scope:

The ASME A17.1/CSA B44, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, and ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7, Performance Based Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, are the accepted guides for design, construction, installation, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, alteration, and repair of elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving walks, and material lifts. They are the basis in total or in part for elevator codes used throughout the United States and Canada.

The ASME A17.1/CSA B44 Code and ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 are only guides unless adopted as law or regulation by an authority having jurisdiction.

Local jurisdictions may, in their adopting legislation, occasionally revise and/or include requirements in addition to those found in the ASME A17.1/CSA B44 and ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 Codes. It is therefore advisable to check with the local jurisdiction before applying code requirements in any area.

Requirement 1.1.2 outlines examples of equipment not covered by theASMEA17.1/CSA B44 andASMEA17.7/CSA B44.7 Codes. Requirement 1.1.3 specifies those Parts and requirements of the Code that apply only to new installations, as well as those that apply to both new and existing installations.

Purpose

The requirement was introduced in ASME A17.1-2007/CSA B44-07. It is a major departure from past code requirements that only recognized compliance with the requirement stated in the ASME A17.1/CSA B44 Code. If you did not comply an exception (variance) from an AHJ was required.

Now the code formally recognizes compliance with the Performance Based Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 as being equivalent to meeting the requirements in the ASME A17.1/CSA B44 Code. In other words a new or innovative product that cannot comply with a requirement(s) in ASME A17.1/CSA B44 but does satisfy ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 is considered compliant with ASME A17.1/CSA B44. Alternatively the AHJ could be asked to grant an exemption from the requirement(s) in ASME A17.1/CSA B44 utilizing the procedures in 1.2.2. TheASMEA17 and CSA B44 Committee still envision the use of Exception (1.2.2) for one of a kind and unique applications. However, for innovative new technology the A17.7/B44.7 Code should be utilized.

The ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 Code provides a structured approach for introducing new technology products to the marketplace. The approach is based on Global Essential Safety Requirements (GESRs) that have to be satisfied and a risk assessment process to ensure GESRs are met. An Accredited Elevator/Escalator Certification Organization (AECO), in conjunction with an equipment designer, will examine the process and provide documentation. The AECO is responsible for certifying design compliance with ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7.

At the heart of ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 are GESRs, which are based on ISO TS 22559-1. The ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 also includes Safety Parameters (SPs) consistent with the ASME A17.1/CSA B44 Code requirements. SPs are provided to help the users of the ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 satisfy applicable GESRs. The ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 risk assessment requirement ensures that risks are identified and sufficiently mitigated. A risk assessment methodology such as ISO TS 14798 or equivalent is necessary in order to verify compliance with the applicable GESRs. Risk assessment requires a balanced team of suitably qualified experts with a trained facilitator. The ISO TS 14798 Methodology is described in the ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7. The ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 provides a method for selecting applicable GESRs and provides a detailed example of the process.

To ensure the process has been properly followed and potential hazards identified and addressed, A17.7/B44.7 requires a Code Compliance Document (CCD). The CCD must include the risk assessment, design and test data, as well as information pertaining to inspection and maintenance.

The CCD will be examined by an AECO, which will issue a certificate of conformance when satisfied that ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 requirements have been properly met. The AHJ can also directly examine the CCD and certify the design for its own jurisdiction.

AECOs must be independent organizations with a high degree of technical competence. They must be accredited and audited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) to a level defined by the ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7. The AECOs in turn will audit products they have certified to ensure it complies with the CCD.

This process provides a structured roadmap for new technology to safely enter the marketplace.

At the time this Handbook was being revised in June 2010, ANSI had accredited three AECOs, and two also had been accredited by SCC.

Accredited AECOs are

(a) Liftinstituut, www.liftinstituut.com

(b) TU¨V SU¨ D America, Inc., http://tuvamerica.com

(c) Underwriters Laboratories (UL), www.ul.com

Additional information on the Performance-Based Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, including where adopted, accredited AECO's, etc., can be found at, www.pbc-elevators.com