Elevator Door Cladding

1. General details

This information bulletin provides guidance to owners and contractors on the regulatory requirements for the installation of film type cladding on hoistways and car doors. With the increased prevalence of graphic film being installed on elevator doors, some have been installed without confirmation that the applied material meets the code requirements for door cladding, creating possible fire and smoke hazards related to the materials being installed. 

2. Regulatory requirements

ASME A17-2016/CSA B44:16 provides the requirements for cladding being installed on elevator doors.

Elevating Devices Safety Regulation (EDSR) provides the requirements for installing cladding on elevator doors.

ASME A17-2016/CSA B44:16

2.11.11.5.6 

Where decorative material is applied to listed/certified panels, it shall conform to the requirements of the certifying organization.

2.14.2.1.2 

In jurisdictions enforcing the NBCC

• materials in their end-use configuration, other than those covered by 2.14.2.1.2(b), 2.14.2.1.3, and 2.14.2.1.4, shall conform to the following requirements, based on the tests conducted in accordance with the requirements of ASTM E84, ANSI/UL 723, or CAN/ULC-S102:
• flame spread rating of 0 to 75
• smoke development classification of 0 to 450

Elevating Devices Safety Regulation

Regulated work that may be supervised by licensed elevating device contractor

3.3

• An individual may install or alter non-structural elevator cab enclosure linings, flooring, floor coverings
• or door claddings if the individual
• holds a permit, issued for the purposes of this section, that is relevant to the regulated work to be done, and
• is under the general supervision of a licensed elevating device contractor who holds a Class A, RA, H or IC licence.

3. Installation requirements

Technical Safety BC's expectations are that the installation of door cladding will be performed in conformance with EDSR 3.3(2), requiring a valid minor alteration permit and, at a minimum, the work will be performed under the general supervision of an appropriately licensed contractor.

Cladding installed on any elevator hoistway or car door must conform to the requirements of clause 2.11.11.5.6 of ASME A17-2016/CSA B44:16. The tensile strength of the film material should be at least 281 Kg/cm2.* 

For door cladding exposed to the car interior, the materials must conform to the requirements of clause 2.14.2.1.2 of ASME A17-2016/CSA B44:16. 

*Note: the tensile strength value referenced is from ASTM and is widely recognized as industry standard.

4. Documentation

Technical information documents confirming conformance to the requirements of ASME A17-2016/CSA B44:16 clauses 2.11.11.5.6 and 2.14.2.1.2, as applicable, must be submitted as part of the minor alteration permit application as required by EDSR 25(1) and Directive: Major and minor alterations. 

Nav Chahal,
Provincial Safety Manager – Transportation 

References:

Safety Standards Act
Elevating Devices Safety Regulation
Safety Standards General Regulation
ASME A17-2016/CSA B44:16
Directive: Major and minor alterations