About the Elevator Division – Overview
There are over 63,000 elevators, escalators, amusement rides and other related devices in New York City, under the jurisdiction of the Department of Buildings. The average elevator makes approximately 500 trips a day, totaling over 30 million elevator trips per day in New York City. The chance of an accident on an elevator is rare, making elevators one of the safest modes of transportation.

The mission of the Elevator Division at the Department of Buildings is to ensure the safe and lawful use of elevators, escalators, amusement rides and other related devices by enforcing the New York City Building Code and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) A17.1/1996-7, a nationally adopted elevator standard.

Permits and Applications
The Elevator Division's plan examiners review plans and specifications for new or altered elevators, escalators, permanent amusement rides, and related equipment. If you're planning to install a new device, alter, replace, or modify an existing device, applications for the work must be filed with the Department's Elevator Division prior to the commencement of the work.

Operational Policy and Procedure Notice #26/90 authorizes a contractor to self-certify minor alterations that do not require a test to be performed in the presence of a Department of Buildings inspector. See OPPN #26/90 for more information on the self-certification of elevator replacements/modernizations.

All operators of amusement rides are required to annually obtain a license from the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) and carry appropriate ride and workers' compensation insurance. See the DCA website for more information on license applications.

Inspections and Tests
The Elevator Division is responsible for  inspections and tests  of elevators, escalators, amusement rides, and other related devices. Acceptance tests observed by a Buildings Department inspector are required for new installation, alteration, replacement and modification, removal, and dismantling of equipment.

All elevators and escalators under the Department's jurisdiction must be inspected five times every two years as per LL 10/1981: three times by Buildings Department inspectors and two times by a private elevator and escalator inspection agency employed by the owner and licensed by the Department of Buildings. The Department keeps all five inspection records on file. A record of these inspection certificates must be kept in each elevator. If the inspection certificates are kept in the building management office, there must be a sign in the elevator indicating the location of the inspection certificates. Upon request, inspections and tests can be expedited for high-rise buildings, schools, and buildings involving the disabled and the elderly.

The Department of Buildings also conducts inspections for truck-mounted, temporary, and permanent amusement rides. Truck mounted amusement rides and various types of inflatable amusement rides are inspected once a year. Temporary amusement rides are inspected each time they are setup. Permanent amusement rides are inspected twice a year during the ride season. DCA issues licenses to ride operators and the Department of Buildings issues green cards after the successful completion of inspections and testing. See Amusement Ride Forms for more information.

Effective June 3, 2007, Environmental Control Board (ECB) penalties for failure to maintain an elevator will be increased. For more information, view the service notice (24 kb).

Accidents
The building owner or amusement ride operator is required to promptly report all accidents involving elevators, escalators, amusement rides, and other related equipment to the Department of Buildings. Penalties may be imposed for unreported accidents.

Dial 911 only for life-threatening emergencies.

for all other non-emergency accidents.

Complaints
Complaints about elevators, escalators, amusement rides, and other related devices should be made by calling 311.

Questions
Contact the Elevator Division for questions concerning applications for new elevators or inspections.

Advisory Councils
The Elevator Advisory Council and the Amusement Ride Advisory Council consist of representatives from the Buildings Department, other city agencies, industry groups, and real estate groups involved in elevator and amusement ride safety and code enforcement. The Councils meet regularly to discuss technical issues and new procedures adopted by the Department of Buildings Elevator Division. The Councils publish technical bulletins based on lessons learned during inspections, testing, and investigations to enhance safety standards and code enforcement.

• Amusement Ride Advisory Council Meeting Minutes
• Elevator Advisory Council Meeting Minutes

Elevator/Escalator Safety Week
During the third week of each November, the Department of Buildings staff visits six to eight second grade classrooms in New York City public schools to promote elevator and escalator safety awareness. This program is a joint venture with the MTA-New York City Transit, the Elevator Conference of New York, the Department of Education, and the National Elevator/Escalator Safety Foundation.

• November 2005 National Elevator/Escalator Safety Week Program

Other Related Links:

• International Elevator Safety Conference

Safety Tips:

• Amusement Ride Safety Tips
• Elevator, Escalator and Moving Walks Safety Instructions

Reference Materials:

• NYC Building Code
• ASME A 17.1/1996-7
• Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation