State of Illinois Fire Marshall Moves to ASME A17.1 2019 Elevator Code

After a long wait, the State of Illinois has moved to the A17.1 2019 elevator code.  While a very big surprise to most contractors and inspectors to find it was adopted for permits after May 25^th, 2021, it is now in the books.   Contractors and Inspectors received notification on 6/18/21 of the change via mail. 

 

What does it mean?  The biggest changes in the A17.1 2019 code affects elevators that are new or modernized after its enforcement date. Ultimately it means the cost of a modernization/new construction project has just gone up by a few thousand dollars per elevator.

The biggest changes include:

• A video phone with touch screen communication for hard of hearing passengers. A flyer from one of our preferred vendors, Innovation Industries, illustrates this.
• 3D door scans to better protect the entrance. Click to read more about traditional door scans as well as the enhanced 3D version.
• The addition of an access panel for fire safety professionals. For more information, please contact your fire prevention vendor[non mandatory].

[Innovation's solution]

City of Chicago – You are still on the A17.1 2016 code.  This does not apply to you. 

If you have any questions or would like additional information feel free to contact me at CraigZ@colleyelevator.com or 630-766-7230 ext. 107.

Also check us out on Instagram @Colleyelevator see what we have been up to.