scope:

GENERAL

This Code is one of the numerous codes and standards developed and published by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) under the general auspices of the American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI).

The Code is intended to serve as the basis for state, municipal, and other jurisdictional authorities in drafting regulations governing the installation, testing, inspection, maintenance, alteration, and repair of elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving walks, material lifts with automatic transfer devices, wheelchair lifts, and stairway chairlifts. It is also intended as a standard reference of safety requirements for the guidance of architects, engineers, insurance companies, manufacturers, and contractors, and as a standard of safety practices for owners and managements of structures where equipment covered in the Scope of the Code is used.

Safety codes and standards are intended to enhance public health and safety. Revisions result from committee consideration of factors such as technological advances, new data, and changing environmental and industry needs. Revisions do not imply that previous editions were inadequate.

It is recommended that, prior to adoption, all pertinent state and local laws or ordinances be reviewed and where there is a conflict with any of the Rules of this Code an exception to such conflicting Rules be noted, quoting the section of the law which applies.