Jack Day,
Elevator Chief

Greetings,

There are several important topics in this newsletter that I hope you will find helpful. Also, I want to invite and encourage your participation in the elevator code update process. Participation from the elevator community not only fosters better relations, it also creates an atmosphere of understanding.

Deviations from the National Standards

I believe standardization of the code is extremely important. Hopefully, you have observed my efforts to standardize the rules. The codes and rules serve to keep people in Washington State safe and guide the industry on business practices. The national consensus standards and WAC 296-96 outline how conveyance safety tests are to be performed.

Manufacturers are starting to build equipment that does not allow the standard conveyance safety test to be performed in accordance with our rules. These units still need to pass an approved conveyance safety test that meets or exceeds the same presently adopted standards. It is your responsibility to make sure all equipment can be tested as outlined in the rules. Check with your manufacturer, and if the conveyance deviates from the rules, you will need to obtain pre-approval from the department prior to installation and acceptance testing.

Correction abatement

As I stated in February’s Rising Times, the program is now better able to assess penalties for unabated corrections. From January through March 2006, only 28 percent of the corrections issued were abated. In the past year, 70 percent of corrections were abated over a 365-day period.

This number is disturbing, since it represents a high number of corrections that are not being addressed. My hope is that everyone will recognize the importance of abating corrections prior receiving a penalty.

Please note that hazards left unabated past 180 days receive additional penalties. If you have received a correction notice, have already abated the item, and have not informed us, please notify the department in writing so that you are not assessed any additional penalties.

Elevator Rulemaking

The department is proceeding with rulemaking to adopt the latest versions of the national consensus standards, to outline the educational credits for new elevator mechanics, and to make housekeeping changes throughout the rule. The national consensus standards we are reviewing are ASME A17.1-2004, A17.1a-2005, A17.1S-2005, ASME A18.1-2005, and ASME A90.1-2003.

Education criteria The department has a draft policy addressing and clarifying the educational credits language in WAC 296-96-00906. Please contact us for a copy of the draft policy.

If you have any comments regarding either of these changes, please visit the Elevator rules web site to submit your comments by July 14.

Proper testing cycles

Chapter 296-96-23610 WAC requires a machine-room test log to be posted in the machine room. I have learned from elevator companies there is a misunderstanding of when safety tests must be performed. Safety tests are to be routine in nature, performed on the 12-month anniversary date of the previous test. This does not mean the test can be performed anytime within the calendar year. According to RCW 70.87.120 (2)(a), “the department shall cause all conveyances to be inspected and tested at least once each year.” During annual inspections, the inspectors are to looking in the machine-room test logs for documentation that the tests are routine in nature.

There are two exceptions to performing the routine annual safety tests:

• The year following the first inspection of a new conveyance. The department recognizes the tests are staggered throughout the next year; therefore, we will not enforce the periodic portion of the requirement for the first twelve months.
• The quarterly requirement for phase one and two key-switch test, since this is a routine quarterly test requirement and not an annual test.

New software under development

The Elevator Section has been working on developing new elevator software. The new elevator software is in the beginning stages of testing in central office. Testing of the new elevator software for inspectors will begin this summer.

The new elevator software system will provide customers with a more accurate reporting of permits and annual-inspection reports from central office and standardized inspection format. I am very excited about the new elevator software since it should help us in areas of known deficiencies and present a timely, accurate, standardized, and efficient inspection.

Elevator calendar

All elevator inspectors will be in training on Aug. 7-11, so inspections will not be available on those days. Please see the Elevator Calendar & News page for more information on upcoming events and activities.

Inspectors training

The department provides regular training for all elevator inspectors in safety, accident investigation, code recognition, skirt step indexing, some manufacturer specific inspection procedures, and customer communication. This year all the state elevator inspectors will be attending the annual National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities (NAESAI) workshop being held in Seattle, Aug. 7–11. Elevator inspections will not be available on those days. Please plan your inspections accordingly.

For additional information about the NAESA workshop, please see the NAESAI web site.

Training and implementations of new programs take time. Nothing happens overnight. I hope you have seen and will continue to see improvements in the elevator program. I always appreciate hearing from stakeholders and customers of the Elevator Program. Please contract me if you have any comments or questions.

Sincerely,

Jack Day
Chief Elevator Inspector

State of Washington
360-902-6128
dayl@LNI.wa.gov