This
is a reminder to all building owners that all elevators must have code
compliant pit ladders as of 1/1/15. All
elevator companies are extremely busy trying to catch up with this item as 90%
of the elevators in the State of Illinois [excluding Chicago] are failing.
If
you have not addressed with your elevator maintenance company call them and get
information.
Permits
must be pulled if you are installing a new ladder or replacing a pit ladder.
Permits
do not need to be pulled if you are modifying an elevator pit ladder.
If
your elevator pit is less than 35” you will not need an elevator pit ladder.
Pit
ladder criteria – some of the basic criteria
1.
Pit
ladder must extend 48” above hoist way entrance sill
2.
Pit
ladder must be 4 ½” from center of ladder rung to nearest obstruction[typically
elevator hoistway wall or conduit
3.
Pit
ladders must have hand rail clearance of 4 ½”
4.
Pit
ladder foot rungs must be 9” to 16” in width
5.
Pit
ladder must have rung at sill level
6.
Hatch
door unlocking means within 39” horizontal and 72” vertical from top step
7.
Pit
ladder must hold 300lbs
8.
Pit
ladders must have traction tape, knurling, dimpling or other method for foot
grip.
9. Pit ladder must be made from non combustible material
[Here is a visual from one of our local inspection firms]
[This is from an elevator hoistway where we relocated the electrical work to be out of the way of the hand rails]
Variances - Many
elevator pits will never be 100% code compliant in this case you must get a
variance with the municipality and send that information to the State of
Illinois. Variances will not be given
based on financial considerations but based on feasibility of installing a code
compliant elevator pit ladder. Elevator inspectors do not
expect the building to reconstruct the elevator system to put a pit ladder in
but we do expect that every option is exhausted prior to obtaining a variance. The elevator company should be requesting the variance for the building.
[This pit ladder is an interesting one that can never be 100% as on the left side of the wiring raceway there is a cam that comes down off the car and with the limited space there are not any good options. This would be a good candidate for a variance.]
Retractable pit ladders
– There is an option for a retractable pit ladder when you do not have the
front to back clearance from the car to the hoist way wall. All brands of retractable ladders do have
their limitations and based on the environment may not be able to be used.
With
all of the requirements and the existing equipment in the elevator hoist way we
also must be reasonable for expectations for each environment. The ultimate decision on the status of your
elevator pit ladder will be the elevator inspector.
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.