Retractable ladders – State of Illinois Pit Ladder Mandate

We are on the downward slope of the pit ladder mandates by the State of Illinois.  We have touched on pit ladders quite a bit on the blog but we will talk about retractable pit ladders.  Many pit environments require a retractable pit ladder, it is my opinion that you should do everything you can to not put a retractable pit ladder in.  I say this because I have asked quite a few elevator professionals if they will ever use a retractable pit ladder to access the pit.  The only answer I get is “no”.  But in some environments we cannot get away from using a retractable pit ladder because there are significant clearance issues to put a rigid ladder in.

I have found 3 sources of retractable pit ladders, each have their strengths and weaknesses.  One is robust but sticks out 3 plus inches off the wall. One is low profile but not as sturdy as the other two.  The 3^rd ladder is somewhere in between.  So there is always the question of which retractable pit ladder is the best to use in each environment.  

We just installed a Wurtec retractable pit ladder in at a location that had clearance restrictions.

I understand the code and concerns about elevator pit ladders. At times I believe we put in devices that will not assist the elevator professional but will comply with the code.  I think there could be a better way.  We have applied for variances on pit ladders and all of the inspection firms and municipalities have been reasonable with the requests.  If you haven’t done your elevator pit ladder yet and your vendor is recommending a retractable pit ladder, talk to them about other options.  There is a place for these devices but if you can avoid putting in devices that may never get used that would be my suggestion.  A retractable pit ladder is also significantly more expensive which is a secondary concern because safety does not have a cost associated to it.  If building owners, elevator contractors, inspectors and municipalities work together we can install the safest and most appropriate device for each elevator pit.

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