NCEIG Lunch Includes Code Session

Dear Members,

Our first NCEIG meeting after the summer break was held this Wednesday. As there were no scheduled speakers the lunch was largely devoted to conversations regarding the elevator code. Yours truly started it out by discussing several new products from Smart Elevator Tech, LLC - a little self serving for sure as it's my company! There was a veiled attempt to relate the products to the elevator code, such as the Retracta Ladder™ retractable elevator pit ladder meeting A17.1-2004 requirement for the ladder rungs to be 7" from the pit wall line. There were comments that some inspectors are insisting on the 7" requirement whereas others are not. This might be due to the timeline of jobs being designed with standard pits long before the new rule. I also discussed the Adjusta Ladder™ which is a stationary pit ladder that comes equipped with brackets that allow the center of the rung to wall dimension to be set from 4.5" to 7" in 0.5" increments. The argument being that even where the code allows the rung to be at 4.5", why not increase the dimension where there is extra room to do so. We have to remind ourselves that the codes are minimum requirements and if we can increase safety, allow for more toe space, we should do so.

I also discussed another Smart Elevator Tech, LLC product, the Low-Profile Fishplate™ and well as the "Ladder Rail Reinforcement" solutions - both designed to bring pre-seismic code elevator guiderails into compliance with the current seismic code. Other seismic deficiencies were discussed including rail brackets that aren't welded or pinned, non-compliant, stamped metal slide clips, weak bracket designs, etc. We discussed how common it is for major alterations to provide new control systems, fixtures, door equipment and often very expensive cab interior finish upgrades - yet no consideration is given to the major seismic and structural deficiencies of the guide rail stacks. The seismic code is not retroactive so it isn't required to be done, even when the elevators undergo major alterations. I think we agreed that at minimum the owner should be informed that her/his elevators may contain substantial seismic and structural deficiencies that could fail and result in substantial down time, expense and possibly personal injury in a seismic event if not rectified. I suggested getting the owner to sign-off on not rectifying the deficiencies, which would more likely motivate them to make the necessary repairs considering the potential liabilities.

There were also discussions on the great variability of the different DOSH-Elevator Unit offices and inspectors in how they approach inspections. The new norm seems to be that many inspectors leave the job on the first encounter of a deficiency or are instructed to do so by their superiors. Then the inspection becomes a Consultation at twice the fee, yet there really no "consulting" provided - just, "this failed, I'm leaving." If the company has to suffer the Consultation fee and a follow-up Inspection fee, it would certainly be preferable if the inspector would stay in that first instance and finish going through the conveyances to see if there are any other issues to address. This would appear to be an issue to take up with the seniors.

Finally there was discussion about using the NCEIG organization as a better communication tool between the local industry and the AHJ – even possibly a negotiating or lobbying vehicle with some heft. Certainly the goal would not be to antagonize the state but possibly to apply some pressure, powers of persuasion and the like. I'm in favor of this. As a start, members should send into NCEIG code questions, issues, complaints, examples of inconsistent practices and enforcement, etc. These would be assembled and submitted to Ms. Tudor for her study and comment.
The Code Reporter welcomes all comments, suggestions, corrections, admonishments, etc. Use the Comments feature - let's make this thing work.

Cheers,
Rich Blaska

Symposium on the Use of Elevators During Emergencies

NCEIG Member Bill Mitchell wrote to me and others about an upcoming symposium on the use of elevators during emergencies: