Scam or code requirement

[Inspector 102]

A local business was told they need to make corrections to thier elevator set up. The original elevator was installed in 1990 and has receive state approval and permits to operate ever since. This company indicates the following work needs completed:

Smoke detectors at each elevator lobby and in machine room ( elevator serves basement and 2 floors)

Fused lockable disconnect for cab lighting

GFCI receptacle in pit and machine room

GFCI receptacle for sump in pit

It seems that the elevator passed the inspections by the inspector for the codes in place at the time. I am not aware of any changes planned that would require changes per code. I think that this is scare tactics by this company to drum up business. Based on the installation date, were these items required at the time? Admittedly I do not have the elevator standard to reference. Thanks

 

[mark handler]

Has your state made any alterations to their elevator code?

What state?

 

[TimNY]

In addition to what Mark said.. the elevator workers have a strong union here in NY.. they may refuse to work on it unless the changes are made.. for the safety of the workers. So perhaps it's worth a call to see if the elevator company is saying it is a violation, or a condition of having their workers service the elevator.

 

[MarkRandall]

Elevator worker unions: There are only a few main manufacturers of elevators. One thing I've noticed over the years is the elevator workers union has a lot of power and their union workers must be the highest paid of all trades. I don't think there's any nonunion choices in the market for competition. Sorry for the rant...elevator unions are not my favorite organization.

 

[Yankee]

Those seem like pretty regular normal types of requirements. I'm kind of surprised they don't already have them.

 

[TimNY]

Elevator worker unions: There are only a few main manufacturers of elevators. One thing I've noticed over the years is the elevator workers union has a lot of power and their union workers must be the highest paid of all trades. I don't think there's any nonunion choices in the market for competition. Sorry for the rant...elevator unions are not my favorite organization.

That's usually why the other trades urinate in the elevator shaft.

 

[Yankee]

. . . .oh . . . is that why the bottom of the shaft is ALWAYS wet?

 

[TimNY]

. . . .oh . . . is that why the bottom of the shaft is ALWAYS wet?

I wouldn't go down there.. It make me grimace just thinking about it.

 

[peach]

elevator lobbies have been required to have SD for a LONG time.. what kind of elevator?

It's all standard now.

 

[mark handler]

Has your state made any alterations to their elevator code? What state?

Just as an example

(ASME A17.3-2005)

"...upgrades required by application of the Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators must be completed no later than January 1, 2015 ..." http://www.sfm.illinois.gov/documents/MunicipalityAgreement.pdf

With respect to ASME A17.3-2005, Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators, upgrades required by this Standard must be completed no later than January 1, 2009 except that upgrades to the hydraulic cylinder system and firefighter control system must be completed by January 1, 2011. http://www.vernonhills.org/UserFiles/File/Ordinance/2008-012.pdf

 

[Yikes]

I had a project where the elevator installer showed up, then immediately left the jobsite because he was not given a parking stall within 100' of the elevator shaft.

The stall he wanted was occupied by a crane installing rooftop equipment.

Q: How many elevator installers does it take to screw in a light bulb?

A: Just one - they stand still while the rest of the world revolves around them.

 

[gupiaotools]

I especially like what Mark said.