Elevator Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the original "Elevator Safety and Regulation Act" and the "Rules and Regulations" adopted by the State of Illinois?

Visit the Office of the State Fire Marshal website at https://sfm.illinois.gov. The Elevators Safety Division has links on the "Statutes and Rules" page.

As mandated by the "Elevator Safety and Regulation Act" when do required upgrades need to be completed?

The amendment to the “Elevator Safety Act” (Public Act 35 (225 ILCS 312/35) provides that certain upgrades required pursuant to A17.1 and A17.3 must be completed by January 1, 2015, and cannot not be required by either the OSFM or Local Administrators prior to January 1, 2013. The only exceptions to these timeframes are the upgrade requirements for the restricted opening of hoistway doors or car doors on passenger elevators which must be completed prior to January 1, 2014.

What are the most recent codes adopted by the State of Illinois?

The most recent codes adopted that pertain to elevator safety are found here:

https://ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/041/041010000000600R.html

Where can I find the fee schedule

https://ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/041/041010000001000R.html

Can fees charged be paid on-line or by credit card?

Yes, after your invoice has been received you can log into the OSFM eCommerce site to pay fees for licenses (apprentice/helper, all mechanic licenses, inspector, all contractor licenses and inspection company licenses), registrations, and certificates of operation. You can pay by check or credit card. If you would prefer to mail your fee payments the address is:

Cashier, Elevators
Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal
P. O. Box 3332
Springfield, Illinois 62708-3332

Can I send my fee with my application?

• No, you will receive an invoice for all fees. Sending money with your application does not expedite the application process.
• If you are a Contractor submitting an application for a permit, alteration, or variance you must include your payment with the application, and remit to the Chicago Office at:

Office of the State Fire Marshal
Elevator Safety Division
555 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1300-N
Chicago, Illinois 60661

Who is responsible for paying registration fees and certificate of operation fees?

The owner of a conveyance or the person responsible for receiving invoices is responsible for the payment of these fees.
This includes not-for-profit and state-run facilities.

Where do I send my application forms?

The Elevator Safety Division website has a page for Applications and Forms. The following forms should be mailed to the Chicago office:

• All license applications (Contractor, Inspection Company, Inspector, Mechanic, Inspector, Apprentice/Helper),
• All Permit applications (permits and alterations),
• All Variance applications (variance and exception)
• Incident Report forms and Complaint forms
• Registration of Conveyance applications
• Installation Placed Out of Service forms

The Chicago office mailing address is:

Office of the State Fire Marshal
Elevator Safety Division
555 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1300-N 
Chicago, Illinois 60661

Who do I have to notify about taking my Conveyance out of service?

Contact a licensed elevator contractor for specific information on taking your conveyance out of service

Do forms have to be mailed to the Office of the State Fire Marshal?

Hard copies are preferred for all applications submitted to the Office of the State Fire Marshal Chicago office.

Applications for individual or company licenses should be submitted via mail due to the fact that signatures are required. If an application is faxed to the Chicago Office, it should be followed up with a hard copy mailed to the Chicago Office. The fax number is 312-814-3459

Permit and variance forms should be submitted via U.S. mail to the Chicago Office along with your payment and all supporting documentation.

Do I have to register my conveyance with the State of Illinois?

Yes, according to the current "Elevator Safety Act" (Public Act 0573) and the applicable Administrative Rules, all existing elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, moving sidewalks, platform lifts, stairway chairlifts and automated people conveyances must be registered with the State of Illinois.

Exemptions:

• Conveyances in single-family residences
• Platform lifts that do NOT move passengers
• Municipalities over 500,000 (City of Chicago)

The Application for Registration of Conveyance form is strictly for the registration of each elevator, dumbwaiter, escalator, moving sidewalk, platform lift, stairway chairlift, and automated people movers, collectively hereinafter referred to as “conveyance” at your location. The Owner must complete the Application for Registration of Conveyance for existing and new conveyance(s).

Who is responsible for registering a conveyance?

The owner is responsible for old and new conveyances registration.

registration-of-conveyance.pdf

What is the conveyance owner's responsibility regarding the registration of a conveyance?

The owner will receive the registration letter and registration tag(s) for any conveyance(s) registered. It is the owner's responsibility to see that the tags are delivered to the conveyance location(s) for proper mounting. Unless different billing information is entered on the Application for Registration of Conveyance form, it is the owner's responsibility to pay the registration fee for each conveyance registered.

Do I have to register my conveyance every year?

No, conveyance registration is only done once.

Do freight elevators need to be registered?

Yes.

What is the charge for registering a conveyance?

The fee for registration is $30.00 per conveyance. Do NOT send payment with your application. You will be invoiced for each conveyance registered. Not-for-profit and state-run facilities are also required to pay the registration fee.

How do I register my conveyance?

The Elevator Safety website Applications and Forms Page. The form to use is the Application for Registration of Conveyance. You should print this form out, fill out all three-pages for each conveyance you are registering, and send to our Springfield Office. The address is located at the top of the form.

If your application is not filled out completely (all three pages for each conveyance), it will be sent back to the contact listed on the application (section 7 of the Application for Registration of Conveyance).

Do I have to fill out a separate form for each conveyance?

In most cases, yes, the entire three-page form must be filled out for each conveyance. If you have more than 50 conveyances, the Elevator Safety website has an Excel spreadsheet on the Applications and Forms page that you can use for this purpose. You may email the spreadsheet to Carlotta.Passmore@illinois.gov.

Why do I need to list my FEIN number or my social security number on the registration form?

Your FEIN number is a 9-digit number (xx-xxxxxxx). Tax exempt numbers are not accepted. This field is required and your conveyance cannot be registered without it. If your business is not set up as a non-profit or a corporation then you would not have an FEIN number. In these cases, we will accept a Social Security number from a board member or president, etc. If you absolutely do not want to provide a Social Security number then you can pay with a certified check or money order. The main reason we require an FEIN/SSN is for collection purposes.

What is the conveyance installation date?

This can be the date the building where the conveyance is located was built or the date the conveyance was installed. If you do not know the exact date simply state the year.

Where do I find the model and serial number of the conveyance?

Typically this information is located on the controller, in the prints for the conveyance, or may be listed on your most current inspection report. If you cannot locate this information, call your maintenance provider and obtain it from them./p>

What is a landing?

A landing is a floor or an elevator stop.

What if I leave a section or field in the Application for Registration of Conveyance blank because I am unsure of the information?

If your application is not filled out completely it will be returned to you with the blank fields highlighted. If you need assistance completing your application please contact your maintenance provider and they should be able to assist you regarding conveyance specific information.

Should I send in my payment with my Application for Registration of Conveyance?

No, do NOT send payment with your registration form. The owner or individual/company designated on the Application for Registration of Conveyance will be invoiced the $30.00 registration fee for each conveyance. Sending in your payment will NOT expedite the registration process.

What happens once I have completed the Registration process?

Once you have registered your conveyance and paid your $30.00 registration fee, you will be assigned a registration number. A registration letter and tag will be mailed to the OWNER of the conveyance, not the conveyance location (Section 2 on the application). It is the responsibility of the owner to see that the tag(s) reach the conveyance location.

Where is my identification plate mounted for my conveyance?

For an elevator the identification tag is mounted on the controller in the upper right-hand corner. Your maintenance provider or inspector can assist you with this.

Where should I place the registration tag on a Handicapped Lift or Escalator?

The registration tag should be placed on the control box and the owner is to keep a xerox copy of the tag(s) and registration letter in his office for proof of registration.

I have a residential conveyance. Do I need to register it?

No, residential (single family) conveyances are exempt from the Elevator Safety Act. The exemption for single family conveyances does not apply to condominiums or apartment buildings, which must register their conveyances.

Can I fax my conveyance registration forms to the Springfield Office?

Yes, you can. The fax number is 217-782-1062.

I have lost my conveyance registration tag. How do I obtain a replacement?

Contact the Chicago Office at 312-814-1325 to obtain a replacement tag. You will be invoiced a $10.00 replacement charge for each replacement tag. When the invoice is paid a new tag(s) will be sent.

I have registered my conveyance, but have never received a registration tag. How do I obtain this?

Registration letters and identification tags are sent to the Owner of the conveyance, not the conveyance location. If you have not received your tag(s) after paying your $30.00 registration fee, first contact the owner to see if they have received the tag. If this is not the case, contact the Chicago Office at 312-814-1325. Please allow 4 weeks for processing.

My inspector informed me that I have the wrong tag for my conveyance type. What should I do?

Example: a conveyance is assigned a T# which indicates it is a Traction elevator. However, the elevator is a Hydro and was registered incorrectly.
Please contact our Chicago Office at 312-814-1325 and the conveyance type will be changed and a new tag indicating the correct type of conveyance will be sent to you. Once again, please allow 4 weeks for processing.

Can a mechanic or inspector service a conveyance if it is not registered?

https://ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/041/041010000001800R.html

What if my conveyance has not been registered? What do I do?

If your conveyance is not registered you must submit an Elevator Maintenance Authorization form online in order to be granted the 30-day extension to submit the registration paperwork. Once your extension has been granted this may be used to have your conveyance serviced or inspected until you receive your registration letter and tag.

How do I know if my conveyance is registered or not?

The Elevator Safety Division website has a link for Registered Conveyance Locations. This list contains all locations that have registered conveyances where tags have been issued. Perform a search to see if the address of the conveyance is shown on this list. If your address is not on the list complete an "Application for Registration of Conveyance" and submit to the Springfield Office.

How often do I need to have my conveyance inspected?

The Elevator Safety and Regulation Act and our Rules require annual inspections of conveyances. Municipalities with agreements with the State may require additional inspections.

Who is responsible for obtaining the inspection?

The conveyance owner is responsible for hiring a third party inspector to perform annual conveyance inspections unless the conveyance is located in a municipality that has an agreement with the State. In this case the municipality hires the inspector/inspection company to perform conveyance inspections. See the "Municipality List" link of the Elevator Safety website for information on municipalities.

What is a third party inspection company/inspector?

A third party inspection company or inspector must be licensed with the State of Illinois, and be independent of your conveyance maintenance company. Third party inspectors are NOT employees of the State. They are only licensed by the State of Illinois, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Elevator Safety Division.

How do I find a licensed inspector?

Visit the Elevator Safety website and open the link "Licensed Contractors, Inspectors and Inspection Companies". You can then view the complete lists of "Licensed Inspectors" and "Licensed Inspection Companies" that are licensed by the State of Illinois. You may choose from any of the inspectors on these listings.

Many inspection companies have licensed inspectors throughout the State.

Can my maintenance company that performs monthly maintenance perform my annual inspection?

No, the annual inspection must be performed by an inspector licensed by the State of Illinois. A listing of licensed inspectors is available on our website.

If violations are found how long does an owner have to correct the violations and insure that the conveyance is in compliance?

An owner has 30 days to correct any violations found. The inspector may also inform you of any upgrades mandated by the “Elevator Safety Act”.

Who must be licensed to work on elevators or other conveyances?

Any person, firm or company that solicits elevator or other conveyance work from paying customers must be an elevator contractor licensed by the State of Illinois. In addition, any person wishing to work on conveyances must be a licensed elevator mechanic employed by a licensed elevator contractor.

The company that I contract with for inspections services my location every 6 months but the State only requires an annual inspection. Am I required to have the conveyance inspected every 6 months?

No, the State only requires an annual inspection, unless the conveyance is located within a municipality that has an agreement with the State. Municipalities that administer their own program may require semi-annual inspections.

What forms are used for conveyance inspections?

The Elevator Safety website under "Applications and Forms" has the "Elevator Inspection" form and the "Escalator Inspection" form for your review. These are the approved forms used by licensed inspectors that were adopted by the Elevator Safety Review Board as of July 1, 2008.

What is a Certificate of Operation?

Once your conveyance is registered you must have it inspected by an inspector licensed by the State of Illinois. When the conveyance has passed inspection you will submit an “Application for Certificate of Operation” to the Office of the State Fire Marshal (unless your municipality has an Agreement with the State of Illinois to operate their own program). Once again you will be invoiced and when the invoice is paid, you will receive a Certificate of Operation to be placed in/on the conveyance.

If your municipality has an Agreement with the State, you will apply to that municipality for your Certificate of Operation

What if I don't have a Certificate of Operation?

You can apply for an extension at the OSFM website, under Elevator Safety

How can I tell if my conveyance has passed inspection?

The inspection report given to you after the inspection must be clearly marked "passed" (bottom left hand corner of the report). There should not be any violations written in the Comment section of the report. The comment area of the report must not contain any notes from the inspector. If the inspector wishes to document a note on the form (that is not a violation) they should attach such notes to the report.

How do I obtain a copy of my inspection report?

The inspector should provide you with a copy of the inspection report at the time of the inspection.

Where do I apply for a Certificate of Operation?

If your municipality has an agreement with the State, apply to that municipality for your Certificate of Operation. A listing of municipalities that have an agreement with the State is available on our website

If your municipality does not have an agreement with the State, apply to the State of Illinois, Office of the State Fire Marshal located in Chicago, Illinois. The Application for Certificate of Operation can be found on the Elevator Safety website

Remember to attach a current inspection report that states your conveyance has “Passed” inspection to your Application for Certificate of Operation or your application will be returned as incomplete.

What is the cost of a Certificate of Operation?

The first Certificate issued by the State will cost $100.00 per conveyance. Your Certificate of Operation is to be renewed annually after your conveyance has passed inspection. Renewal fees are $75.00 per conveyance.

Can a spreadsheet be used for multiple conveyances to apply for a Certificate of Operation?

No, you must complete a separate application for each conveyance.

Where will the Certificate of Operation be sent?

For new and existing conveyances, the Certificate of Operation will be mailed to the Owner of the conveyance. It is the owner's responsibility to see that the Certificate reaches the conveyance location.

I would like to take my conveyance out of service. What do I do?

Contact a licensed elevator contractor for specific information on taking your conveyance out of service. There are definite code requirements in order to do this. When completed file the Installation Placed Out of Service form with the Springfield Office. The form must be signed by an inspector licensed by the State of Illinois.

What is a Municipality Agreement?

A Municipality Agreement is an agreement between a City, Town, Village or County and the State of Illinois, Office of the State Fire Marshal. The agreement allows a municipality to continue their elevator program as long as they adopt and use the codes that have been adopted by the State regarding the inspection and certification of conveyances. If a municipality does not have an agreement with the State, all conveyances will fall under the jurisdiction of the State. It is then the responsibility of each conveyance owner to register their conveyance with the State, hire an inspector licensed by the State of Illinois to perform annual inspections, and apply to the State for Certificates of Operation.

How do I enter into an agreement with the State?

Municipalities can contact the Director of Elevator Safety in Chicago with questions regarding the Municipality Agreement. You can also find the Municipality Agreement on the Elevator Safety Division website, which you can print and complete. A checklist of items needed to complete the agreement is also located here.

If I live in a municipality that has an Elevator Agreement with the OSFM, how do I find out what is needed to obtain a permit?

Refer to the municipality listing and notify Inspection Company for assistance to apply

How do I know if my municipality has an agreement with the State?

The Elevator Safety Division website "Municipality List" link has a list of all municipalities that currently have an agreement with the State. This list is updated on a regular basis.

I live in a municipality that has an agreement with the State of Illinois. Where do I register my conveyance?

All conveyances must be registered with the State of Illinois regardless of whether it is located in a municipality with or without an agreement. Please remember that conveyances located in Chicago are exempt from the Elevator Safety and Regulation Act.

How do I know if my location is in an unincorporated area of a specific County?

Your existing Certificate of Operation should state whether or not the County issued your certificate.

Where can I find rules and regulations for each type of license?

You may visit the Elevator Safety website to read the Elevator Safety Rules and Regulations for licensure requirements for each type of license issued. Questions may be directed to the Chicago Office at 312-814-8734 or 312-814-8959

What are the requirements to obtain an Elevator Contractor license?

Along with the application you must submit the following: a copy of the Certificate of Authority to transact business in the State; The Elevator Safety and Regulation Act [225 ILCS 312 et. seq.] requires the business to be qualified for the type of work it performs, participate in continuing education and to take a competency test if required to meet the qualifications to be licensed. In order to comply with the Act the business must identify the individual(s) of authority that will be responsible for compliance with the Act. The Contractor Designee should be a State of Illinois licensed mechanic. A copy of a Certificate of Insurance issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in the State, showing proof of general liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 for injury or death of any number of persons in any one occurrence, with coverage of at least $500,000 for property damage in any one occurrence and statutory workers compensation insurance coverage must also be included with the application.

What are the requirements to obtain an Inspection Company license?

Along with the application you must submit a current copy of your QEI and proof of insurance to become a licensed elevator inspector. If you work for a licensed inspection company, company insurance coverage is accepted. If you work for a contractor or yourself you must have individual insurance coverage.

What are the qualifications to obtain an Elevator Inspector license?

Along with the application you must submit a current copy of your QEI and proof of insurance to become a licensed elevator inspector. If you work for a licensed inspection company or a licensed contractor, company insurance coverage is accepted. If you are not employed by a Licensed Inspection Company or a Licensed Contractor, you must also apply for an Illinois Elevator Inspection Company license and obtain insurance coverage for the company and yourself.

What are the qualifications to obtain an Elevator Mechanic license?

Along with the application you must submit documentation stating:

That you have completed an approved apprenticeship program, i.e., NEIEP, or a nationally recognized training program,

OR

That you have three (3) years work experience prior to the date of filing the application AND passed the written examination administered by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Acceptable proof shall consist of documentation that applicant has worked for a licensed elevator contractor who has worked on elevators in this State for a period of not less than 3 years. Please submit a letter from your employer(s) verifying your work experience and have your employer(s) complete the work experience section of the application form. Without this verification your application cannot be processed

How do I apply for the Elevator Mechanic's test?

Visit the Elevator Safety website and search for "Elevator Mechanic Test". The link will provide you with the Request for Examination, Regional Examination Sites, and Exam References.

How do I apply for the Limited Mechanic's test?

Visit the Elevator Safety website and open the link for "Mechanic and Limited Mechanic Tests". This link will provide you with the Request for Examination, Regional Examination Sites, and Exam References.

Does the State have a study guide for the Elevator Mechanic's test?

No, a study guide is not provided, but the "Exam References" indicate what Codes and manuals should be studied in order to take and pass this test.

Does the State have a study guide for the Limited Elevator Mechanic's test?

No, a study guide is not provided, but the "Exam References" indicate what Codes and manuals should be studied in order to take and pass this test.

What are the qualifications to obtain an Elevator Apprentice/Helper license?

Along with the application you must state that you are currently enrolled in an apprenticeship program to obtain an apprentice license, or

Submit a letter from your Illinois licensed company indicating that you are working under the supervision of an Illinois licensed mechanic

How often do I have to renew my license?

Licenses for contractors, inspection companies, inspectors, and mechanics are renewed every two (2) years.

Apprentice/Helper licenses do not expire and do not have to be renewed.

Will I be notified about my renewal?

Yes, a renewal application will be sent to you approximately 120 days prior to your license expiration. It is your responsibility to complete the renewal application and submit it to the Chicago Office. Once again, you will be invoiced for the license fee. Upon payment you will receive your renewed license. It is the responsibility of the licensee to notify the Elevator Safety Division of any change of address or change in employment status in order for all records to be kept current.

What will happen if I don't renew my license?

Your license will expire if you fail to renew it, and you will be notified that your license has expired. If you choose to renew after expiration you will be charged an additional $50.00 to renew your license.

If our office is notified that you do not wish to renew your license, your license will be withdrawn from active status

Can a licensed contractor have more than one designee?

Yes, they can have as many as they feel are needed.

I am a licensed contractor/inspection company/inspector and my insurance coverage has expired. What do I need to do?

Most insurance policies are for a one-year period. When your insurance is renewed, please send a Certificate of Insurance to our Chicago Office so that your license information can be kept up to date. Failure to supply our office with this information could result in the suspension of your license.

I am a licensed inspector and I have renewed my QEI. What do I need to do?

As a licensed Illinois inspector your QEI information must be kept up to date in our files. When your new QEI card is received, please forward a copy to our Chicago Office so that your file and our database can be updated. Failure to supply our office with this information could result in the suspension of your license.

I am a licensed inspector and no longer work for the company that was supplying my insurance coverage. What do I need to do?

You or your former employer must notify our office that you are no longer covered by their insurance. At that time your license will be suspended until we are notified that you have obtained new insurance coverage (either from a new employer or a policy purchased by yourself). Upon receipt of a new certificate of Insurance your license will be reinstated.

What does Continuing Education consist of?

Continuing Education consists of not less than 8 hours of instruction that shall be attended and completed within one year immediately preceding any such license renewal. For example, if your license expires on 6/1/11 you must complete your continuing education between 6/1/10 and 6/1/11. Continuing education prior to 6/1/10 would not be accepted.

What Continuing Education is accepted in order to renew my mechanic's license?

A complete listing of accepted Continuing Education is listed on the Elevator Safety website. A search for "Elevator Continuing Education" will yield the information.

What is accepted Continuing Education in order to renew my inspector's license?

&In order to renew your QEI card you must complete 8 hours of continuing education through the organization that issued your QEI and pass a test. This is done on an annual basis. When your continuing education is completed the organization will issue you a new QEI card which is good for one year. Please submit a copy of your new QEI card to this office. This tells us that you completed the 8-hours of continuing education for your QEI, and can be used to renew your license as long as it occurred in the year prior to your license expiration date.

How do I obtain a Variance or an Exception for my conveyance?

You must submit an Application for Conveyance Variance form along with a processing fee in the amount of $300.00 per conveyance to the Chicago Office. A link to Applications and Forms is on the Elevator Safety page at the OSFM website.

Variance/Exception applications will be approved or denied by the Elevator Safety Review Board at their next meeting. A calendar of upcoming Board meeting dates is available on the Elevator Safety website

A representative must appear before the Board to present the Variance/Exception

Applications must be submitted by mail to the Elevator Safety Division seven (7) days prior to the next Board meeting for review

Is any other information needed to be included with my application?

Yes, you must submit the following along with your application:

• Evidence that the proposed or existing conveyance is not in compliance with the code or regulation;
• Evidence that strict compliance with the code or regulation would entail practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship or is otherwise found unwarranted;
• Evidence that any requested variance/exception does not jeopardize the safety and health of those who would use the conveyance or work on the conveyance and that the methods, means, or practices proposed provide equal protection of the public's safety and health.

What is a Variance?

A variance is a deviation from the specific Codes adopted by the Elevator Safety Review Board.

What is an Exception?

An exception is a request for something that is not covered by the Codes.

When is a Permit required?

A permit is required for any alteration or installation of a new conveyance or lift device and must be submitted by the elevator contractor to the Chicago Office of the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Elevator Safety Division, for municipalities that do not have an agreement with the State. If the alteration or new installation is within a municipality that has an agreement with the State, you would apply to that municipality for the permit.

What is an alteration?

"Alteration" means any change to the equipment including its parts, components, or subsystems, other than maintenance, repair or replacement of the equipment, including its parts, components and subsystems.

Is there a fee associated with applying for a Permit?

Yes, the application fee for a Permit is $400.00 per conveyance and must be submitted along with the application.

Where do I find the Application for Permit form?

The Application for Conveyance Permit is located on the Elevator Safety website under the Applications and Forms link.

What is the difference between a "hydro" and a "traction" elevator?

A "hydro" or "hydraulic" elevator utilizes a motor and a pump to raise the piston out of the ground pushing the elevator up and down the shaft. It uses an electric valve to control the direction and speed of the piston. A "traction" elevator uses sheaves and cables to move an elevator up and down the shaft. It utilizes a counterweight that balances out the load so that the motor does not have to work as hard. The motors can be either AC or DC depending on the type of drive or generator the elevator uses to convert building power into controllable power to move the elevator.

In what year was a double bottom cylinder required?

1972 and later.

What upgrades are required by 2015?

Section 35 of Public Act 096-0054 requires the following:

• Restricted opening of hoistway doors or car doors on passenger elevators;
• Car illumination;
• Emergency operation and signaling devices;
• Phase reversal and failure protection;
• Reopening device for power operated doors or gates;
• Stop switch pits; and
• Pit ladder installation in accordance with Section 2.2.4.2 of ASME A17.1-2007

Where do I find information on developing an Emergency Evacuation Plan?

ANSI A17.4 can be purchased from ASME.org. Please review the Emergency Evacuation Plan guidelines on the Elevator Safety Division website.

If I had a hydraulic elevator with a cylinder installed prior to 1972, and had it replaced, is this acceptable?

Yes, with proof of replacement documentation.

Do I have to replace my hydraulic cylinder?

It does not have to be replaced unless there is an alteration, the equipment fails, or failing to replace the equipment jeopardizes the public safety and welfare as determined by the Local Administrator or the Board.

If my elevator has a single bottom cylinder what are my options to ensure compliance with the Code?

You have three options:

• Replace with a double bottom cylinder
• Install plunger grippers
• Install care safety device(s) on the elevator

If I select one of the options rather than replacing the single bottom cylinder will this prevent me from ever having to replace the single bottom cylinder?

No, choosing to install the plunger grippers or the safety devices will not prevent the single bottom jack from eventually failing. The options are simply a temporary fix.

How do I know if I have a single bottom cylinder?

This may be hard to determine, but your maintenance provider may be able to assist you in determining this.

What does V/T/C stand for on the inspection forms?

Village/Town/City.

What is the Code Data Plate

An individual data plate shall be provided and maintained for each unit (see 1.1.1). The data plate shall indicate the Code to be used for inspections and tests (see 8.10.1.2).

The data plate shall indicate the Code and edition in effect at the time of installation. The data plate shall also indicate the Code in effect at the time of any alteration and indicate the applicable requirements of 8.7.

Why is a Code Data Plate Necessary?

The code data plate has been required for both new and existing equipment since first published in the A-17.1-1996 edition. This is a useful requirement, as it informs elevator personnel of very important information about the conveyance. Maintaining compliance requires knowing which code year is to be used for enforcement. A code data plate is also critical for the inspection to be performed, because for the life of the conveyance, the noted code(s) will be used for its inspection. Without this information, the inspector may accidentally require functions that were not designed into the system, because they may not have been required at the time of installation. In North America, if there is a controller without a code data plate, it is a violation and should be remedied immediately. This is a critical component for ensuring proper safety requirements are enforced during inspection and testing. The code data plate is also where alterations are recorded.

Who can prepare a Code Data Plate?

There are various manufacturers who make Code Data Plates. It is the responsibility of the owner to search these out and supply the information to the manufacturer. Though s call to the inspector can provide a clue to the year of installation in order to get the code data plate made.

What can the Code Data Plate be made of?

2010 Edition

Section 8.9.3 of A17.1-2010 states: The data plate shall be of such material and construction that the letters and figures stamped, etched, cast or otherwise applied to the face shall remain permanently and readily legible. The height of the letters and figures shall be not less than 3.2mm (0.125 in.

All data plates not located in the controller shall be provided with either:

1. A durable means to prevent common contaminants (such as paint, adhesives, oil, and grease.) from adhering to the data plate parent surface and permit the removal of these contaminants, without obscuring the Code-required data, or
2. Letters and figures that are raised or depressed a minimum of 0.8 mm (0.03125 in.) from the plate surface face, and have a minimum character-stroke width of 0.5 mm (0.02 in.) If the plates are exposed to weathering or a chemical atmosphere, then a durable means shall be provided to protect the information from deterioration while permitting the information to be easily read.

When did Code Data Plates become required?

They first became required with the fifteenth Edition of the Code (A17.1-1996).

When does the upgrade start for the door restrictors to be in place and why?

The upgrade for the door restrictors are to be in place by January 1, 2014. The reason is door restrictors prevent the inside doors from opening more than 4 inches or more from the landing.

If a person is injured due to a malfunction of a conveyance who do I report it to and how?

You would contact the Illinois Elevator Safety by filling out an incident report (link is at the SFM Elevator Division main page) or call 312-814-1325.

How can I contact the Elevator Safety Division?

If your question was not answered, or you would like additional information, please Email Us

Or write to us at:

Office of the State Fire Marshal
Elevator Safety Division
555 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1300-N
Chicago, Illinois 60661

Main phone number: 312-814-1325
Main fax number: 312-814-3459