSSA is a key requirement for site/facility operations. Submit your renewal application, including payment of the renewal fee, prior to the expiration date to ensure there are no undue interruptions to your site’s/facility’s operations. Failure to do so by the expiry date may result in an inspection and/or a shutdown order. Report any changes or updates to your license to TSSA Customer Service at 1-877-682-8772.
• Alterations - Ensure that your maintenance contractor has filed a TSSA submission and arranged for an inspection for all alterations.

Escalator Compliance Standards - High-Risk Items

The components listed below are high-risk items that must be checked daily if they are in the Start-Up Procedure. Items that are not in the Start-Up Procedure should be checked every three months.

For convenience, high-risk items are listed on the Escalator Compliance Standards Summary Checklist for Owners and Operators.

High-Risk Items Must be Inspected Regularly to Ensure Public Safety

Download Escalator Components Illustration 

1. General

• Verify that all required maintenance and tests are completed and indicated in the maintenance logbook. This can be accomplished by having your contractor send you electronic updates.
• REPAIR / REPLACE - If the licence has expired.

2. Operation - Emergency Stop Button and Stopping Distance

• SHUT DOWN - If any of the emergency stop buttons are inoperative.
• SHUT DOWN AND BARRICADE - If the escalator stopping distance is not within the range stated on the Daily Stopping Distance check sign.
• Examples - View photos

3. Steps

• SHUT DOWN AND BARRICADE - If any steps are damaged or have missing components.
• Examples - View photos

4. Combplates

• SHUT DOWN - If combplates are not in good condition or two adjacent teeth are missing.
• Examples - View photos

5. Skirt Panels and Balustrades

• SHUT DOWN - If panels on either side of the escalator are worn, damaged, out of alignment or defective.
• Examples - View photos

6. Handrails

• SHUT DOWN - If the handrail speed does not match the speed of the steps.
• SHUT DOWN AND CONTACT YOUR CONTRACTOR - If there are cracks or pinch hazards in the handrail.
• Examples - View photos

7. Guarding

• CONTACT YOUR CONTRACTOR - If any ceiling intersection guards are not in place.
• Examples - View photos

8. Barricades

• SHUT DOWN - If outer deck barricades are not secured in place.
• Examples - View photos

9. Landings

• CONTACT YOUR CONTRACTOR - If any lighting that is part of the escalator is not in good working condition.
• CONTACT YOUR PROPERTY MANAGER - If any ambient lighting is inadequate.
• CONTACT YOUR PROPERTY MANAGER - If there are any obstacles or slip and trip hazards on landings.
• Examples - View photos