Sunday, March 20, 2022

Pressure Sensitive Pit Ladders – Elevator Safety That Will Save Lives

We had one of our first in-person regional elevator safety meeting at the IUEC 2, which is a collaboration of our local, EIWPF and companies, on Thursday 3/17/22.  Since the inception of these meetings, we have had some good discussions and share ideas in a safe space to improve our overall safety.

There are some new safety ideas coming from EIWPF[Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund], one of which is the pressure sensitive pit ladder.  We have had too many fatalities with workers on a pit ladder being crushed. Scott Russel recognized these hazards and provided a solution.



The proposed new code language shall read:

2.2.4.2.7 The ladder shall have a ladder electrical device(see 2.26.2.38) that shall cause the electric power to be removed from the elevator driving machine motor and brake when a person is detected on the ladder.  The device is permitted to detect the person directly by their weight, by movement or removal of guard to enable use of the ladder, or by other detection means.  If detecting directly by weight, the device shall remove power when more than 20lbs is applied to any rung of the ladder.  If a guard or other detection means is used, the device shall remove power when the guard is moved or removed, or the other detection means is opened or activated.

I did not expect to hear about this item when I was driving to the meeting. I’m very glad I went, I learned something new.  Saw some old acquaintances, met some people I just talk to on the phone so I was able to put a face with a name and met some new people.  I am always encouraged when we have a collaborative environment and we can get together on a regular basis and develop strong relationships that further our industry goals, in this case, the safety of the elevator constructor.

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.

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