Information Bulletin: Major Alteration Inspection FEO Testing Requirements

This bulletin provides information on the acceptance inspection for elevators that have undergone a major alteration involving the upgrade or addition of the Firefighters’ Emergency Operation (FEO). This bulletin clarifies the functional requirements that need to be met by the FEO before the elevators are put into service for public use.

This bulletin references sections 2.27.3, 8.7 and 8.10 of the ASME A17.1 2016/CSA B44-16 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators (the Code).

Acceptance Inspection Requirements

a. Major Alteration – Multiple Cars (in a group)

Before the elevators are put into service for public use, the following will be tested at the acceptance inspection and must be functional as required by clauses 8.10.2.3.2(m), 8.10.3.3.2(m) and 8.10.1.1.2 of the Code:

1. Phase 1 manual recall by way of key switch located at the designated level (section 2.27.3.1 of the Code);
2. Phase 2 in car operation (section 2.27.3.3 of the Code); and
3. Phase 1 automatic recall by way of fire alarm initiating devices (section 2.27.3.2 of the Code).

With respect to phase 1 automatic recall, where the building fire alarm system has not yet been transferred over to the newly modified elevator within that group, the following procedures will apply:

1. Clause 8.7.1.1(a) of the Code requires that at no time shall the level of safety be lower than previously existed.
2. Upon completion of the inspection, the safety officer will issue a non-compliance instructing the contractor to comply with the requirements of section 2.27.3.2 of the Code.
3. Inspection of the final car in that group will not take place until phase 1 automatic recall has been installed and has been tested to meet the requirements of section 2.27.3.2 of the Code. Verification of phase 1 automatic recall operation in the form of an FEO declaration must be submitted to the safety officer, as outlined in the assessment booking procedures at least three business days before the acceptance assessment of the final car. 

b. Major Alteration – Single Car

Before the elevator is put into service for public use, the following will be tested at the acceptance inspection and must be functional as required by clauses 8.10.2.3.2(m), 8.10.3.3.2(m) and 8.10.1.1.2 of the Code:

1. Phase 1 manual recall by way of key switch located at the designated level (section 2.27.3.1 of the Code).
2. Phase 2 in car operation (section 2.27.3.3 of the Code).
3. Phase 1 automatic recall by way of fire alarm initiating devices (section 2.27.3.2 of the Code).

With respect to the phase 1 automatic recall, where the building fire alarm system has not yet been transferred over to the newly modified elevator, and is therefore not compliant with section 2.27.3.2 of the Code, rationale as to why the condition exists and the time needed to meet compliance will be required in the form of a variance request. The following procedures will apply:

1. Clause 8.7.1.1(a) of the Code requires that at no time shall the level of safety be lower than previously existed.
2. The contractor will need to have an approved variance for the single elevator temporarily not meeting the requirements of section 2.27.3.2 of the Code prior to booking the assessment.
3. Clauses 8.10.2.3.2(m), 8.10.3.3.2(m) and 8.10.1.1.2 of the Code require the following to be functional and available for testing at the time of inspection. The attending safety officer will therefore require a simulation at the controller of the following;
   1. Recall to the designated level
   2. Recall to the alternate level
   3. Machine room signal
   4. Hoistway signal
4. Upon completion of the inspection the attending safety officer will;
   1. Issue a non-compliance instructing the contractor to comply with the requirements of section 2.27.3.2 of the Code.
   2. Set a compliance date based on the information provided in the variance.

Note: A variance for phase 1 automatic recall will only be granted when evidence is provided that the work needed for compliance is underway. The variance will be granted with an expiration date that matches the associated non-compliance due date. A request for variance must be submitted as soon as the contractor becomes aware the auto recall will not be functional at time of inspection.

Nav Chahal

Provincial Safety Manager

References:

Safety Standards Act

Elevating Devices Safety Regulation

Safety Standards General Regulation

ASME A17.1/CSA B44-16