ASME A17.1 is an essential code book covering the design, construction and operation of elevators and escalators.

Published in three year cycles, A17.1’s latest 2007 edition incorporates many revisions to address the advancement of technologies used in the design and construction of elevators. This article covers some of the important changes in ASME 17.1/CSA B44 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, 2007 edition.

Photo: Alain Juteau According to ASME A17.1-2007 the minimum removal capacity for the sump pump/drain inside the elevator pit shall be 3,000 gal/h per elevator.

2.1.6 PROJECTIONS, RECESSES, AND SETBACKS IN HOISTWAY ENCLOSURES
The previous edition of ASME A17.1 did not permit recesses in hoistway enclosures except when necessary for the installation of elevator equipment. ASME A17.1-2007 revised section 2.1.6.2 which now treats recesses same as setbacks.

They are both permitted in the hoistway -on sides not used for loading and unloading- even if not used for elevator equipment. Where a recess or setback exceeds 4 inches, the top is required to be beveled at an angle of not less than 75 degrees with the horizontal.


2.2.2 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF PITS
According to the ASME A17.1, a drain or sump pump shall be provided in elevators provided with Firefighters' Emergency Operation.

ASME A17.1-2007 section 2.2.2.5 added a new requirement specifying the minimum removal capacity for the sump pump/drain to be 3,000 gal/h per elevator.


2.2.4 PIT ACCESS
ASME A17.1-2007 section 2.2.4.2 is revised to permit the use of fixed retractable ladders in the pit.

In addition to other requirements covered in this section, retractable ladders -that are in the line of movement of the car or counterweight when not fully retracted- are required to operate a retractable ladder electrical device that shall cause the power to be removed from the elevator driving-machine motor and brake unless the ladder is in its fully retracted position.

Photo: Daniel Halvorson ASME A17.1 now permits two-way communication means between the car and a location off site that is staffed by authorized personnel for emergency communications.

2.27.1 CAR EMERGENCY SIGNALING DEVICES (EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS)
The previous edition of ASME A17.1 required a two-way communication means between the car and a location in the building that is readily accessible to authorized and emergency personnel.

ASME A17.1-2007 revised section 2.27.1.1.1 and reworded the requirement for two-way communication means to “between the car and a location staffed by authorized personnel” -on or off site.


2.27.9 ELEVATOR CORRIDOR CALL STATION PICTOGRAPH
ASME A17.1 provides a pictograph for the sign -posted adjacent to hall call fixtures instructing occupants not to use the elevator in case of fire- to be used if required by the building code, provided that the building code does not specify a different design.

ASME A17.1-2007 revised this pictograph in figure 2.27.9 by requiring a background color contrasting with black and red.


APPENDIX J: RELATIONSHIP OF PIT LADDER TO HOISTWAY DOOR UNLOCKING MEANS
ASME A17.1-2007 added figure J-1 to non-mandatory Appendix J to serve as a guideline for the location of the pit ladder in relation to the hoistway door unlocking means.


Note: Online access to ASME A17.1-2007 will expire on 3/26/2009.

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