Proposed update to process for requesting hoistway access
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
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.
