Change, Change, Change

More than 100 changes are included in the 2022 edition of ASME A17.1/CSA B44. Here’s why AHJs should adopt these changes without modifications.

by Kevin Brinkman

The ASME A17.1-2022/CSA B44:22 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators (A17.1) has arrived, and for the safety of the riding public and elevator technicians throughout North America, it should be adopted without modification by all AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction). The 2022 edition of A17.1 aligns with other model codes, including those from the International Code Council for building and accessibility, as well as those from the National Fire Protection Association for electric, fire alarm, sprinkler and building. But its value goes well beyond synchronicity to corresponding standards.

ASME A17.1 represents the optimum in safety as it was developed and refined by hundreds of experienced experts representing all aspects of the elevator industry, including enforcing authorities, mechanical and electrical engineering and design experts, inspectors, consultants, labor authorities, building and facility owners and installation and maintenance specialists. Eventually, A17.1 could serve as the blueprint for one global elevator code, as noted in the National Elevator Industry, Inc.’s (NEII) blog “Code of Honor” (nationalelevatorindustry.org/code-of-honor/).

The latest edition of A17.1 provides important safety and other enhancements not included in previous versions. In total, there were 111 changes approved for the 2022 edition, many impacting multiple code requirements. Here are a few of the significant changes in the 2022 edition: 

Emergency Responder Radio Communication (ERRC)

Emergency responders have switched to radio communications for standard operations, and there is a need to ensure reliable communication inside a building. This change provides detailed requirements for antennas and other equipment installed in the hoistway to ensure such equipment does not interfere with the elevator equipment. This change also includes requirements to be able to service the equipment from outside the hoistway.

Flood Detection Means and Flood Protection Operation

Elevator cars or other components descending into floodwaters can create hazards to passengers and can damage equipment. This change aligns with the elevator code with ASCE/SEI 24 Flood Resistant Design and Construction to prevent the elevator car or other elevator equipment from descending into floodwaters.  

Hoistway Illumination

This change added illumination throughout the hoistway in addition to illumination already required in earlier editions of A17.1 governing the pit and the car top. This safety enhancement increases the situation awareness for a mechanic or inspector of a potential fall hazard and also provides improved visibility for elevator personnel to perform work in the hoistway. Manual switches are required to allow elevator personnel to turn the lights on or off when the control system is locked out and tagged out. The requirements also provide additional hoistway lighting to aid emergency personnel.

Pit Ladders

The latest edition includes two enhancements to improve safety for elevator personnel while entering or exiting the pit. The first changes an exception that previously allowed the width of the ladder to be reduced to 9 in. The narrower width does not allow a person to switch feet when stepping on or off the ladder. The second change requires the addition of sensors to pit ladders to prevent the elevator from running when an individual is standing on the ladder. This additional protection for elevator personnel is designed to prevent the car from moving even if an individual inadvertently forgets to engage the pit switch.

Remote Interaction Operation (RIO) and Cybersecurity

Previous editions of the code do not include any requirements that address connecting an elevator controller to the internet. This change enhances safety by adding cybersecurity requirements to limit access to elevator control systems via the internet. It defines the control elements that are permitted, as well as those not permitted, to be accessed remotely if the elevator controls are connected to the internet. The change also addresses the use of cyber threat risk assessment from the referenced IEC 62443 series of standards to determine if additional security enhancements are necessary in some applications.

Test Enable Devices

This change adds requirements for test enable devices, which can be used to temporarily bypass electrical protective devices (EPD) for limited and/or general tests. The devices’ bypass operation is required to automatically restore the EPD