State of Illinois Fire Marshal Elevator Division 6/11/26 Meeting - Code Update

THE MEETING NOTES BELOW APPLY TO ELEVATORS IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO

Overview

The biggest take away from the latest Elevator Safety Division meeting was the board voting to skip adoption of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) 17.1 2022 code in favor of the more recent 2025 edition. Aside from the technical and logistical concerns of adopting one code and immediately working towards the next, the administrator mentioned the public safety benefit. 

Each iteration of the code incorporates lessons learned and improved safety requirements. A representative of codes and standards from the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) strongly supported the 2025 adoption. He mentioned that early versions of the code addressed the riding public's safety, but more recent ones have included worker safety as well. 

Though most on the board were eager to shift focus to A17.1 2025, the discussions then moved to modifications. When the state moves to a new version of the code, the Elevator Safety Division is able to exclude or modify sections of it before the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) formally adopts it. A notable recent modification was the 5-year inspection requirement for fire alarm initiating devices (FAID).

The board voted to exclude the provisions for Remote Interface Operation (RIO) as well as Testing Enabled Devices (TED). The reason is that there is no rush to implement either, especially since they do not improve safety. Both items only serve as a convenience to larger elevator companies and add risk, even if the risk is relatively small. Another concern is that although the code dictates what can and cannot be controlled remotely, there is no verification mechanism to prove what is actually occurring. 

Comparing A17.1 2022 vs A17.1 2025

Below is a copy of the Office of the State Fire Marshal's comparison of key changes in the 2022 and 2025 codes. This list is not exhaustive and only highlights a group of changes that have been identified by the Administrator as possibly having a more noticeable impact.

A17.1 2025 – Door Lock Monitoring is still in play

During the meeting, the board detailed the four items that JCAR wanted addressed before they consider adopting the new code. It is likely that more data will be compiled before it is sent to JCAR for reconsideration, but an outline is included in the Elevator Safety Review Board's meeting agenda (appendix B, section 2).

Another prior concern had been the lack of clarity regarding how the 2022 code would treat existing elevators that already have DLM. A small technicality in the original language had the potential to cause multiple elevators to fail inspection, even if they had DLM and were code compliant. This has been addressed and should not be an issue once the code is adopted.

We know several Colley customers are anxiously awaiting the status of DLM's enforcement. Though the state may not officially adopt it for several months, it is highly unlikely that it will completely go away for the following reasons:

• DLM has been part of the safety code since the 1996 version, but became a retroactive requirement in the 2022 version. It is rare for items to become retroactive in the code which underscores the importance of it as a safety feature.
• Accidents that could have been prevented with DLM are not minor; they are catastrophic and usually fatal.
• There is no indication that DLM will be omitted in future versions of the code. 
• The technology exists to add DLM to a number of existing elevators as an overlay on the controller. NOTE - this option may not be available for all elevators, especially older models. It may also exceed the estimated cost given in the State Fire Marshal's Agenda Appendix B, section 2b. Always talk to your elevator contractor to see if an overlay or a full modernization is your best option. 

As the meeting progressed, the discussion turned to possible flexibility in becoming compliant with DLM. Several ideas and timeframes were mentioned, but in the end the board voted all elevators should comply 3 years after the state adopts the 2025 code. We will continue to keep Colley customers updated on its status.

Meeting take aways

The Elevator Safety Division understands there will be challenges to implementing all changes contained in the A17.1 2025 safety code, however they are dedicated to the safety of the riding public and industry professionals. 

We are still a ways away from an actual change as there is still a long procedural process that the OSFM needs to restart. For now there is nothing for buildings to do besides prepare and understand what may be coming. Our recommendation is if you have an older elevator, or one that has equipment that is considered “obsolete”, begin budgeting for a modernization.  For newer equipment, or equipment that has been modernized in the last 20-30 years and is reliable and safe, hold tight for more OSFM/State of Illinois news.  

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

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