Directive: Approval of alternative testing for category 5 testing

General Details

This directive is issued to all elevating contractors wanting to use alternative testing as a method of conducting category 5 testing. Category 5 testing is required in ASME A17.1-2016/CSA B44-16 code (CSA B44 code) for hydraulic and electric elevators. Clause 8.6.11.10 of the CSA B44 code allows for specific category 5 tests, that would normally require rated load, to be performed without load via alternative test methodologies provided the alternative testing meets all requirements of the CSA B44 code. Pursuant to clause 8.6.11.10.1 of the CSA B44 code, where alternative testing will be used, alternative testing may only be conducted with the use of a tool approved by the Provincial Safety Manager. This directive lists the tools that have been approved by the Provincial Safety Manager and outlines the conditions for the use of the tools to perform category 5 testing.

ASME A17.7-2007/CSA B44.7-07 Performance-based safety code for elevators and escalators provides an alternative process to the CSA B44 code for establishing elevator safety. It includes a structured methodology for establishing, documenting, and demonstrating that necessary and appropriate protective measures are taken to eliminate hazards or sufficiently mitigate risks. Accredited Elevator/Escalator Certification Organizations (AECOs) are accredited by ANSI National Accreditation Board to evaluate and certify elevator and escalator systems, subsystems, components, and functions against the guidelines of ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7

The tools listed in Part 1 of this directive are approved, in accordance with clause 8.6.11.10.1 of the CSA B44 code, to perform the following category 5 testing on hydraulic and electric elevators, pursuant to the conditions of this directive and AECO certification of the respective tool:

(a) car and counterweight safeties per clause 8.6.4.20.1 (as amended in the Elevating Devices Safety Regulation schedule) of the CSA B44 code

(b) oil buffers per clause 8.6.4.20.3 of the CSA B44 code

(c) driving-machine brakes per clause 8.6.4.20.4 of the CSA B44 code

(d) braking system, traction, and traction limits per clause 8.6.4.20.10 of the CSA B44 code

(e) emergency brake per clause 8.6.4.20.11(b) of the CSA B44 code (provided that the approved tool has AECO certification for this purpose.)
 

Part 1: Approved alternative testing tools

Henning ELVI 2 elevator system
 

The Henning ELVI 2 elevator system has received a certification of conformance with ASME A17.7-2007/CSA B44.7-07 through Liftinstituut B.V. – ANSI AECO #0842. Certificate no. NA20-0842-1004-030-02. The tool was certified by Liftinstituut B.V. to perform tests on electric or traction elevators without load via alternative test methodologies without the need for a baseline rated load test. The Henning ELVI 2 elevator system is approved to perform all tests outlined in the general details section of this directive without the need for a baseline on electric or traction elevators, as long as the certified elevating device mechanic using the tool has completed the appropriate training from the manufacturer or manufacturer’s representative.
 

Part 2: Maintenance, calibration and record keeping

Maintenance and calibration of an approved tool must comply to the requirements of 8.6.11.10.3 and 8.6.11.10.4 of the CSA B44 code

The Alternative Test Method Report outlined in clause 8.6.11.10.4 of the CSA B44 code must be kept in accordance with Elevating Devices Safety Regulation, Schedule - Adopted Codes and Standards, Part 9 – 8.6.1.7.2 Periodic Test Record.
 

Provincial Safety Manager – Nav Chahal

References:
Safety Standards Act
Elevating Devices Safety Regulation
Safety Standards General Regulation
ASME A17.7-2007/CSA B44.7-07
ASME A17.1-2016/CSA B44-16