ASME A17.1 Safety Code
for Elevators and Escalators
What you need to know about ASME A17.1 Safety Code — all in one place.
ASME A17.1 Safety Code is a very significant change in responsibilities and requirements for elevators, pools, and properties. I strongly advise that property managers take action now to improve their emergency phones and get compliant as soon as they can.
Adele Molinaro
ATT Elevator Consulting
ASME A17.1 Safety Code: At a Glance
The purpose of the ASME A17.1 Safety Code is to provide standards for the construction, installation, operation, testing, inspection, maintenance, alteration, and repair of elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, and more.
Here are a few quick facts:
- Came into effect in 2019
- States follow different versions of the code passed in different years
- New version of the code includes new standards:
- Cybersecurity requirements
- Remote interaction requirements
- Test enable operation requirements
- Seismic requirements were clarified
- Emergency communication requirements
Most important of these changes were the updates made to emergency communication requirements. In addition to equipping each elevator with an emergency phone system, that system must also make accessibility accommodations for the hearing impaired.
In addition, the ability to visually monitor the interior of the cab is critical to ensuring safety in the event of a crisis. If a passenger seeks support during a medical event and loses the ability to speak, our monitoring team can confirm the crisis and dispatch emergency medical resources.
What is Two Way Monitoring?
To meet new safety standards, property managers must equip their elevators with an emergency communication system that enables two-way monitoring.
Two way monitoring refers to a system that allows building staff to monitor the elevator occupants while also enables the occupants to communicate with the building staff. To meet accessibility requirements, there must also be a text-based communication channel available, which could include in-car cameras.
Our team provides essential monitoring services for voice, text, and ADA enhanced visual communications in addition to regulatory and technology consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to know about Elevator Safety Codes?
Elevator safety codes are an essential requirement to ensure the safety of all elevator passengers. It applies standards to the construction, design, operation, and maintenance of the elevator that improve the safety and performance of the elevator. Fewer breakdowns, fewer emergencies, and fewer accidents are the chief goals of the safety code.
The second thing to know is that these codes are mandatory, and achieving compliance requires action by the building management to upgrade existing elevator systems to meet the new standard. Clearview specializing in ensuring compliance with all relevant safety codes.
What is the ASME elevator safety code?
Dating back over a hundred years to the first elevators, elevator safety codes have been adapted through the decades as the technology changes and improves. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) elevator safety code refers to one of the three primary standards regulating elevators in the United States. Different states may adopt different versions of the ASME code released on different years, so specifics may differ from state to state.
My state adopted IBC 2018 bot not ASME 2019. Should a solution that is built for and meets ASME 2019 pass inspection?
Yes. ASME A17.1 is the reference standard in IBC 2018. Therefore, the standards should be the same.
Does ASME 2019 address the same requirements as IBC 2018?
Yes, video and non-verbal accessibility requirements were developed to align with the requirements set our in IBC 2018.
What codes pertain to elevator safety?
There are three primary codes relevant to elevators, however it is important to note the specifics will differ state to state. That said, the codes include the American Society or Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the International Building Code (IBC), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
How is ASME A17.1-2019 different from previous versions?
The most salient changes passed in 2019 was the requirement to equip all elevators with a two-way video monitoring system that meets accessibility requirements for the hearing impaired. That includes a text-based communication channel.
Beyond this change, there are many additional tweaks and calibrations to the standards, including cybersecurity requirements and more.
How can I know if my elevators meet the safety standards?
Clearview Phone Monitoring brings deep expertise to our elevator inspections and consultations. We compare your elevator system against the latest code updates for your state. If we find the system to fall short of the standards, we provide solutions to bring your building into compliance.
Contact us today to discuss your elevator system.
How do I get the latest elevator code?
The ASME standards have been compiled over decades. As a result, the full safety code exceeds 600 pages. It can be a difficult document to digest, but it is available for purchase online, including at major book sellers like Amazon.
Get Monitoring + Compliance
Clearview Phone Monitoring offers comprehensive services to ensure rapid compliance with ASME A17.1 Safety Code and other existing regulations. Get in touch today.