Board of Elevator Regulations Letter to Industry Regarding Phase II Issue

Mass.gov . Division of Occupational Licensure . Office of Public Safety and Inspections NOTICE ON ELEVATOR CODE AND SAFETY ISSUE FOR EMERGENY SERVICES UTILIZING FIREFIGHTER’S SERVICE PHASE II FOR CERTAIN ELEVATORS IN THE COMMONWEALTH March 29, 2022 Good afternoon, The Board of Elevator Regulations, charged with the safe operation, installation, construction, and alteration of all elevators in the Commonwealth, especially as these may relate to prevent the spread of fire, has identified a safety issue occurring when emergency services utilize Firefighter’s Emergency Operation Phase II Emergency In-Car Operation. In certain circumstances, a firefighter performing a door operation with the door open button who releases the button prior to the complete opening of the door experiences the continuation of the door opening, rather than reclosing. As soon as the Board and the Elevator Division became aware of this situation, involving as it does a safety issue, it took steps to incorporate appropriate testing and notification to those who own and control such elevators. These inspections identified several elevators which failed to respond to the commands of emergency personnel during Phase II Operations. As a part of the Board’s efforts to remedy this situation fully and fairly, the Board invited representatives of the manufacturers of these controllers to its January 18, 2022 meeting to hear their concerns and remedial plans. This Notice is prompted in response to these manufacturers’ presentations. First, with respect to the observations made regarding in-car elevator stop switches, the Board reiterates its position that this safety issue relates to the operation of the elevator doors under Firefighter Phase II operation. Since the operation of the in-car stop switch affects the operation of the car doors under these current and historical sections of the Elevator Code A17.1-2000, 2004, 2013, § 2.27.3.3.1(d) & A17.1 - 1987, 1989, 1996, § 211.3c(1)(c) the elevators have been found to be non-compliant with their current configuration under the applicable code. Given this, the Board restates its determination that the circumstances for which numerous elevators have been identified during inspection are in violation of the Elevator Code, and the violations must be remedied. As has been indicated, the Board and Division expect a full and fair resolution of those elevators inspected with this type of code violation. We recognize that some solutions may pose greater challenges, although owners, operators, contractors, mechanics, and manufacturers must collaborate and work together to ensure that those repairs needed to place the equipment in a safe and code compliant condition are completed in a timely manner. It is the expectation of the Board, in the normal course, that all such repairs will be fully completed and will be able to pass inspection by the end of calendar year 2022. Questions or concerns may be directed to the Chief of Elevator Inspections, Thomas E. McDermott, thomas.mcdermott@mass.gov. The Chief, or the staff of the Department may redirect inquiries as may be appropriate in any particular circumstance. The Board and the Department greatly appreciate your anticipated cooperation. Thomas E. McDermott Chief of Elevator Inspections Division of Occupational Licensure Office of Public Safety and Inspections