Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators

ASME A17.1-2013/CSA B44-13: The Essential Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators

For engineers and designers involved in the vertical transportation sector, maintaining the highest safety standards is paramount. The ASME A17.1-2013/CSA B44-13, "Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators," stands as an industry-leading, comprehensive document that provides the foundational requirements for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of these critical systems. Adherence to this authoritative standard is essential for ensuring public safety and regulatory compliance.

What is ASME A17.1-2013/CSA B44-13?

This pivotal standard, developed jointly by ASME and the CSA Group, establishes the minimum safety requirements for a wide array of vertical and horizontal transportation equipment. Its primary purpose is to mitigate the risks associated with the operation of elevators, escalators, moving walks, dumbwaiters, and material lifts, thereby protecting passengers and personnel.

Scope & Purpose

ASME A17.1-2013/CSA B44-13 governs the entire lifecycle of specified vertical transportation equipment, from initial design and installation through to ongoing maintenance and alteration. The scope includes electric and hydraulic elevators, escalators, moving walks, dumbwaiters, and material lifts. Notably, it does not typically cover private residence elevators or certain specialized industrial lifts, focusing instead on equipment intended for public or commercial use.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Elevator mechanics, elevator inspectors, safety engineers, building superintendents, and controls engineers.
• • Industries affected: Construction, Real Estate, Manufacturing, Transportation, Healthcare, and Hospitality.
• • Compliance nature: Mandatory in most jurisdictions, often adopted by reference into building codes and regulations.
• • Enforcement: Typically by local building departments, state/provincial regulatory agencies, and accredited third-party inspection bodies.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard mandates robust safety measures across numerous categories. Professionals must ensure:

• • Hoistway and Enclosure Integrity: Strict requirements for the construction and protection of hoistways and landing openings to prevent access and entrapment.
• • Equipment Safeguarding: Provisions for the guarding of machinery, moving parts, and potential pinch points to protect against mechanical injury.
• • Door and Gate Interlocks: The implementation of reliable locking devices and electric contacts to ensure doors and gates remain secured during operation.
• • Over-Speed and Unintended Movement Protection: The inclusion of systems designed to prevent excessive speeds and unintended car movement, such as safeties and governors.
• • Emergency Operations: Requirements for signaling devices and emergency communication systems to assist occupants in distress.

Related Standards & References

While ASME A17.1-2013/CSA B44-13 is a cornerstone document, it frequently references other standards for specific components or disciplines. For instance, standards related to electrical wiring and components (e.g., NFPA 70/NEC) and material specifications are often integral to a complete design and installation. Understanding these complementary standards is crucial for comprehensive compliance.