In an effort to protect citizens across the country, the federal government mandates safety guidelines for industries like transportation and pharmaceuticals. Many do not realize that through the assistance of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are also codes and regulations for elevator safety. Millions of individuals step foot in an elevator each year, and without oversight and maintenance, these conveniences could prove quite dangerous.
Timeline for Maintenance
Having a proactive plan in place to address your elevator meets more than a company safety policy. Inspection guidelines are set forth by federal governing agencies, while state and local levels may have additional requirements:
- There should be no more than a year span of time between periodic inspections.
- An inspection of man lifts and all equipment should be done once a month.
- Only a specialized elevator mechanic may conduct inspections, clean, adjust, and lubricate any components regulating speed and operation.
- For elevators that receive consistent use, maintenance should be conducted at least once a month. Every six months is acceptable for thorough maintenance if the elevator is used infrequently.
- All inspection records must be kept on file for a minimum of a year, and are to be reviewed by state inspectors before new permits can be issued.
Other Areas of Attention
Not only do the components of an elevator need servicing, but the surrounding elements should be assessed periodically for safety hazards as well.
Always check that elevator and surrounding lighting are adequate, and that any burnt out or broken bulbs have been replaced. Make sure that any appropriate signs are easily visible. You’ll also want to confirm that the machine room is self-closing and prevents unauthorized persons from entering. Be sure to also keep any unnecessary items out of the machine room.
Proper elevator maintenance is critical for all buildings in Philadelphia that rely on their services for both employee and client support. To help yours remain compliant with state and federal regulations, the experienced team at Allied Elevator can help you devise a maintenance routine. Contact us by calling 856-209-6747 or sending an email today!
