Elevator & Escalator Inspection

Per ASME A17.1, Section 2.1, the hoistway must be fully enclosed with fire-rated construction as required by IBC Section 3006. The machine room must be dedicated exclusively to elevator equipment, properly ventilated per ASME A17.1 Section 2.8, and maintained at temperatures within equipment operating ranges. Machine room access must be restricted to authorized personnel with a self-closing, self-locking door.

1. Inspect hoistway enclosure for fire-rated construction integrity and proper sealing at all penetrations

2. Verify machine room is free of non-elevator equipment, storage, and piping unrelated to the elevator

3. Check machine room ventilation and confirm temperature stays within manufacturer specifications

4. Confirm the machine room door is self-closing, self-locking, and properly labeled

5. Inspect the elevator pit for water intrusion, debris, and proper sump pump operation

- Non-elevator piping or equipment routed through the hoistway or machine room

- Machine room used for general storage in violation of code

- Inadequate ventilation causing overheating of elevator controls

- Water accumulation in the elevator pit without a functioning sump pump

Per ASME A17.1, Section 2.23, guide rails must be properly aligned, securely fastened to the building structure, and capable of withstanding the applied loads from the car and safety devices. Car assembly must be structurally sound with proper ventilation per ASME A17.1 Section 2.14. Rail brackets must be spaced per manufacturer specifications and secured to the building structure, not to the hoistway enclosure alone.

1. Inspect guide rails for straightness, proper alignment, and secure bracket connections

2. Verify rail bracket spacing meets manufacturer specifications and building code

3. Check car frame and platform for structural integrity and proper attachment to the sling

4. Confirm car ventilation openings meet minimum area requirements per ASME A17.1

5. Inspect guide shoes or roller guides for proper adjustment and wear

- Guide rails misaligned causing excessive car vibration or noise during travel

- Rail brackets attached to hoistway enclosure instead of building structure

- Worn guide shoes creating rough or noisy ride quality

- Car ventilation openings blocked or inadequate

Per ASME A17.1, Section 2.11, hoistway doors must be fire-rated and equipped with interlocks that prevent car movement unless the doors are closed and locked. Car doors must have reopening devices (infrared sensors or mechanical edges) per ASME A17.1 Section 2.13. Door closing force must not exceed 30 lbf per ASME A17.1 Section 2.13.4. The gap between hoistway door and sill must not exceed 3/4 inch.

1. Test door interlocks to verify the car cannot move with any hoistway door open

2. Measure door closing force using a force gauge to confirm it does not exceed 30 lbf

3. Check reopening devices by obstructing the door and verifying automatic reversal

4. Inspect door tracks, rollers, and hangers for wear and proper operation

5. Measure the gap between hoistway doors and sills to confirm it does not exceed 3/4 inch

- Door interlocks bypassed or malfunctioning, creating a fall hazard

- Door closing force exceeding 30 lbf, posing an injury risk

- Reopening devices not functioning, allowing doors to close on passengers

- Excessive gaps between hoistway doors and sills

Per ASME A17.1, Section 2.17, elevators must be equipped with a governor and car safety device capable of stopping and holding the car in the event of overspeed or free fall. Buffers must be installed in the pit per ASME A17.1 Section 2.22. The overspeed governor must be set to trip at no more than 115% of rated speed for speeds up to 150 fpm. All safety devices must be tested per ASME A17.2 inspection intervals.

1. Inspect the overspeed governor for proper operation and verify trip speed setting

2. Check car safety device for proper mounting, lubrication, and condition

3. Verify pit buffers are properly positioned, secured, and have adequate oil level (if hydraulic)

4. Confirm the governor rope is properly tensioned and shows no signs of wear

5. Review test records for the most recent full-load safety test per ASME A17.2

- Overspeed governor not tested within required intervals

- Car safety device not properly maintained or lubricated

- Hydraulic buffers with low oil level or not properly positioned

- Missing or outdated safety test records

Per ASME A17.1, Section 2.26, elevator electrical wiring must comply with NEC Article 620. A dedicated disconnecting means must be provided in the machine room per NEC 620.51. Emergency power and standby systems must comply with NEC Article 700 and IBC Section 3003 for required elevator operation during power failure. Fire service recall must function per ASME A17.1 Section 2.27 and NFPA 72.

1. Verify the main line disconnect is properly located, labeled, and lockable in the machine room

2. Check all wiring for proper support, protection, and compliance with NEC Article 620

3. Test fire service Phase I recall by activating the smoke detector at the designated floor

4. Test fire service Phase II operation using the key switch in the car

5. Verify emergency power transfer operates correctly and moves the car to the designated floor

- Main line disconnect not properly labeled or missing lockout capability

- Fire service Phase I recall not activating from designated floor smoke detector

- Emergency power transfer failing to move the car to the designated floor

- Wiring modifications not in compliance with NEC Article 620

Per ASME A17.1, Section 6.1, escalators must have a rated speed not exceeding 100 fpm and step width between 16 and 40 inches. Comb plates must mesh properly with step treads per ASME A17.1 Section 6.1.3.5. Handrail speed must be within 0% to 2% of step speed. Skirt deflector devices are required at the point where the steps enter the floor plate per ASME A17.1 Section 6.1.3.3.

1. Verify step treads are in good condition with no missing or damaged cleats

2. Check comb plate teeth for proper mesh engagement with step treads and no broken teeth

3. Measure handrail speed to confirm it is within 0% to 2% of step speed

4. Test emergency stop buttons at the top and bottom landings for proper operation

5. Inspect skirt panels for proper clearance and functioning deflector devices

- Worn or damaged step tread cleats creating a tripping hazard

- Broken comb plate teeth allowing objects to be trapped at the landing plate

- Handrail speed not synchronized with step speed

- Emergency stop buttons not functioning or not clearly marked

Per ASME A17.2, all new elevator installations must undergo acceptance testing and inspection before being placed in service. Tests include full-load safety tests, no-load safety tests, buffer tests, traction tests, and standby power operation tests. The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) must witness acceptance tests. Periodic testing must follow ASME A17.1 Category 1 and Category 5 test schedules.

1. Review acceptance test documentation for all required tests per ASME A17.2

2. Verify the AHJ witnessed and approved the acceptance inspection

3. Confirm Category 1 annual tests are current and documented

4. Check that the elevator certificate of operation is current and posted in the car

5. Verify all maintenance logs and test records are maintained on site per jurisdiction requirements

- Acceptance testing not fully documented or witnessed by the AHJ

- Category 1 annual tests overdue or not documented

- Certificate of operation expired or not posted in the car

- Maintenance logs incomplete or not maintained on site