Elevator pit ladder variance

We are coming up on the elevator pit ladder requirement that will cause many buildings significant challenges.  

For buildings that have existing pit ladders or do not have room to install a functional pit ladder there will be an opportunity to apply for a variance.  There will be two schools of thought depending on which inspection firm is inspecting your elevator pit ladders.

1^st school of thought – If the existing pit ladder is reasonably safe and we can show it reasonably complies with the new requirements a variance can be applied for by sending the compliance criteria to the elevator inspector for review, they will send it back to the elevator company and we can send it to the municipality. 

2^nd school of thought – If the new or existing pit ladder cannot meet the new compliance criteria based on that there are permanent structures in the way[i.e. oil lines, elevator rails] you can apply for a variance by sending information to the municipality, the municipality may deal with it on the local level or send it to the elevator inspection firm and they will rule accordingly.  Variances will only be given by the elevator inspector only if you can provide proof that a pit ladder cannot be installed without deconstructing permanent structures.  This does not allow a monetary exception in the event a retractable pit ladder can be installed or other reasonable accommodations can be made to install a pit ladder.   

Depending on which elevator inspection firm is completing the elevator inspections you will get a different result.  If you are in Town A and have Elevator Inspector A whom subscribes to the 1^st school of thought you will get a different outcome than Town B who has Elevator Inspector B who subscribes to the 2^nd school of thought.

Example – The pit ladder below will never comply with all the requirements of the new criteria and there is no way to make it comply with all of the requirements[as the elevator guide rails are near the front of the elevator shaft].  The wiring trough in the way would be a reason for a variance with the 1st school of thought not the 2nd school of thought as the wiring trough can be moved. This pit ladder would be a good candidate for a variance.

How to apply for a pit ladder variance – Work with your elevator company to take the measurements required to submit for a variance.  The elevator company should do most of the leg work on this as they will have the information the decision making bodies will need.

Do not forget that all elevators will also need

1.    Car illumination – car lighting & emergency lighting

2.    Emergency operation & signaling – emergency lights & alarm bell

3.    Phase reversal and failure protection – only traction elevators – recommended on hydraulic elevators

4.    Reopening devices – Safe edges are acceptable

5.    Pit stop switch

If you have an questions or would like information from Colley Elevator you can go to www.colleyelevator.com, email Craigz@colleyelevator.com or call 630-766-7230.