Jack Day,
Elevator Chief

New software under development

Greetings,

As we enter the year 2006, I can’t help but notice how swiftly time goes by. I have been here one year, and it has been both rewarding and challenging. I would like to thank everyone who helped make 2005 a good year. I am looking forward to a great year for 2006.

We do have one very interesting project underway, a new central office and field software program. This first phase of the software project is near completion. The second phase began in late January. Once this project is completed and implemented, our services will be very much improved.

One of Governor Gregoire’s initiatives was to have a more responsive government, and this new software will help us reach that goal. However, new software isn’t going to do it all. As you read down the page, you will see that I need your help to mold this program into one that will make all of us in the state proud. Before I get to that though, here are a few housekeeping things to share with you:

Corrections

As some of you may have realized we have been lax in issuing penalties over the last year. This occurred primarily because the system that monitors and reports the “90-day or more outstanding correction” had become unusable.

Now that the new system is in place for monitoring corrections, the penalties will be sent starting February 1st. To date, there are 2,500 conveyances with outstanding corrections. The fines will be issued in a graduated fashion as outlined in Chapter 296‑96‑01070(f)(g) WAC:

• 90 days overdue is $103.
• 180 days overdue is $257.50.
• 270 days overdue is $412.10.
• 360 days overdue is $500.
• Each 30 days thereafter is $500.

It is not our intention to become a state entity that makes money on penalty fines, but it has become evident that some will not bring conveyances up to the state minimum safety standards without this penalty. If you have outstanding corrections, please complete the repairs, sign and date the inspection report and submit the report to our office.

Continuing Education
Timely renewing of state mechanics’ licenses depends largely on continuing education. When re‑applying, you must include the certificate of completion from one of the approved continuing education course providers. We cannot process your application without the certificate. Course information can be found on the Licensing of elevator mechanics and contractors page. Click on Continuing Education.”

For those who won’t have completed the continuing education requirement by the expiration date, please note the following three actions that will occur:

1. You will no longer have a valid license in the state of Washington. You will need to apply and have in your possession a temporary elevator mechanic license issued by the state of Washington in order to do any work.
2. The fee for your application will double.
3. You will have 90 days to fulfill your obligation to submit an acceptable application. If 90 days passes, then you must reapply and pass the competency test.

Elevator Contractor Test

We have notified the contacts for all companies that need to send someone to take the elevator contractor test. A test was given on January 27 at the L&I building in Tumwater. The next test will be offered on March 3, 2006. Please see the Elevator Calendar page for complete information on dates and study materials.

Education

As it states in Chapter 296-96-00906 (i) WAC, Documented experience and educational credits, three years work experience within the category sought is required. Educational credits were intentionally left to the discretion of the chief. It is now time to update the code and further define work experience and educational requirements. I will be working with stakeholders to better outline educational credits as a standard to utilize in not only determining qualifications but also for those who need to know what courses they will be required to complete. I need help from stakeholders in different categories who are willing to meet with me and discuss the future requirements. (Please see subcommittee below to sign up)

National Standard Update

Currently, the Elevator Program has this national standard adopted as code:

ASME A17.1-2000 with A17.1a-2002 and A17.1b-2003 addenda, adopted June 30, 2004. The present code in print but not adopted by Washington is: ASME A17.1-2004 with A17.1a-2005 and A17.1S-2005- Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.

How are we going to adopt this standard? In the past, the standard would be reviewed by the inspectors and approved by the Elevator Advisory Committee. This time, I would like interested stakeholders to get more involved by serving on a subcommittee with a member of the Elevator Advisory Committee as chair of the subcommittee.

Rules for the subcommittee will be established at a later date. One thing to keep in mind, the subcommittee will not be the final say in what does or doesn’t get adopted. I do, however, need and want your recommendations. The subcommittee will be addressing changes that have been made to the new standard that are different than the adopted codes and helping to develop criteria for education of personnel.

The educational subcommittees will be the first to convene. We need the experience and educational requirements solidified prior to updating the national standards.

The subcommittees are as follows:

• ASME A17.1, Commercial-Electric elevators, Hydraulic elevators, Escalators, Moving Walks.
• ASME A17.1, Commercial & residential- Dumbwaiters.
• ASME A17.1, Special purpose elevators, Private residence elevators.
• WAC 296-96-00906 (1) (a) (i) (A) & (B), Experience and educational credits and test questions.
• WAC 296-96-00906 (1) (c) (i) (A) & (B), Experience and educational credits and test questions.
• WAC 296-96-00906 (1) (d) (i) (A) & (B), Experience and educational credits and test questions.

Please consider participating on one of these committees. If you are interested, please send an e-mail to Danielle Rau at macd235@LNI.wa.gov. We will need the following information:

• Your full name.
• Home address and phone number.
• Work address and phone number.
• Subcommittee(s) you are interested in serving on.
• Reason you want to serve on this subcommittee.
• How much time can you contribute to this subcommittee? We anticipate at least two four-hour meetings, as well as telephone and e-mail conversations.

Thank you for your interest. I look forward to working with you. If you have questions, please contact me by e-mail at dayl235@LNI.wa.gov or by phone at 360-902-6128.

Have a safe ride,

Jack Day
Chief Elevator Inspector