Compliance Standards: Escalator Owners and Operators

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 escalator owners and operators 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.
 

For more information, visit:

• Compliance Support Program

• Webinar on Compliance Standards for Elevators & Escalators (Feb 21, 2023)

Escalator Owner / Operator Responsibilities

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.ca)

• Elevating Devices Code Adoption Document Amendment 295/22 (pdf)

• 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 #230/09 (pdf). 

• Promptly report all incidents, accidents, and hazardous conditions to the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)

Important Note Regarding 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.

Important Reminders for Owners and Operators

• Daily start-up – Ensure the daily start-up is completed by a trained person. Several 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.

Compliance standards / High-risk items for escalators

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.

During the periodic inspection, TSSA will be checking the following 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.

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

Download a copy of this escalator components illustration (pdf).

General

Operation – Emergency Stop Button and Stopping Distance

Steps

Combplates

Skirt Panels and Balustrades\

Handrails

Guarding

Barricades

Landings