Elevator Program

Per American Society of Mechanical Engineers Safety Code for Elevator and Escalators (ASME A17.1), elevator work classified as an alteration shall require a permit and inspection; this includes work to install, repair, modernize, replace, remove, decommission and recommission: Elevators, temporary construction use, escalators, lifts, hoists, and dumbwaiters.

• Per ASME A17.1-8.6 OR 8.10, elevator work necessitating a test to be performed to put the unit/device into service and where the testing is not classified as part of the repair or replacement per A17.1-8.6 shall require a permit and inspection.
• Change of information for the equipment: elevators, escalators, conveyors, lifts, and dumbwaiters. This includes but is not limited to address, capacity, landings etc.
• Any changes to the plans after permit issuance will require revisions to the permit application or to the approved plan set. If the changes result in alterations to an associated building permit, revisions to plans should be submitted under the Elevator/Parent Building Permit.
• All work is subject to the currently enforced edition of the Virginia Construction Code and referenced standard ASME A17.1 and an inspection will be required.

A valid Virginia State Contractor's License with an appropriate designation from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation is required for all scopes of work. A state licensed contractor must possess at least one of the below specialties to install, modernize or repa­­­ir a conveyance system in Fairfax County:

• EEC - Elevator, Escalator Contracting: For both commercial/residential installation and modernization of elevators, escalators, vertical platform lifts or wheelchair lifts, dumbwaiters, temporary construction lifts (men & material/just material).
   
• EMC - Equipment/Machinery Contracting: For temporary construction lifts (personnel & material or just material lifts).
   
• ASC - Accessibility Services Contracting:  Limited-Use Limited Application elevators, private residence elevators, wheelchair lifts, incline chairlifts, or dumbwaiters.
   
• H/H - Highway/Heavy Contractors: For those contractors/individuals whose contracts include construction, repair, improvement, or demolition of the entire building including its equipment. 

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME 17.1) defines maintenance as a process of routine examination, lubrication, cleaning, and adjustment of parts, components, and/or subsystems for the purpose of ensuring performance in accordance with the applicable Code requirements. In addition, the ASME 17.1 also requires each piece of vertical transportation to have a detailed Maintenance Control Program (MCP) which is defined as a documented set of maintenance tasks, maintenance procedures, examinations, and tests to ensure that equipment is maintained in compliance with the requirements of Section 8.6 of the ASME 17.1.

• 8.6.1.2.1 A written Maintenance Control Plan (MCP) shall be in place to maintain the equipment in compliance with the requirements of 8.6.
  • (a) An MCP for each unit shall be provided.
  • (b) The MCP shall include, but not limited to:
    • The code-required maintenance tasks
    • Maintenance procedures
    • Examinations and Tests
  • (c) The MCP shall reference the on-site equipment documentation and the on-site maintenance records.
  • (d) Where the MCP is maintained remotely, instructions for on-site viewing shall be provided.

Understanding the impacts of routine maintenance on vertical transportation is imperative to its function, longevity, and ultimate safety of operation for all involved parties. While each piece of equipment has different maintenance needs, it is important to know and understand the frequency of its routine maintenance schedule. Performing the required routine maintenance can reduce the potential inspection violations, financial penalties, and reduce down time for the equipment. Some points to keep in mind:

• Periodic operation checks by building staff can greatly impact the continued function and wellness of the equipment.
• Get to know the routine maintenance schedule and requirements to ensure it is being completed and documented in the equipment’s MCP as required by code.
• Consult with elevator professionals for current wellness and future opportunities to ensure the equipment is maximized within its potential.

The Maintenance Control Plan shall be available for each piece of equipment for its entire life for every inspection. The MCP is traditionally purchased with the equipment or by the owner from the elevator maintenance company. At no time should the MCP be removed from the established location to avoid unnecessary failure of elevator inspections and additional fees. Both the owner and maintenance company have equal responsibility when it comes to complying with on-site documentation.

• A17.1-8.6.1.2.2 ON-SITE Documentation (Maintenance Company)
  • Up-to-date wiring diagrams
  • All procedures specifically identified in the Code
  • Unique maintenance procedures for SIL rated E/E/PES electrical protective devices and circuits
  • Unique maintenance procedures for equipment applied under alternative arrangements (see 1.2.2.1) shall be provided by the manufacturer or installer.
  • Unique maintenance procedures for equipment specified in an ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 code compliance document
  • Procedures for tests, periodic inspections, maintenance, replacements, adjustments, and repairs for:
    • Traction-loss detection means
    • Broken-suspension-member detection means
    • Residual-strength detection means
    • Related circuits
  • Written checkout procedures
  • Written evacuation procedures
  • USI(s) of the executable software associated with the relevant functions in 2.26.1.7.1 and 3.26.11.1
  • The documentation for the engineering test of skirt panels deflection for units installed or altered under A17.1-2019 and later editions
• A17.1-8.6.1.4 Maintenance Records (Owner’s Property)
  • Maintenance records shall document compliance with 8.6.
  • Instructions for locating the maintenance records of each unit, for viewing on-site, shall be posted on the controller or at the means necessary for test (see 2.7.6.4).
  • The provided instructions shall be permanently legible with characters a minimum of 3 mm (0.125 in.) in height.
  • These records shall be retained for the most recent 5 yr. or from the date of installation or adoption of this Code edition, whichever is less or as specified by the authority having jurisdiction.
  • Existing maintenance records up to 5 yr. shall be retained.
  • Code Data Plate (see 8.6.1.5).

The Virginia Maintenance Code requires all vertical transportation to have a valid/current certificate posted at all times per county policy. Elevator inspections are documented by an inspection report which fulfills the requirement of the Virginia Property Maintenance Code. Fairfax County has the authority to issue a Notice of Violation and remove the equipment from service for the safety of Fairfax County residents and visitors.

Any violations noted in your periodic (six month) inspection will show in your annual inspection. If the items are still unaddressed at that time, your equipment will not pass its annual inspection and will require a re-inspection with associated fees.

Any violations noted in your annual inspection shall require a re-inspection within forty days as noted on the inspection report. Associated re-inspection fees shall be assessed for a failed result. Should an annual inspection/reinspection not be scheduled and completed by the time your periodic (six month) inspection occurs, your equipment will fail its periodic inspection with associated fees assessed and may result in removal from service.