The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) performs acceptance inspections and tests on new and altered elevators, escalators and elevating devices identified in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) A17.1/CSA B44 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. We also conduct periodic inspections on existing elevators and related elevating devices.
Requirements for acceptance inspections are found in the section 8.10 of the Safety Code and requirements for periodic inspections are found in section 8.11 of the Safety Code.
The TSSA also evaluates suspension means against replacement criteria established in A17.6 - Rope Replacement Criteria.
Procedures
The ASME A17.2 Guide for Inspection of Elevators, Escalators, and Moving Walks includes recommended inspection and testing procedures for both acceptance and periodic inspections, which TSSA inspectors follow when performing routine inspections, or witnessing periodic and acceptance inspections.
Inspectors will not be able to accomplish all the procedures specified in the guide during each inspection. Qualified inspectors have the knowledge and experience to recognize potential deficiencies and focus their inspections on those areas.
Please note that in the event that an inspector has issued an order that may come into question, contractors are advised to follow the inspection order resolution protocol to have their concerns reviewed.
The TSSA implements the following test procedures:
- Procedure for Testing Battery Lowering
- Procedure for Testing Emergency Lighting
- Procedure for Testing Door Closing Force
- Procedure for Testing Nudging
- Procedure for Testing Emergency Power
- Procedure for Testing of Elevator Hydraulic Jack Replacements
- Procedure for Testing Door Separation
- Procedure to Confirm Closing time of Elevator Horizontal Sliding Doors
Elevator CAB Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) |
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Q: Is a submission required when the cab floor is altered to ruling 171? A: Yes.
Q: When the cab is modified, how do we make sure the floor is level and we do not have a tripping hazard between the floor and sill ? A: If changes are made to the cab that are not of a housekeeping nature, this will constitute an alteration which must be submitted and inspected. The B44-04 sec. 2.14.1.9.2: Passenger car floors shall have no projections or depressions greater than 6 mm (0.25 in.).
Q: Should the owner check with the maintaining contractor before any thing is changed on the elevator? A: Yes, inspectors can remind the owner of this.
Q: If the owner chooses to repair a floor with broken tiles there can’t be a change in weight unless done with or under the supervision of an elevator contractor, correct? A: Correct. This would constitute an alteration. For small repairs, there can not be any weight change or change of materials, otherwise it constitutes an alteration.
Q: Does all work have to be done by a TSSA registered contractor or under the supervision of a registered contractors certified mechanic? A: Yes. However, work done in the elevator cab that is of a housekeeping nature can be done by the owner or his/her representative.
Q: Do we always need the weight history reflected on the crosshead? A: For alteration yes, even if there is no weight change but not for repairs (see earlier question and response) where there is no weight change.
Q: What constitutes a repair versus a replacement? A: Replacing a few broken tiles with same materials is a repair, replacing the whole floor is a replacement and constitutes an alteration; replacing part of the floor with different materials is also an alteration.
Q: Who is going to remove the existing flooring to ensure that the new flooring is properly addressed at the threshold by not creating a tripping hazard? A: This would be an alteration and so the alteration contractor is responsible. Having an alteration contractor involved will address this issue. The floor can be removed by anyone under the supervision of a mechanic. The alterations contractor’s mechanic assesses the difference between the new and old materials and the condition of the cab floor before the new material goes in. This information is needed to mark the crosshead and submit the alteration.
Q: Who is going to make sure that the integrity of the main floor is intact? A: The alteration contractor and their mechanic who is carrying out or supervising the work.
Q: Who is to advise us of the weight change? i.e. - removal of vinyl tile and installation of ceramic? A: Since this is an alteration then the alteration contractor is responsible.
Q: How does the field mechanic know that safety is not being jeopardized by added weight? A: If there is a change in weight, it is an alteration and must be done by a registered contractor or under his/her supervision and submit.
Q: How do we know that the owner is even going to advise us that the floor has been replaced? A: We don’t. We already have regulations stating that the owner must notify us and the work has to be done or supervised by a mechanic. If the owner chooses to ignore all that or is unaware of the regulations we may not know until a mechanic or inspector makes a site visit.
Q: It could also create a safety issue if maintenance or repair is being carried out by the maintaining contractor at the same time someone decides to replace the floor. A: The mechanics are responsible to ensure the safety of public and their own safety when performing any work. Also the maintaining contractor is responsible for the safety and training of their mechanics. Lock-out tag-out and disabling the door operation during maintenance as necessary are some simple steps that can be taken.
Q: If the Directors Order 171/02 has added any value, cumulative weight change must be posted on the cross head data tag. A: Agree.
Q: In your example, is the mechanic supervising this floor alteration responsible for ensuring there is a design submission if they are changing from vinyl tile to a ceramic tile? A: The mechanic’s responsibility is to report the changes to his office. The registered elevator contractor employing that mechanic is responsible for the submission.
A: Assuming the enclosure is existing, the elevator contractor who will be submitting the job needs to determine what stages they have to be present for in order to ensure the weight change is documented and that the correct materials are used, the integrity of the cab enclosure/floor prior to the new material being installed and methods of fastening the new materials to the enclosure/floor. The supervising mechanic will determine the appropriate level of supervision be it direct or general.
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