State of Illinois elevator pit ladder installations or modifications

We are the midst of the elevator pit ladder and other mandated item requirements and are seeing many violations being written and different takes on the elevator pit ladders.  This post is a reminder to all building owners and elevator professionals [field and office] of what needs to occur.

#1 – If you do not have an existing pit ladder you must install one

#2 – If you have an existing pit ladder it must meet these criteria

1.    Pit ladder must extend 48” above entrance sill 

2.    Ladder rungs 9” to 16” 

3.    Rungs to sill level or above

4.    Clear distance of not less than 4 ½” from center of rung to nearest object[front to back] 

5.    Side rails shall have a distance for 4 ½” from the nearest permanent object[side to side]

6.    Ladder shall be rated for 300lbs 

7.    Elevator car door unlocking device 72” vertically & 39” horizontally from top step 

8.    Ladder to be made out of noncombustible material 

9.    Non slip ladder rungs 

[Elevator Inspection Services pit ladder information]

[Thompson Elevator pit ladder information]

Replace versus modification - When we go look at existing pit ladders we need to see if we can modify the existing ladder or need to replace the ladder.  Each elevator pit ladder is different.  Many can be reused and many have to be replaced.  Modification is typically the less expensive option, however, at times modification can exceed the price for new depending on the situation. 

Many pits and existing pit ladders have items in the way to be code compliant.  There is wiring raceways, hydraulic lines, sump pumps, sump piping, light switches, etc.   If there are obstacles in the way they must be moved.  Please see a building where we had to move the wire raceway in order to get the proper clearance for the pit ladder.

[Before - see the wire raceway in the middle of the aluminum hardware store ladder]

 [After - New ladder installed, raceway moved and pit stop switch repiped]

Am I “grandfathered” -  We get this question a lot.  The answer is NO.   The elevator pit ladder requirements are a State of Illinois mandated item, with mandated items there is no grandfathering.  Buildings can go for a variance on the existing pit ladder but there needs to be good reason why a variance should be granted and there are fees associated with the variance process at the State of Illinois level and perhaps at the local level. I’ve talked to various inspection firms and the sentiment has been the same.  If there is a reasonable solution to comply with the new requirements the building must do it.  My interpretation of reasonable would be less than $5,000.00, most of the pit ladder modifications or replacements are significantly less than that number.  While I am a State of Illinois licensed inspector, I AM NOT YOUR State of Illinois inspector, so it is always prudent to check with your elevator maintenance company and your elevator inspector about options, they will be able to give you good guidance through this process. If you need a 2nd opinion, give us a call.

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.