Elevating devices codes and hoistway access consultation

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Two elevators, one with doors open, one with doors closed

Status: Closed

This consultation is now closed. We thank everyone who took the time to provide their feedback. Read the report on what we heard throughout the consultation.

We will post updates on the code adoption as needed.

From September 26 to November 3, Technical Safety BC consulted with the elevating devices industry, building owners, and other interested groups to provide feedback on

  • adopting the most recent editions of elevator codes;
  • adopting a code series new to BC for mast-climbing transport platforms for the construction industry;
  • updating the process for non-mechanics to access elevator hoistways; and
  • formalizing additional changes into regulation.

Read more about the impacts below.


Status: Closed

This consultation is now closed. We thank everyone who took the time to provide their feedback. Read the report on what we heard throughout the consultation.

We will post updates on the code adoption as needed.

From September 26 to November 3, Technical Safety BC consulted with the elevating devices industry, building owners, and other interested groups to provide feedback on

  • adopting the most recent editions of elevator codes;
  • adopting a code series new to BC for mast-climbing transport platforms for the construction industry;
  • updating the process for non-mechanics to access elevator hoistways; and
  • formalizing additional changes into regulation.

Read more about the impacts below.


  • What We Heard Report: 2023 Elevating Devices Codes and Hoistway Access Consultation

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    Introduction

    From September 26 through November 3, 2023, Technical Safety BC engaged with the elevating devices industry on the following proposals:

    • adopting the most recent editions of the elevating devices codes;
    • adopting a new series of codes for mast climbing transport platforms;
    • proposing certification to formalize permissions for individuals such as supervisors and consultants to access elevator hoistways; and
    • formalizing maintenance requirements for driving machine brakes into regulation.

    This report summarizes the feedback we heard throughout the consultation.


    Outreach and Participation

    Before the consultation, we formed three code review advisory groups, made up of 20 industry experts who helped identify major impacts in each of the codes. In total, 79 participants provided feedback during the consultation period.

    Feedback method

    Participants

    Survey

    52

    Discussion & feedback sessions

    48

    1:1 meeting

    2

    Email

    8

    1:1 meeting (pre-consultation)

    2

    Advisory Group (pre-consultation)

    25

    Note: This table counts the number of participants in each method, regardless of whether they participated through multiple feedback methods, were members of multiple advisory groups, or attended multiple meetings.

    Participant Type

    The intended participants for this consultation were mainly elevating devices contractors and mechanics, as they would be most impacted by the code and proposed regulatory changes. In total, 19 contractors (representing about 33% of licensed elevating devices contractors) and 22 certificate holders (representing less than 1% of elevating devices certificate holders) participated in this consultation. This table shows the number of participants who provided feedback during the consultation period.

    Participant type

    Participants

    Mechanic and mechanic-in-training

    21

    Contractor

    19

    Consultant

    15

    Building owner or property manager

    14

    General contractor

    2

    Personnel & construction hoist operator

    1

    Training provider

    1

    Industry association representative

    1

    Other*

    5

    Note: “Other” includes contractor licence applicants, members of the public, or unknown. Individual participants are categorized under one participant type.


    Feedback

    TSBC invited participants to read summaries of the most impactful code changes and regulatory proposals on TSBC's Engage site. Participants responded to an online survey asking about the impacts of various changes and attended virtual meetings with technical experts presenting the code changes.


    CSA B44:19 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators

    56% support for adoption

    (based on 36 survey participants)

    • 70% of participants rated the impact of 3D object detection for elevator doors as positive or minimal. Participants expressed concerns about:
      1. cost vs benefit of this technology;
      2. doors opening unintentionally as people pass by in high traffic areas; and
      3. personal safety if elevator users cannot override the 3D object detection with door close button.
    • 71% of participants rated the impact of visual two-way communication systems as positive or minimal. Participants expressed concerns about:
      1. cost of implementation; and
      2. privacy for people with sensitive business, such as jury members.
    • 79% of participants rated the impact of taking defective equipment out of service as positive or minimal. Participants asked for clarification on what kinds of equipment would affect the "safe operation" of an elevating device.
    • Some participants suggested that TSBC adopt the CSA B44:22 instead of the CSA B44:19.


    CSA B355:19 Platform lifts and stair lifts for barrier-free access

    75% support for adoption

    (based on 12 survey respondents)

    • 75% of participants rated the impact of alteration requirements as positive or minimal.
    • 59% of participants rated the impact of two-way communication for unenclosed vertical and inclined platform lifts as positive or minimal. Participants expressed concerns about challenges to retroactively implementing two-way communication to existing lifts.


    CSA Z185:23 Safety code for personnel hoists

    80% support for adoption

    (based on 10 survey respondents)

    • 79% of participants rated the impact of maintenance and record-keeping requirements on their operations as positive or minimal. Participants made the following comments:
      1. maintenance requirements improve safety;
      2. potential delays because only a few companies can perform non-destructive testing; and
      3. interest in potential future changes to the hoist operator training program.


    CSA B354.12:17, B354.13:17, B354.14:17 for mast climbing transport platforms (MCTPs)

    33% would consider using MCTPs

    (based on 9 survey and discussion & feedback session participants)

    • Most participants asked how operational requirements would work.


    EDSR proposal: Hoistway access

    92% consider it important to restrict hoistway access to certified individuals

    (based on 38 survey respondents)

    • Participants commented that restricting the scope of work is very important to safety of elevator mechanics working in the hoistway, including clarifying what an individual can or cannot do.
    • 95% of participants rated specific training on hoistway safety and protocols as important. Participants commented:
      1. training should be similar to the level of training as an elevator mechanic; and
      2. specific training may be needed for various types of equipment, as different hoistways have different access procedures.


    EDSR proposal: Driving machine brake maintenance

    (based on 20 survey respondents)

    • Most participants had no concerns about moving the driving machine brake maintenance requirements into regulation.


    Next Steps

    After a code consultation, TSBC reviews and considers the feedback we receive. We then recommend to the Province of BC whether to adopt the codes and make the proposed changes to the Elevating Devices Safety Regulation. We will provide an update to the elevating devices industry on the outcomes and the effective date of any changes.

  • CSA B44:19 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators

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    Background

    The CSA B44 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators covers electric and hydraulic elevators, escalators, and moving walks. The 2019 edition of the code includes various improvements, including in these areas:

    • Emergency communication and equipment in elevators
    • New designs and technology
    • Elevator data
    • Escalators and moving walks
    • Taking defective equipment out of service

    Emergency Communication and Equipment in Elevators

    Two-Way Emergency Communication

    Clause 2.27.1.1

    New elevators must be equipped with remote video connection, two-way messaging and text display, and have the ability to obtain responses from passengers who cannot verbally communicate or hear. The screen must display messages sent by the emergency call centre, and if needed, the call centre can turn on video to verify if someone is in the elevator. Communication and alternatives must comply with emergency signaling devices requirements (Clause 2.27.1), especially during the event of a power loss.

    These enhancements will positively impact safety and accessibility for those who may be hard of hearing or may have a speaking disability if they become entrapped in an elevator.

    View of Car Interior in Case of Entrapment

    Clause 2.27.1.1

    In high-rise buildings, there must be a way for emergency personnel to view the elevator car interior in the case of passenger entrapment notifications. This will help authorized personnel confirm if a passenger is trapped and assess if additional actions are required for their rescue.

    Access Panels for Fire Alarm Initiation Devices

    Clause 2.8.2.4

    A new Clause allows for fire alarm testers to use an access panel to test and maintain fire alarm initiation devices (FAIDs) located in an elevator hoistway. Fire alarm prevention personnel would be able to test and maintain FAIDs without exposing themselves to elevator hoistways, and without needing a certified elevator mechanic present to provide them hoistway access. This will improve public safety by making it safer for fire prevention personnel to regularly test and maintain fire alarm initiation devices.

    New Designs and Technology

    3D Object Detection for Elevator Doors

    Clause 2.13.5

    This new code clause requires elevator car doors in new elevators to use a new technology that detects objects in three dimensions. Currently, elevator doors can only detect objects in two dimensions, which means that elevator doors will only reopen or stay open if they detect an object in the door path. With 3D object detection, elevator doors will reopen or stay open if they detect an object approaching the elevator, such as a person moving toward the elevator doors, or an object in the door path. This innovation can greatly reduce the potential for interactions with the elevator equipment, potentially reducing the number of reported incidents.

    Door Interlocks and Safety Integrity Level (SIL)-Rated Devices

    Clauses 2.12.2.4 and 2.14.4.2

    This revision was added to clarify the types of devices allowed to be used in Hoistway door interlocks and hoistway and car door closed detection means to detect when the elevator doors are in locked position, and to clearly define the closed and locked position of the door. This change now allows elevator hoistway and car doors to utilize safety integrity level (SIL)-rated devices for this purpose. Also, new requirements are added for interlocks that use SIL rated devices as detection means to align them with the requirements of doors’ traditional electrical contacts. SIL-rated devices determine whether elevator hoistway and car doors are closed and locked based on the probability and severity of the related hazards. The required SIL rating has been specified as SIL 3; elevators will be able to operate only if both the doors are closed and locked. This will improve safety by helping to reduce the potential for interactions with doors.

    Elevator Data

    Unique Software Identifier

    Clauses 2.26.1.7 and 3.26.11

    This new clause requires executable software used in performing specific functions to have a unique software identifier (USI) to convey the current software version. A means is required in the control system to view the USI on-site, reflecting the installed software version on the controller. There are also guidelines provided for on-site testing and verification of executable software and requirements of a new USI to be logged in the records after an alteration. Manufacturers will need to impart the USI into their designs, and contractors may need to update the documentation associated with the elevator to reflect the software version in effect.

    Counterweight Overbalance Range on Data Plate

    Clause 2.24.2.3.5

    This new clause requires manufacturers to provide the elevator’s counterweight overbalance range on the data plate at the time of acceptance inspection. This information is critical to understanding the counterweight overbalance limits for the elevator to operate safely if the car weight is changed or altered at a future date. This will provide future benefits to contractors that perform alterations by ensuring this baseline information is available.

    Escalators and Moving Walks

    Motor-Controlled Dynamic Braking

    Clauses 6.1.5.3.4 and 6.2.5.3.3

    These new clauses outline the requirements for motor-controlled dynamic braking and allow for variable-frequency control of the driving machine motor on escalators and moving walks, as an alternative to friction-based braking. Dynamic braking with variable frequency control of the motor can improve the braking and stopping performance, by providing monitored constant and precisely controlled deceleration rates regardless of load, Variable-frequency controls offer a means for escalators and moving walks to reduce the potential of harsh stops.

    Taking Defective Equipment out of Service

    Requirements to Take Defective Equipment out of Service

    Clause 8.6.1.2.3

    The requirement for mechanics to take defective equipment out of service has been added back into the code. This requirement was accidentally removed from the 2013 and 2016 editions of the CSA B44, although the responsibility continued to be implied. Given the clause has been added back into the code, mechanics may adhere to it even more strictly, which may impact elevator availability in situations where hazardous equipment was taken out of service. This highlights the importance of equipment owners having an effective maintenance regime in place. Proposed Amendments to EDSR Related to Adopting B44:19

    Annual Maintenance for Wind Turbine Tower Elevators

    EDSR section 21(4) requires quarterly mandatory maintenance for all types of elevating devices. However, the B44:19 code enacts the ASME A17.8 / CSA B44.8 standard for Wind Turbine Tower Elevators which allows the maintenance frequency to be annual. Wind turbine tower elevators are designed for very infrequent use by trained individuals and low maintenance intervals. BC has fewer than 250 wind turbine tower elevators, mainly in remote locations with limited access and on-site personnel. Variances are often granted for annual maintenance when it meets the manufacturer's recommended maintenance interval. This change could eliminate the need for a variance and reduce costs for operators while still meeting the manufacturer's requirements for preventative maintenance.

    Mandatory Appendix E: Accessibility Requirements Enforceable by TSBC

    It is recommended the Province make Non-Mandatory Appendix E mandatory in the regulations. Appendix E contains requirements intended to ensure elevators are usable by persons with physical disabilities. As this purview currently falls to the scope of municipal building inspectors under the BC Building Code (BCBC), this change would enable TSBC safety officers to utilize their subject matter expertise to enforce the requirements. This supports government priorities to protect vulnerable populations by ensuring these dedicated elevator features are inspected by a qualified elevator inspector and can be relied upon by the public.

    Maintaining Previous Amendments

    Technical Safety BC proposes to maintain status quo for all amendments from B44:16 as follows:

    • Exempt private residence elevators, shipboard elevators, mine elevators, and automatic transfer devices.
    • Require minimum maintenance frequency for all types of elevating devices.
    • Require all wiring schematics of the elevator electrical system to be included in on-site documentation.
    • Require electronic maintenance control program (MCP) records to be available upon request by the authority having jurisdiction or the owner.
    • Establish testing frequencies in the code: Annually for category 1 tests, every three years for category 3 tests, and every five years for category 5 tests
    • Exclude requirement for all periodic tests to be witnessed by an inspector employed by the authority having jurisdiction or by a person authorized by the authority having jurisdiction.
    • Specify governor wire ropes must be inspected annually, and replaced when they no longer conform to the applicable requirements of ASME A17.6.
    • Enforce Appendix Z as mandatory: Kinetic Energy and Force Limitation for Automatic Closing, Horizontal Sliding Car and Hoistway Doors or Gates.
    • Allow for simulated firefighters’ emergency operation testing, and annual testing of Phase I recall and correction of Phase II, Deficiencies.
    • Allow Category 5 type A safeties to be tested at reduced speeds.
    • Exclude existing, unaltered equipment from code data plate requirements.
    • Continue to exclude Section 8.11.


  • CSA B355:19 Platform Lifts and Stair Lifts for Barrier-Free Access

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    Background

    The standard CSA B355 Platform Lifts and Stair Lifts for Barrier-Free Access covers platform lifts and stair lifts. The 2019 edition of the code includes improvements to:

    • Alteration requirements
    • New design and technology
    • Safety factors
    • Emergency devices
    • Accommodating larger mobility aid equipment
    • Testing and reporting

    Alteration Requirements

    Alteration Requirements for Accessibility Devices

    Annex D

    This new annex specifies prescriptive alteration requirements of accessibility devices, replacing the general requirements previously in Section 10. This new annex provides general requirements, welding requirements, data plate requirements, along with prescriptive requirements for altering specific equipment. This code enhancement provides greater clarity to contractors and mechanics on the requirements when altering equipment.

    New Designs and Technology

    Traction

    Section 6.2.5

    This new section allows for traction machines and clarifies their design requirements. The 2009 edition of the code did not allow for traction machines. Traction machines use a pulley system and counterweight to lift the platform, providing an alternative to hydraulic systems.

    Requirements for Glass and Similar Materials

    Clauses 5.2.1.1, 5.2.1.2, 7.2.1.3

    Clauses require or allow laminated safety glass or plastic safety glazing sheets to be used in vision panels on landing doors and gates, runway doors, and carriage side panels. These materials must meet minimum requirements and reference standards. While a negligible potential for cost increases may be realized for new equipment owners, using approved materials will ensure the equipment performs as expected during both normal use and in an emergency.

    Door Interlocks

    Clause 5.2.5.11

    This change allows for doors to use new interlock types. This clause details the equivalent safety requirements for interlocks with less than 7mm of locking engagement before contacts are closed. This allows manufacturers to use newer interlock types for doors.

    Types of Allowable Ropes

    Clause 6.2.1.1

    This change specifies the types of rope required for suspending vertical platform lifts. Iron, steel wire, or aircraft cable must meet specific size requirements and standards. The ropes must also meet safety factors based on load and minimum breaking strength that were required in the previous edition of the code.

    Safety Factor Requirements

    Design Requirements for Fasteners

    Clause 6.1.2.6

    This new section outlines the safety factor requirements for designing fasteners that transmit loads in a driving machine and sheave. These requirements are intended to prevent shearing, and include rigid connections, flexible couplings, shaft fillets and keys, and the calculation of endurance limits for components. Manufacturers will need to design fasteners to these specific safety factors.

    Driving Machines, Sheaves, and Drums

    Clause 6.1.2.1

    This revision provides safety factor requirements for driving machines, sheaves, and drums based on maximum static loads and different metals. These same requirements applied to gear drive units in the previous edition of the code. Manufacturers will need to ensure their designs meet this clause.

    Emergency Devices

    Mushroom Head Buttons for Emergency Stopping Devices

    Clause 8.5.2.1

    Emergency stopping devices must now be a mushroom head type of button, clearly marked with the word STOP, and have no enclosures or barriers surrounding it. These changes improve accessibility and safety by making it easier for people with limited dexterity to stop the device in an emergency.

    Two-way Communication in Vertical and Inclined Lifts

    Clause 8.3.5

    This new clause requires two-way emergency communication devices in enclosed vertical and inclined platform lifts. Two-way communication was previously required through the EDSR and has now been added to the code.

    Increased Maximum Sizes for Larger Aides

    Stair Lifts

    Table 1

    This change removes the minimum length and maximum area requirements for stair lifts. This allows manufacturers greater flexibility for seat designs.

    Wheelchair platform lifts

    Table 1

    This change increases the maximum areas for wheelchair platform lifts to 2.00 meters squared. This will allow for lifts to accommodate larger mobility aides or wheelchair sizes.

    Testing and Reporting

    Engineering Report: Load Test

    Annex A

    This new clause requires an engineering report to confirm that a fully assembled lift has been loaded with 5 times the rated load without failure of any structural components to ensure the design's strength. This clause will require the manufacturer to design their equipment to be able to withstand the impacts of a load test. Contractors will need to perform these tests and provide an additional engineering report as part of the design registration.

    Proposed Amendments to CSA B355:19

    Two-way Communication

    Technical Safety BC proposes to also require two-way emergency communication devices for unenclosed vertical and inclined platform lifts, based on a site risk assessment (where there is no attendant available to respond to the emergency audible alarm). Unenclosed vertical and inclined platform lifts do not require emergency communication in the code as they are not located within an enclosed hoistway and passengers are visible if they are entrapped. However, the location of some unenclosed platform lifts may create more dangerous situations to passengers if there is no means for communication, such as:

    • locations with low foot traffic nearby, which could result in an entrapped passenger unable to get help
    • outdoor locations, which could result in an entrapped passenger exposed to the elements for long periods of time

    While there may be nominal additional costs for these communication means for newly installed unenclosed vertical and incline platform lifts, they are recommended to protect British Columbians in all scenarios when using this equipment.

  • CSA Z185:23 Safety code for personnel hoists

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    Background

    The CSA Z185 Standard covers personnel hoists. The code was published in 1987 and reaffirmed in 2001; the 2023 edition of the code includes improvements to:

    • Mandatory maintenance and record keeping
    • New hoistway structure requirements
    • New designs and technology

    Mandatory Maintenance & Record Keeping

    Mandatory Monthly Maintenance

    Annex A

    Annex A was a non-mandatory section stating that rack and pinions should be inspected at least once every 30 days to determine general condition and to measure the teeth wear and clearance. This new mandatory Annex keeps the monthly teeth wear and clearance check and otherwise specifies that maintenance is required to follow manufacturer’s instructions.

    Manufacturer’s Instructions for Maintenance

    Maintenance is required to follow manufacturer instructions. Maintenance intervals are to be determined by factors such as frequency, intensity of use and operating environment. Previously, maintenance requirements were in a non-mandatory appendix and only referenced monthly wire rope inspections and rack and pinion gear inspections. There was also reference to daily checks, which were performed by the operator and were not considered maintenance tasks. Enhancements of this section include:


    • A “responsible party” is required to maintain a record pertinent to the safe use of the personnel hoist.

    • Non-destructive testing (NDT) is required to be performed on hoists twenty years after the date of manufacture, and then after every five calendar years, or as determined by an engineer. NDT testing helps identify fatigued metal and possible failure points in equipment before a failure occurs. A critical component list for NDT must be created by the original manufacturer or a qualified engineer.

    • There are detailed requirements for maintenance logs, operator training records and operator qualifications. Every hoist is to be equipped with a sign to ensure anyone with access to a hoist understands the requirement of a qualified operator. The maintenance log book shall be kept on the device or near the device location or, if it is kept at another location on the site, a notice shall be posted at the device location indicating the alternate location.

    New Hoistway Structure Requirements

    Changes in the code introduce new requirements to improve safety of the hoistway structure such as:

    • Hoistway doors are required to have a detailed engineered drawing outlining how they are fastened to the adjacent structure.

    • There are new design requirements for hoistway landing platforms and supporting structures. These requirements ensure that landing platforms are designed to sustain all loads imposed on them.

    • There are revisions to ensure workers located on landings are protected from moving hoists. Previously, hoistway enclosures on landing sides were not required above 8-ft in height where a car door interlock was installed, leaving a very high hazard above the enclosure when a hoist passes. A fatal incident recently occurred in Quebec where a worker on a ladder was leaning over top of a hoistway enclosure and was struck by a descending hoist. The Code requires hoarding above 8-ft even when there is a car door interlock installed. Where hoarding above landing entrances is over 12-ft in height, the Code permits the hoarding above 12-ft to be constructed of chain link fence to guard workers.

    • Hoistway enclosures are now required to extend at least 4-ft from the moving car instead of 2-ft, recognizing that most people can reach around 2-ft. This ensures workers cannot reach around an enclosure and be struck by a passing hoist.

    • There is a requirement for overhead protection at landings including strength requirements, fire retardant sheathing and clear direction on protected areas.

    • Hoistway protection requirements will apply to all

    New Designs and Technology

    Software Requirements for Solid State Devices

    There is an addition for new software running on solid state devices in the control room. Solid state devices require redundant software so failures cannot happen simultaneously. Solid state devices also require protection from electromagnetic interference.

    Emergency Stopping

    Design considerations for controlled emergency stopping and a list of permissible electrical protective devices (EPDs) for controlled emergency stopping.

    Overload Protection Devices and Larger Hoists

    The Code allows for reduced rated load to car platform size ratio when equipped with an overload detection device. This allows for a bigger hoist at the same capacity (400kg/ per metre square is permissible when an overload protection device is equipped).

    Anticipated Impacts

    Manufacturers will be required to consider design requirements for new technologies (e.g., overhead protection devices & top mast sensing devices) and equipment (e.g., elastomeric buffers, emergency stop switches & controlled emergency stopping).

    Contractors will need to understand the new permissible technologies, designs, and equipment, and will need to ensure they comply with maintenance and testing requirements in mandatory Annex A. There is also a new section on logbook, records, and report of operator qualifications.

    Mechanics will be responsible for implementing the various Code changes in the field and ensuring they are properly trained on new equipment and understanding the new requirements. Mechanics will need to understand the new mandatory inspection and maintenance standards. There is a new requirement to conduct a non-destructive test on hoists after the initial 20 year-period of manufacture, and then after every 5 years.

    Asset owners may be impacted by longer wait times where NDT testing is required for units that are 20 years or older.

  • CSA B354.12:17, B354.13:17, and B354.14:17 Mast Climbing Transport Platforms

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    Background

    The CSA B354.12, CSA B354.13, and CSA B354.14 cover mast climbing transport platforms (MCTPs). MCTPs move personnel and construction materials on construction sites, providing an alternative to personnel hoists on smaller jobsites. Technical Safety BC proposes to adopt these standards, which would allow construction companies to use MCTPs in BC.

    About MCTPs

    MCTPs are specialized vertical access systems that are considered tools of the trade and designed to vertically transport authorized personnel and materials to different levels of a construction project. They consist of a platform that can be adjusted vertically using a mast or tower structure. The platform operates at a limited speed and minimum safe distance from the structure. MCTPs are primarily used for facade work, exterior finishing, and other tasks where access to elevated work areas is required. and are ideal as a cost-effective option to provide vertical transport of crews and materials during jobs of a temporary nature.

    Regulating MCTPs

    There are three CSA Standards that are proposed to be adopted for this equipment:

    • CSA B354.12:17 Design, calculations, safety requirements, and test methods for mast climbing transport platforms covers design and manufacturing
    • CSA B354.13:17 Safe use and best practices for mast climbing transport platforms covers safe use and operation
    • CSA B354.14:17 Training for mast climbing transport platforms covers training requirements

    Technical Safety BC proposes to regulate MCTPs as an elevating device. Contractors wishing to use MCTPs would need:

    • A Class C contractor licence with MCTP in their scope of work
    • A Class C elevating devices mechanic with MCTP signed off in their skills passport
    • A personnel hoist and construction elevator operator with appropriate MCTP training
    • To register their equipment and have it inspected prior to putting it into use
    • A re-installation permit each time the MCTP is installed
    • Follow manufacturers instructions for operations, maintenance, and testing

    Maintenance and Testing MCTPs

    The Standards set requirements for the frequency of maintenance tasks and inspections based on the equipment’s condition, unlike other elevating devices which have mandatory maintenance frequencies as established in the EDSR. These devices do have annual testing required when installed for prolonged periods, as well as mandatory NDT test requirements.

    Proposed Amendments to CSA B354.12:17, B354.13:17, and B354.14:17

    TSBC is proposing amendments to the Standards that would address known hazards and better align with existing provincial safety requirements. Some of these recommended amendments also align with amendments made in other Canadian jurisdictions. These recommendations include:

    • requiring full height base enclosures, platform roofs, additional guarding of moving equipment and full height landing gates;
    • requiring emergency lowering controls be located where only individuals qualified to operate the emergency lowering means have access;
    • preventing operation of the transport platform when movable guardrails on the platform are not secured in the normal operating position;
    • preventing operation of the transport platform when the enclosure gates are open; and
    • defining acceptable alternative to interlocks and when they are required. Landing door interlocks or mechanical locks should be evaluated and pre-approved by Technical Safety BC.

    Impact and Benefits

    The proposed Standard presents a new business market for manufacturers of these devices. To meet the proposed safety amendments, manufacturers may need to make modifications to their designs to improve the safety of users. This includes installation of full height base enclosures, platform roof protection and audible alarms. They will also be required to develop training and other regulatory materials to comply with the requirements in BC.

    Contractors will be responsible for ensuring compliance with manufacturer implemented changes based on the new Standards and any regulatory amendments. Existing contractors wanting to install and operate this equipment will need to update their license to reflect this scope of work, and new applicants will need to apply as a Class C Contractor with an approved Regulatory Compliance Plan for MCTPs.

    Elevating Devices Mechanics will be responsible for implementing the Standard in the field and adhering to safe work practices. They will be required to attend training in the installation, operation, and maintenance activities involved with MCTPs, and must update their certification (skills passport) to reflect this.

    Adopting these Standards will provide industry a clear and consistent oversight framework allowed them to safely deploy this equipment.

  • Proposed update to process for requesting hoistway access

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    Background

    Technical Safety BC proposes to introduce a new certification class for individuals who are not elevator mechanics to access elevator hoistways. Before we recommend adding this certification into regulation, we would like to understand your perspective on the benefits and issues around elevator hoistway access by people who are not certified elevating devices mechanics.

    Who can access a hoistway?

    Elevator hoistways, including the pit (bottom of the elevator shaft) and the top of the elevator car, contain equipment and areas that are generally unsafe for people who haven’t been specially trained. For safety reasons, only the following people are allowed to access a hoistway:

    • Certified elevator mechanics
    • Elevator mechanics-in-training supervised by an elevator mechanic
    • Emergency services personnel

    However, other people may have reason to enter an elevator hoistway, such as:

    • Supervisors of elevator mechanics, who may need to inspect or review a mechanic’s performance
    • Elevator consultants, who may need to perform quality assurance, engineering, or other inspections
    These individuals must request permission from the Provincial Safety Manager to allow them to enter an elevator hoistway.

    Issues with the current process

    In past, safety concerns have been noted by certified elevating devices mechanics where there existed a lack of clarity as to who holds the permission. Currently, once these requests are approved, there is no formal process to mandate who should be notified that a hoistway will be or was accessed, or what the purpose of the activity is or was. This may create increased potential for conflicts or hazards to occur on site.

    Because the permission is currently administered separately from the existing Certification program, individual permission holders are not published on Technical Safety BC’s website, nor must they meet other requirements, such as undergoing continuing education.

    Certification as a proposed solution

    Introducing a certification for hoistway access would help to level-set this facet of the industry and increase transparency for all those working within the field. Certification is a permission that TSBC can grant to individuals which can involve pre-requisites and ongoing requirements.

    The changes from the current process may include:

    • Prerequisites: We may require applicants to take specific training, have certain industry experience, or take a certification exam.
    • Application process: We would create an application process for certification that would replace any existing pathways for submitting requests for hoistway access permissions.
    • Standardized renewal periods: Similar to other certifications we issued, periodic renewal of the certificate may be necessary to maintain an active list of who can access hoistways. Additionally, we may create requirements for renewal, such as ongoing training.
    • Fee: We would charge a standard fee for the application and certification process. We would need to formally consult on any fees in the coming years.
    • Credential: We would issue a credential that consultants and supervisors can show as proof that they are permitted to enter a hoistway.
    • Responsibilities: We may create responsibilities specific to people accessing hoistways, such as notifying the maintenance contractor when on site.
    • Terms and conditions: Similar to all certificates, we may pose additional terms and conditions on individual certificates.
    • Registry: We would publish the individuals’ names and certificate class on our public registry so that their status can be verified by others.

    Further details on each of these changes can be developed in the future as we build out the program.

  • Driving Machine Brakes for Electric Elevators

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    Background

    Contractors are already required to physically dismantle driving machine brakes when maintaining brakes on electric elevators. Originally issued in 2009, and re-issued since 2011, contractors are now familiar with this Safety Order’s requirements which go above and beyond what the Code defines.

    Proposal

    Technical Safety BC proposes to move these requirements from Safety Order SO-L1 110225 4 Rev 2 Driving Machine Brake - Electric Elevators into the EDSR to permanently mandate the requirement. It was not intended to be a temporary measure and so is therefore better addressed within the EDSR as an ongoing requirement. Implementing the Safety Order into the regulation will ensure that braking systems continue to be maintained to a high level of safety. There are no changes anticipated for contractors regarding the annual reporting associated to this work.


  • About the Code Adoption Process

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    Background

    Technical Safety BC is consulting on adopting the following codes for use in BC:

    • CSA B44:19 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators
    • CSA B355:19 Platform lifts and stair lifts for barrier-free access
    • CSA Z185:23 Safety code for personnel hoists

    Additionally, we are consulting on adopting codes for introducing mast climbing transport platforms in BC:

    • CSA B354.12:17 Design, calculations, safety requirements, and test methods for mast climbing transport platforms
    • CSA B354.13:17 Safe use and best practices for mast climbing transport platforms
    • CSA B354.14:17 Training for mast climbing transport platforms

    Reasons for Adopting New Codes

    Codes are developed nationally through the joint effort of the CSA and ASME to facilitate the implementation of uniform regulation across Canada and the United States. Adopting the current versions of the codes in BC will allow industry to:

    • use emerging technologies and new associated requirements
    • harmonize with other authorities having jurisdiction
    • minimize safety gaps

    Technical Safety BC's Role in Adopting Codes into Regulation

    Technical Safety BC is an independent, self-funded, not-for-profit organization established by the Province of BC to administer the Safety Standards Act (SSA) and Elevating Devices Safety Regulation (EDSR), among other regulations. When Technical Safety BC identifies a need to amend regulations, we provide this recommendation to the Province and the Minister responsible for making a decision regarding adoption. Your feedback is essential in ensuring that any proposed changes carefully consider all impacts.

    When new editions of the Codes are considered for adoption, Technical Safety BC reviews it in multiple ways to understand the safety, technical, socio-economic, and other impacts. This includes working with industry through advisory groups, and gaining feedback from industry, building owners, and affected groups through consultation.

    Code Review Advisory Groups

    In May-June 2023, we brought together advisory groups made up of several volunteers working in the industry and representatives of equipment owners. The advisory groups reviewed detailed changes to the codes and evaluated them based on:

    • Consistency with provisions of the SSA and EDSR;
    • Improvements to elevating devices safety;
    • Clarification of new mandatory requirements;
    • The potential impacts that the new code may have on the public, consumers, equipment owners, and industry.

    The advisory group members identified several code changes that would require further clarification. We thank everyone who was able to participate in these advisory groups.



Page last updated: 24 Jan 2024, 03:58 PM