Elevator Compliance, Testing and Inspections in New York City

In order to meet the requirements of the New York building codes, every elevator and escalator located within the five boroughs must be inspected and tested by a licensed elevator inspection agency on a regular basis. The New York Department of Buildings (DOB), the agency which maintains jurisdiction over building elevators, mandates that this testing take place twice a year for all elevators which fit into their Category 1 and Category 5 classifications.

Your vertical transportation provider should track and coordinate inspections for all the devices they maintain. This includes scheduling the annual inspections for your elevators.

Category 1 Elevator Inspection

The Category 1 test required by the DOB must be scheduled with a licensed inspection agency and a certified category test witness. The inspection itself typically takes 2 hours for each elevator cab and includes:

• all safety devices (no-load test)
• cables used for suspension
• compensation and governors
• hoistway
• clearances
• alarms
• communication devices
• emergency lighting
• general housekeeping of the machine room, pit, and top of the car

Your Category 1 tests must be performed and submitted to the DOB by December 31st every year.

Category 5 Elevator Inspection

The Category 5 test must be performed every 5 years from date of installation, and usually take approximately 5 hours. They must also be scheduled with a licensed inspection agency and certified category test witness. In addition to the same tests performed in a Category 1 inspection, the Category 5 test includes:

• test weights to verify full load
• full-speed operation of buffers
• car safety devices and tripping speeds
• electrical equipment
• 125 percent of the rated load tests
• the ability to break and slip traction

For both Categories 1 and 5, test reports must be submitted within 60 calendar days of the date of inspection. If there are any defects reported, they must be corrected within 120 days of the date of inspection, with an Affirmation of Correction filed within 60 days from the date of correction.

Fees for Filing a Late Elevator Inspection

To avoid penalties, you must file your test reports promptly. For inspections, you have 60 days from the test date (or correction date) to file with the Department of Buildings.

AVOID LATE FEES! SCHEDULE YOUR INSPECTIONS NOW

Any test reports filed more than 60 days from the test date are subject to monthly late fees as follows:

• Category 1 Annual Inspection late fee: $150/month
• Affirmation of Correction late fee: $150/month
• Category 5 Inspection late fee: $250/month

Note that these are filing fees. If the inspection itself is performed late, you will be subject to a much greater penalty - up to $5000, dependent on the category.

Most Common Elevator Defects and Violations

In preparing for inspections, there are typically deficiencies that need to be addressed Testing often uncovers further remedial service issues that must be repaired in order to satisfy DOB compliance requirements.

MAKE SURE YOUR ELEVATORS ARE READY FOR INSPECTION

Some of the most frequently noted elevator violations include the following:

• Failure to maintain a building device
• Fire extinguisher in the elevator machine room with a past-due expiration date
• Emergency telephone not working correctly
• Defective door restrictors
• Worn, defective or damaged hoist cables
• Defective brake assembly
• Single elevator out of service
• Power supply failure
• Backup battery for emergency car lighting and communication not functioning

Failing to meet compliance can result in hefty fines, shut down your systems, and more important, reveal potentially dangerous operating conditions.

TEI: Your Best Partner for Elevator Testing and Inspections

More than 90% of TEI service technicians currently hold inspector licenses or are in queue to have their license issued. We can help you track and coordinate scheduled testing, and manage any remedial service issues that may be required. Count on TEI to ensure you complete all necessary paperwork, avoiding costly penalties for late filing of Category 1, 5, and AOC (Affirmation of Correction) inspections.

We are here for you!