Subchapter A. PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
GENERALLY Sec.
7.1. Definitions.
7.2. Scope.
7.3. Penalty.
ADMINISTRATION
7.11. Equipment of special design.
7.12. Rules of operation.
7.13. Repairs.
7.14. Tests.
7.15. Inspection.
7.16. Inspectors.
7.17. Prohibited installations.
SPECIFICATIONS—ALL HOISTING AND LOWERING EQUIPMENT
7.31. Submission and approval of plans.
7.32. Fire prevention.
7.33. Operation of elevators under fire or other emergency conditions.
7.34. Lighting and electric wiring.
7.35. Electrical insulating floor mats.
7.36. Data plates and numbering.
7.37. Combination elevators.
GENERALLY
§ 7.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Aerial passenger tramway—A general usage which denotes a device used to transport passengers by single and double reversible tramway; chair lifts, gondola lifts and skimobiles; T-bar lifts, J-bar lifts, platter lifts and similar devices; or a fiber rope tow.
Automatic control elevator—An elevator, the operation of which is controlled by electric buttons or switches in such a manner that all stops at landings are made automatically and which may be started by switches or buttons at the landing.
Basement—A floor level partly or completely below grade as measured from the floor level immediately above; it shall be considered a story if more than 33-1/3% of the exterior wall perimeter is five feet or more above grade.
Basement lift—A sidewalk elevator.
Bucket—A metal bucket or tank operating in guides raised and lowered by steel cables and used for the purpose of distributing concrete or other building material to various floor levels.
Builder’s hoist—An elevator erected for temporary use, built in or adjoining a building under construction or alterations.
Car door or gate—The door or gate in an elevator car.
Chair lifts, gondola lifts, and skimobiles—A type of transportation in which passengers are carried on chairs or cars, or in gondola cabs attached to and suspended from a moving wire rope or attached to a moving wire rope or chain and supported on a standing wire rope or other structure.
Diameter—Tread diameter when it refers to sheaves, wheels, or pulleys.
Double-button control elevator—An elevator, the operation of which is controlled by self-centering buttons or switches located in the car and at the landings in such a manner that the elevator operates only when the button or switch is held closed manually and stops when the button or switch is released.
Double-deck—An elevator consisting of a car structure containing two elevator cabs or compartments.
Drive sheave, or bull wheel—The tread diameter which ranges from three to 14 feet, depending upon the type of installation. Either designation refers to the main drive sheave.
Dual control elevator—An elevator capable of operation either by an authorized operator in the car or automatically by electric buttons or switches.
Dumbwaiter—A miniature freight elevator.
Elevator—A car, cage, or platform raised or lowered vertically in permanent guides or rails, including the necessary operating mechanism, used to transport persons or materials.
Elevator car—The load carrying unit, including the platform supporting and guiding frame, and enclosure.
Escalator—A moving continuous inclined stairway or runway used for raising or lowering persons. Wheeled vehicles of any type are not permitted on escalators.
Fiber rope tow—A type of transportation which pulls skiers riding on skis by a traveling fiber rope which the skier grasps by hand.
Fire-resistive materials—Approved materials having fire-resistive qualities, such as brick, concrete, hollow tile, terra-cotta blocks, or concrete plaster on expanded metal lath supported by metal studs of an approximate total thickness of not less than 2 1/2 inches.
Freight elevator—An elevator constructed and used for carrying materials.
Full automatic door or gate—A door or gate which is opened and closed automatically by the motion of the elevator car.
Grade—The level or the surface of the ground established by law, or on record where not established by law. This term includes the average level of the surface of the ground.
Gravity elevator—A freight elevator used for lowering materials in a car, cage, or platform through a shaftway, the operation of which is accomplished by the excess weight of the car, cage or platform and the load over the car counterweights.
Hand elevator—A freight elevator, the machinery of which is actuated by a rope or cable operated exclusively by hand.
Independently-operated door or gate—A door or gate operated by power from an auxiliary source in no way derived from the motion of the car.
Landing—The floor, balcony, or platform used to receive or discharge passengers or freight from an elevator car.
Landing door or gate—The door or gate at the shaftway entrance of any landing.
Locking device—A device which prevents the operation of an elevator away from the landing while any gate or door at that landing is open and unsecured and also prevents the opening of the door unless the car is at the landing; this term is also referred to as ‘‘interlock.’’
Lumber elevator—A platform equipped with screws to raise or lower stacked lumber in a vertical direction at a speed not exceeding 15 feet per minute, with a travel not exceeding 20 feet.
Machinery—The hoisting mechanism and equipment used in the operation of an elevator.
Manlift—The type of elevator which operates by an endless vertical belt which revolves over fixed pulleys at the top and bottom limits of travel and to which steps and hand holds are attached so that persons may ride on it.
Manually-operated door or gate—A door or gate which is opened and closed by hand.
Orchestra elevator—A platform for raising and lowering musicians in an orchestra in a vertical direction at a speed not exceeding 15 feet per minute.
Organ console elevator—A platform for raising and lowering an organ console, including the organist, in a vertical direction at a speed not exceeding 15 feet per minute.
Passenger elevator—An elevator constructed and operated to transport persons.
Private dwellings—Convents, rectories, and parsonages, which are ex- empt from this chapter, unless portions thereof are used for the housing or assembling of persons other than members of the religious order, if the occupancy is not in excess of 25 persons.
Rated capacity—The capacity established by the designer of equipment.
Rope—Wire rope, and cable are interchangeable, except for rope tows if rope means a fiber rope.
Safety gate stops—A device which automatically stops a tramway when in contact with a passenger or the weight of a passenger.
Semiautomatic door or gate—A door or gate which is manually opened but automatically closed when the elevator car leaves the landing.
Shaftway—A shaft, well-hole, hatchway or other vertical opening or space, partly or wholly enclosed within which an elevator is raised or lowered in a vertical direction.
Sheaves—Pulleys or wheels grooved for rope.
Sidewalk elevator—An elevator which travels from a point below the sidewalk level to the sidewalk, or to an elevation not to exceed wagon or freight car loading level.
Single or double reversible tramway—A type of transportation in which passengers are carried in one or more enclosed cars that reciprocate between terminals.
Stage elevator—A platform consisting of a section of the stage arranged to be raised and lowered above and below the stage level in a vertical direction at a speed not exceeding 15 feet per minute.
Stairway inclined lift—A power passenger inclined lift installed on a stairway for raising or lowering persons from one floor to another.
Standard railing—A railing not less than 42 inches in height with an additional rail midway between the top rail and the floor.
T-bar, J-bar and platter lifts and similar devices—Types of transportation which pull skiers riding on skis by devices propelled by a main overhead traveling wire rope.
Toeboard—A board at least 6 inches in height, placed at right angles with floor or platform to prevent objects from falling from the floor or platform to the spaces below.
Winch—A hand or power-operated machine having a rope coiled on one or more drums for the purpose of hauling, hoisting or lowering a load.
Workmen’s hoist—A hoist installed in or outside of buildings during construction, alteration or demolition, and used primarily to raise or lower workmen and other persons connected with or related to the building project.
Authority The provisions of this § 7.1 issued under act of May 2, 1929 (P. L. 1518, No. 452) (35 P. S. § § 1341—1356).
Source The provisions of this § 7.1 amended through December 19, 1980, effective December 20, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 4723. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (17285) and (36688).
§ 7.2. Scope.
This chapter sets forth rules to safeguard the lives, limbs, maintenance and health of workers involved in the installation, operation and maintenance of elevators, lifts, escalators, dumbwaiters, hoists and tramways in this Commonwealth, and places the responsibility of compliance with the rules upon both employer and employe.
§ 7.3. Penalty.
Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter is subject to summary proceedings before an alderman, magistrate or district justice and upon conviction, shall be penalized as provided in section 16 of the act of May 2, 1929 (P. L. 1513, No. 451) (35 P. S. § 1356).
ADMINISTRATION
§ 7.11. Equipment of special design.
The operation, erection and installation of types of hoisting and lowering equipment other than those covered in this chapter is subject to approval by the Department. When installing elevators with specially designed apparatus or equipment not provided for by this chapter, the elevators may not be operated until the design in question has been approved by the Department.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.251 (relating to general).
§ 7.12. Rules of operation.
(a) Passenger or freight elevators, except when operated by automatic control or double-button control, shall be operated only by authorized persons who have received instruction in the proper operation thereof.
(b) No person shall be allowed to operate an elevator unless he is at least 18 years of age and is selected with consideration for his ability to perform his duties in a careful and competent manner, and is free from mental or serious physical defects.
(c) Operators of elevators shall see that all the provisions of this chapter are complied with. Operators shall report to their employers any violations or defects which come to their attention.
(d) No person shall ride on elevators constructed and used as power-driven freight elevators, except the operator and designated assistants (not more than three). No person shall ride upon hand elevators, gravity elevators, dumbwaiters, or hoists.
(e) A duplex elevator requires operators in each cab or compartment.
(f) When seats are placed in the cars of elevators for the use of elevator operators they shall be of the collapsible type and without legs.
(g) The provisions of this section apply to all installations.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.251 (relating to general); 34 Pa. Code § 7.37 (relating to combination elevators); and 34 Pa. Code § 7.283 (relating to safety requirements).
§ 7.13. Repairs.
(a) Any existing device subject to this chapter which is damaged by fire or other causes including ordinary wear, when major repairs or replacement become necessary, shall be replaced or rebuilt in conformity with the requirements of this chapter for new construction and installation of such devices, except that it is not required that the hoistway be fireproof when the existing hoistway is used.
(b) The removal and reerection of elevators, escalators, and dumbwaiters in new locations shall be in conformity with the requirements for new elevators, escalators, and dumbwaiters. Existing hoists, when used as permanent installations, may not be reerected in new locations.
(c) Before work costing $1,000 or more is commenced on the repair of elevator devices, duplicate applications for such repair work shall be filed with the Department by the building owner or the elevator contractor. Before work costing $1,000 or more and involving major repairs as defined in subsection (e) is commenced on the repair of elevator devices, duplicate applications for such repair work plus a $50 fee for a permit shall be filed with the Department by the building owner or the elevator contractor and a permit covering such repairs or changes shall be obtained from the Department.
(d) After work costing $1,000 or more is completed, the building owner or elevator contractor shall notify the Department and such repairs may be inspected by the Department for approval. After work costing $1,000 or more and involving major repairs as defined in subsection (e) is completed, the building owner or elevator contractor shall notify the Department and such repairs will be inspected by the Department for approval.
(e) Major repairs shall include but shall not be limited to the following changes in an elevator: increase in the rated load or speed, increase in the dead weight of the car, change in travel, change in the type of operation or control, change in the size or number of suspension ropes, change in the size or type of guide rails, change in classification from freight elevator to passenger elevator, change in the power supply, change in the type of car or counterweight safety, installation of a new driving machine, installation of a new controller, installation of new brakes, replacement of hoistway doors, addition of landing door interlocks, addition of door operating devices, addition of auxiliary rope fastening devices, addition of car leveling, addition of roller guide shoes, and addition of new car or counterweight safety. As to hydraulic elevators, major repairs shall include the preceeding changes as appropriate, and shall include but shall not be limited to the following changes: installation of different control valves, replacement of existing relief and check valves, replacement of existing supply pipings and fittings, replacement of existing tanks, replacement of cylinder, replacement of plunger, and increase in the working pressure by more than 3.0%.
Authority The provisions of this § 7.13 issued under act of May 2, 1929 (P. L. 1518, No. 452) (35 P. S. § § 1341—1356).
Source The provisions of this § 7.13 amended December 19, 1980, effective December 20, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 4723. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (8045) and (8046).
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.251 (relating to general).
§ 7.14. Tests.
(a) New passengers and freight elevators shall be tested in the presence of a Department inspector to see that the car safeties, speed governors, brakes, bumpers, limit switches, and the like, perform their proper functions. The car safeties shall be tested with the elevator car carrying the maximum allowable load. In making the final test the hoisting cables shall be detached from the car, while at a height sufficient to indicate the efficiency of the car safeties. A runaway test is acceptable in lieu of the free drop test when approved safety devices are installed. For reostatic control elevators, the safeties shall be tested by tripping the governor. Broken rope safety devices shall be tested as such.
(b) Existing installations shall be tested as follows:
(1) The car safety of existing installations shall be tested with rated load in the car by tripping the governor by hand at rated speed, within five years of effective date and at least every five years thereafter by a reputable elevator company. Results of the test shall be certified by the elevator company on forms furnished by the Department, indicating the load for which the elevator was tested and a record of such test shall be filed with the Department.
(2) A metal data plate furnished by the company performing the test shall be fastened to the car crosshead and show the date of the test and the company performing the test.
(3) The governor shall be tested and the trip speed measured by a tachometer and, if necessary, adjusted to conform to the requirements of this section. Governors shall be resealed after each test. Speed governors for car safeties shall be set to trip at over speeds as follows:
(i) At not less than 115% of rated car speed.
(ii) At not more than the tripping speed listed opposite the applicable rated speed in the following table: Maximum Speeds at which Speed Governor Trips
and Governor Overspeed Switch Operates
Rated Speed
(in feet per minute)Maximum Governor
Trip Speed
(in feet per minute)Maximum Speed at which
Governor Overspeed
Switch Operates
(down feet per minute)0—125 175 175 150 210 190 175 250 225 200 280 252 225 308 277 250 337 303 300 395 355 350 452 407 400 510 459 450 568 512 500 625 563 600 740 703 700 855 812 800 970 921 900 1085 1031 1000 1200 1140 1100 1320 1254 1200 1440 1368 1300 1560 1482 1400 1680 1596 1500 1800 1710 (4) Speed governors, where provided for counterweight safeties, shall be set to trip at an overspeed greater than, but not more than 10% above, that at which the car speed governor is set to trip.
(5) Broken rope safeties shall be drop tested.
(6) The provisions of this subsection do not apply to hand-powered freight elevators.
(c) New escalators shall be tested in the presence of a Department inspector. The test shall consist of a physical examination of the escalator parts together with a running test of the escalator without load, including a test of all the safety features prescribed in § 7.324 (relating to safety equipment).
(d) On the completion of any device provided for by this chapter, the owner, builder, contractor, manufacturer, or other responsible party or parties, shall file with the Department notice in writing that such installation has been constructed and installed in accordance with the plans as approved. Upon receipt of such notice the Department may arrange for inspection of the installation by a Department inspector.
(e) New elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, gravity elevators and hoists shall not be operated temporarily pending final completion without permission of the Department.
Source The provisions of this § 7.14 amended through June 21, 1974, 4 Pa.B. 1282. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (8047) and (8048).
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.251 (relating to general).
§ 7.15. Inspection.
(a) Frequency. Inspection of equipment regulated by this chapter shall take place as follows:
(1) All passenger elevators and escalators shall be inspected at least once every 3 months.
(2) Freight elevators, including gravity elevators, shall be inspected at least once every 6 months.
(3) Dumbwaiters, hoists, and other types of lifting apparatus covered by this chapter shall be inspected once every 12 months. Building hoists may be inspected by a Department inspector at the time of erection at every building.
(4) Inspections shall be made by approved inspectors. During inspections all safety appliances shall be thoroughly examined and all violations reported. Casualty insurance companies insuring such installations shall inspect them periodically, in keeping with the type of equipment insured. When installations are idle for an extended period of time they are not subject to the requirements of this section if they are placed under State seal, but may be thoroughly inspected by a Department inspector before again being placed in operation.
(b) Reports. Approved inspectors shall file with the Department duplicate copies of all inspection reports which pertain to and cover all elevators and hoists inspected, and which are located within the jurisdiction of the Department.
(c) Certificates. Upon the receipt of reports, the Department will, upon the payment of a fee proportionate to an annual fee of $4.00, issue certificates of inspection covering all installations which are found to conform to the provisions of this section. Certificates shall be posted in the cars of elevators, and in conspicuous places in connection with escalators and hoists. The name of the inspector making the inspection and the dates of issuance and expiration shall appear on all certificates. If such installation is insured, the name and address of the insurance carrier shall also be placed upon the certificate. Elevators shall not be operated before the certificate is received from the Department and posted, or after the effective period of the certificate expires. Approved elevator inspectors and other inspectors regularly employed by the Department may order an elevator to be placed out of service if the foregoing provision is violated. The insurance company carrying the risk shall notify the Department when risk expires.
(d) Noncompliance with recommendations. In all instances when imperative recommendations are issued, and when such recommendations have not received the attention of owners, the issuance of certificates of inspection may be withheld, until such time as the substandard conditions are rectified.
(e) Unsafe conditions. Approved inspectors finding a violation which causes a dangerous condition will immediately notify the building owner or agent of the building owner of the violation and advise such person to place the elevator out of service. Immediately thereafter he shall notify the local elevator inspector of the Department so that a seal may be placed on the elevator. No elevator shall be operated after being placed out of service by an inspector until the violations have been corrected and approved by the Department.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.134 (relating to approval and operation); 34 Pa. Code § 7.174 (relating to approval and operation); 34 Pa. Code § 7.213 (relating to approval and operation); and 34 Pa. Code § 7.251 (relating to general).
§ 7.16. Inspectors.
(a) The Department will hold examinations for applicants as approved elevator inspectors, four times a year, on the first Thursday after the first Wednesday in March, June, September and December, or at such other times as the Board may direct. Special examinations may be held when necessary. Persons desiring to take the examination shall forward their applications to the Department not less than ten days prior to the date of examination, accompanied by a fee of $40.
(b) All applicants found competent through examinations will be awarded, upon the payment of a fee of $20, a commission and a credential card, authorizing them to inspect elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, gravity elevators and hoists in the names of the agencies they represent. Credential cards will be renewed annually upon the payment of a fee of $10.
(c) No elevator inspector will be approved who is an employe of the owner or user of the elevators to be inspected, nor will elevator inspectors be approved to inspect elevators under the jurisdiction of the Department if they are not employes of the Department or of casualty and insurance companies authorized to do business in this Commonwealth or of a firm engaged in the making of inspections on a fee or contract basis when performing inspections on such basis for an insurance carrier.
(d) No person shall inspect elevators who is not a bona fide employe of the Commonwealth or of an insurance carrier authorized to do business in this Commonwealth or of a firm engaged in the making of inspections on a fee or contract basis when performing inspections on such basis for an insurance carrier. For the purposes of this rule, the term employe means any person who is directly responsible to the employer for all work performed, and who receives as compensation a regular salary based on full or part-time employment and for whom compensation insurance is carried by the employer. It does not include the relationship of agent on a commission basis.
Source The provisions of this § 7.16 amended through June 12, 1975, 5 Pa.B. 1558. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (8050).
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.134 (relating to approval and operation); 34 Pa. Code § 7.174 (relating to approval and operation); 34 Pa. Code § 7.213 (relating to approval and operation); and 34 Pa. Code § 7.251 (relating to general).
§ 7.17. Prohibited installations.
(a) No hand elevator shall be equipped with any attachments or equipment for applying power, unless the hoisting machinery is permanently and completely converted into power-driven machinery. In such cases, all requirements for power-driven freight elevators shall be complied with.
(b) No back guide elevator car, except a hydraulic plunger type, shall be constructed and installed unless the plunger is located under the center of the elevator car platform.
(c) The operation of elevators by friction gearing or clutch mechanism is prohibited when such friction gearing and clutch mechanism form the primary means for the transmission of the power required to operate the elevator at normal speed.
(d) The installation or operation of elevators of the multiple or four-point suspension type is prohibited. Existing four-point suspension type sidewalk elevators are not precluded.
(e) The operation of passenger elevators raised and lowered by single hoisting cables is prohibited, except when the mechanism of such elevators is in a reasonably safe condition and may be made to conform to the requirements applicable to existing installations, if the present drums are properly scored to accommodate an additional cable and the additional cable is installed, and new drums are provided with the proper scoring for two or more cables and the additional cable is installed. This requirement also applies to new hand and gravity types of freight elevators but not to existing hand and gravity elevators.
(f) The installation of passenger elevators in blind shaftways is prohibited unless a side emergency exit is provided to a contiguous elevator, or emergency entrances are provided in the blind portion of the shaftway, as required by § 7.54(e) (relating to landing doors and locking devices).
(g) New installations of hand rope control elevators are prohibited.
(h) A platform shall not be located on the car top of any elevator for the purpose of hauling passengers or materials. This does not apply to a working platform while the elevator is under construction or alterations are being made to the hoistway.
Source The provisions of this § 7.17 amended July 22, 1971, 1 Pa.B. 1652.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.251 (relating to general).
SPECIFICATIONS—
ALL HOISTING AND LOWERING EQUIPMENT
§ 7.31. Submission and approval of plans.
(a) No elevator, dumbwaiter, escalator, gravity elevator, hoist or manlift shall be constructed and installed without a permit from the Department. The architect, contractor, owner or manufacturer responsible for such installations shall file with the Department plans in triplicate, each showing the location of the machinery and equipment together with an application for a permit in duplicate, on forms provided by the Department. Such plans shall specify the capacity and the car speed of the installation, the weight of the car complete, car controlling mechanism, type of limit stops and switches, diameter of sheaves, size, number and material of hoisting and counterweight cables, type of speed governor and safeties, overhead and pit clearance, type of buffers, machine and overhead grating, the weight of the machine if overmounted, the material, quality and spans of overhead supporting members, and the construction of shaftway gates or doors, and car gates or doors, where required.
(b) Each set of plans submitted to the Department for an elevator permit for work to be accomplished in a new or existing hoistway in an existing structure shall bear the seal and signature of an architect or engineer licensed in this Commonwealth, together with his certification on the drawing to the following statement:
I have examined and checked the building structure or building plans surrounding this elevator hoistway, pit and machine room and hereby certify it is adequate for the loads to be imposed on it and is in accord with applicable laws and regulations of this Commonwealth.
(c) An exception exists as regards oil-electric or hydraulic elevators designed for class A freight loading or passenger loading. In lieu of the above certification on the elevator plans, a letter which shall accompany the request for elevator permit from the architect or engineer on his letterhead and bearing his seal and signature together with the above certification will be acceptable. Such letter shall identify in detail the elevator drawing in question including final revisions.
(d) Before work is commenced on the removal, or repair of existing installations, duplicate applications for the work shall be filed with the Department for approval, and a permit for the work obtained.
Source The provisions of this § 7.31 amended through September 23, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 2696. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (13389).
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.71 (relating to conflicts); 34 Pa. Code § 7.134 (relating to approval and operation); 34 Pa. Code § 7.174 (relating to approval and operation); 34 Pa. Code § 7.213 (relating to approval and operation); 34 Pa. Code § 7.251 (relating to general); and 34 Pa. Code § 7.291 (relating to general).
§ 7.32. Fire prevention.
(a) Skylights and windows. Skylights and windows in the enclosing walls of elevators shaftways shall be constructed of fixed metal sash and frame with wire glass. Existing skylights and windows shall be reconstructed of fire-resistive materials when, in the judgment of the Department, it is deemed necessary.
(b) Inflammable materials. Materials, explosives or other highly inflammable substances may not be placed or stored in or near a shaftway.
(c) Pipes, wires and conduits. No pipes, wires or conduits, other than those necessary for the operation, lighting and fire protection, or heating of the elevator may be located in an elevator shaftway. When no hazard is involved, the Department may, with the approval of the Board, accept existing installations. However, this subsection does not apply to the machine room space located in general mechanical areas if the power unit and controls are properly secured against entry.
(d) Fire emergency sign. A sign shall be posted in a conspicuous place at new and existing elevator landings and in new and existing elevator cars reading: ‘‘In case of fire do not use elevator,’’ or the equivalent.
Authority The provisions of this § 7.32 issued under act of May 2, 1929 (P. L. 1518, No. 452) (35 P. S. § § 1341—1356).
Source The provisions of this § 7.32 amended through December 19, 1980, effective December 20, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 4723. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (36694).
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.71 (relating to conflicts); and 34 Pa. Code § 7.291 (relating to general).
§ 7.33. Operation of elevators under fire or other emergency conditions.
(a) Automatic elevators serving three or more landings in line and having a travel of 25 feet or more above the lowest grade elevation, shall conform with the following:
(1) A three position—on, off and by-pass—keyed switch shall be provided at the main floor for each single elevator or for each group of elevators. The key shall be removable only in the ‘‘on’’ and ‘‘off’’ positions. When the switch is in the ‘‘on’’ position, elevators controlled by this switch which are on automatic service shall return nonstop to the main or approved floor and the doors shall open and remain open.
(2) Elevators without a terminal landing at grade level shall be returned to that landing closest to grade level or other approved level.
(3) An elevator traveling away from the main or approved floor shall reverse at the next available floor without opening its doors.
(4) Elevators equipped with automatic power operated doors and standing at a floor other than the main or approved floor with doors open shall close the doors without delay and proceed to the main or approved floor.
(5) Door reopening devices for power operated doors which are sensitive to smoke, heat or flame shall be rendered inoperative.
(6) Elevator and corridor call buttons shall be rendered inoperative and call registered lights and direction lanterns shall be extinguished and remain inoperative.
(7) An elevator stopped at a landing shall have its ‘‘Emergency Stop’’ switch rendered inoperative as soon as the doors are closed, and it starts toward the main or approved floor. A moving elevator, traveling to or away from the main or approved floor, shall have its ‘‘Emergency Stop’’ switch rendered inoperative immediately.
(8) A sensor in each elevator lobby which when activated prevents elevators from stopping at that floor may not be substituted for the requirements of this subsection.
(9) In addition to the keyed switch required in this subsection, an approved type heat and smoke or products of combustion sensing device shall be installed in each elevator lobby at each floor except the main or approved floor. The activation of a sensing device at any floor shall cause all elevators in the group that serves that floor to return nonstop to the main or approved floor. The operation shall conform to the requirements of this section. The keyed switch required, when moved to the ‘‘bypass’’ position, shall restore normal service independent of the sensing device.
(i) Exception No. 1. Sensors are not required in each elevator lobby of buildings which are completely protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system, providing a smoke sensor is installed either on each elevator car top or at the top of the elevator hoistway the activation of which shall return the elevators to the main or approved floor.
(ii) Exception No. 2. Sensors are not required for elevators located in or opening into manufacturing areas or elevators serving unenclosed landings, providing a smoke sensor is installed either on each elevator car top or at the top of the elevator hoistway the activation of which sensor shall return the elevators to the main or approved floor.
(iii) Exception No. 3. As an alternate to sensors a building equipped with an approved fire alarm system may arrange such system so that when activated it shall cause all elevators to return nonstop to the main or approved floor in an operation conforming to the requirements of this section.
(b) All elevators having a travel of 70 feet or more and elevators having a terminal landing 70 feet or more above the lowest grade elevation surrounding the building shall be provided with the following operation:
(1) A two position, on and off, keyed switch shall be provided in or adjacent to an operating panel in each elevator and shall be effective only when the main or approved floor keyed switch is in the position or when a sensor has been activated and the elevator has returned to the main or approved floor. The key shall be removable only in the ‘‘off’’ position and, when in the ‘‘on’’ position, shall place the elevator on emergency service.
(2) The operation of elevators on emergency service shall be as follows:
(i) An elevator shall be operable only by a person in the elevator.
(ii) Elevators shall not respond to elevator landing calls.
(iii) The opening of power operated doors shall be controlled only by continuous pressure ‘‘open’’ buttons or switches. If the switch or button is released prior to the doors reaching the fully open position, the doors shall automatically reclose. Open doors shall be closed by registration of an elevator call or by pressure on ‘‘Door Close’’ switch or button.
(c) All switches required by subsections (a) and (b) shall be operated by the same key but shall not be part of a master key system.
There shall be a key for the corridor switch and for each elevator in the group and these keys shall be kept on the premises by persons responsible for maintenance and operation of the elevators, in a location readily accessible to authorized persons in an emergency, but not where they are available to the public.
(d) Elevators operated only by a designated attendant in the elevator shall be provided with a signal system consisting of both visual and audible signals to signal the attendant from the main floor or approved level to return nonstop to the main floor or approved level. Provisions shall be made to signal the attendant in the same manner when a heat and smoke or products of combustion sensing device is activated.
(e) Elevators arranged for dual operation shall, when on automatic operation, conform to subsection (a) and when on operation by a designated attendant in the elevator, conform to subsection (d).
(f) When an automatic elevator is on attendant service such as independent hospital service and inspection service, it shall be considered as being on operation by a designated attendant in the elevator and shall comply with subsection (d) of this section.
(g) All elevator hoistways shall have floor numbers, not less than six inches high with the principal strokes of letters not less than 3/4 inches wide, placed on the walls or doors, or both, of hoistways at intervals such that a person in a stalled elevator, upon opening the elevator door, can determine his floor position.
(h) The provisions of this section shall apply to existing automatic elevators which service an area above the tenth story and are located in buildings with office, group habitation, or public assembly occupancy. For purposes of this section, office buildings are defined as buildings having office space above the tenth story. For purposes of this section, group habitation buildings include but are not limited to hotels, motels, motor inns, apartments, dormitories, lodging houses, nursing homes, homes for the elderly, condominiums and personal care homes having group habitation above the tenth story. For purposes of this section, public assembly buildings include but are not limited to buildings used for purposes of sales, government, education, recreation, transportation, dining, entertainment and worship having public assembly above the tenth story. Compliance is mandatory on June 1, 1981. Subsection (b) must be satisfied in any single elevator or no fewer than two elevators in any group serving the building or portion of the building in which new elevators meet the travel requirements of subsection (b) or in which existing elevators meet the travel requirements of this subsection.
(i) The requirements of this section shall not apply to any elevator or bank of elevators in hospitals which are licensed by the Department of Health.
(j) The provisions of this section shall apply to all existing elevators which meet the travel requirements of subsection (a) and which in addition have a new controller installed.
Authority The provisions of this § 7.33 issued under act of May 2, 1929 (P. L. 1518, No. 452) (35 P. S. § § 1341—1356).
Source The provisions of this § 7.33 amended through December 19, 1980, effective December 20, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 4723. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (40538).
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.71 (relating to conflicts); and 34 Pa. Code § 7.291 (relating to general).
§ 7.34. Lighting and electric wiring.
(a) The cars and landing floors or platforms of elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, gravity elevators, hoists and manlifts shall be illuminated at all times of operation. The minimum intensity of illumination on the car and landing floors shall be five foot-candles. In new installation adequate lighting shall be provided in all machinery space to which access is required for maintenance or inspection, such as machine rooms, penthouses, pits, secondary levels and sheave rooms. A switch for such lighting shall be provided at the entrance to such spaces.
(b) Electric wiring, when possible, shall be in conduit or approved equivalent, when properly installed and protected against damage. Electric wiring and apparatus shall conform to the provisions of Chapter 39, Subchapter B (relating to electric safety) and with the revisions of the National Electric Code at the time of installation.
(c) The installation of electric knife switches not approved by the Department, except those mounted on switchboards and panelboards, is prohibited. There shall be an approved, enclosed fused main line or circuit breaker switch in the machine room located adjacent to the entrance door.
(d) The substitution of wire or other current-carrying devices in place of the proper fuses or circuit breakers is prohibited.
Source The provisions of this § 7.34 amended April 28, 1971, 1 Pa.B. 1272.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.71 (relating to conflicts); and 34 Pa. Code § 7.291 (relating to general).
§ 7.35. Electrical insulating floor mats.
Floor matting of proper dielectric properties shall be provided extending the full length of all control and relay panels located at both the front and rear with a minimum width of 24 inches.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.71 (relating to conflicts); and 34 Pa. Code § 7.291 (relating to general).
§ 7.36. Data plates and numbering.
(a) Metal plates with the permissible load in pounds marked on such plates shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the cars of all elevators.
(b) Metal tags on which are stamped the diameter, stranding, date of installation or renewal, and material of cables, shall be attached to all hoisting and counterweight cables, as required by § § 7.56(i) and 7.280(j) (relating to cables).
(c) When more than one elevator is located in a building, numbers shall be placed upon each for permanent identification.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.71 (relating to conflicts); and 34 Pa. Code § 7.291 (relating to general).
§ 7.37. Combination elevators.
(a) Elevators intended for both freight and passenger service shall be constructed, installed and operated in conformity with the requirements for passenger elevators, except that counterbalanced biparting and vertical two-speed types of landing doors and vertical-rising car gates may be used as provided in subsection (d) when not of the semiautomatic type and when equipped with locking devices, as required in § 7.54(d) (relating to landing doors and locking devices).
(b) When it is desired to use existing freight elevators for the carrying of passengers such elevators shall be reconstructed to conform to the requirements for new passenger elevators, except that counterbalanced biparting and vertical two-speed types of landing doors and vertical-rising car gates may be used as provided for in subsection (d) when not of the semiautomatic type and when equipped with locking devices as required in § 7.54(d).
(c) The requirements of this section apply to every freight elevator used for the carrying of passengers, exclusive of operators and necessary assistance for handling heavy loads, as permitted by § 7.12(d) (relating to rules of operation).
(d) Biparting or vertical-operating doors and vertical-rising car gates are prohibited at the shaftway openings of combination freight and passenger elevators through which the public is allowed access to the elevator car.
Cross References This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 7.54 (relating to landing doors and locking devices); 34 Pa. Code § 7.71 (relating to conflicts); and 34 Pa. Code § 7.291 (relating to general).
No part of the information on this site may be reproduced for profit or sold for profit.
This material has been drawn directly from the official Pennsylvania Code full text database. Due to the limitations of HTML or differences in display capabilities of different browsers, this version may differ slightly from the official printed version.
