ASME A17.3 - Say What?

Written By Sean McMannis

A17.3 is the biggest thing in the elevator industry that you’ve probably never heard of.  In this episode, we are going to explore what it is and how it will affect you.

WHAT IS ASME A17.3?

If you’ve been following the blog (and I’m sure you are!), you already know ASME A17.1 is the standard that the elevator must meet when it is installed. Every year, when the elevator is inspected, it must comply with those same standards. Essentially the elevator is “grandfathered” into that code. ASME A17.3, on the other hand, is intended to serve as the basis for state and local jurisdictional authorities in adopting retroactive requirements for existing elevators and escalators to enhance the safety of the general public. There are many items within A17.3 that could become required on elevators. Depending on the age of the equipment, this could require a significant capital investment by the owner if A17.3 is enforced in its entirety.    

WHEN WAS A17.3 ADOPTED IN WASHINGTON STATE?

ASME A17.3 was adopted by the State of Washington on 10/1/2018. To this point, it has not been enforced. HOW IS WA STATE L&I PLANNING TO ENFORCE A17.3? The short answer is…we don’t know. 

Let’s focus on what we do know.  The WAC outlines compliance time frames in 296-96-23100 https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAc/default.aspx?cite=296-96-23000. 

The conversation has been focused on two items – (1) Door Lock Monitoring and (2) Fire Service.  More information about Door Lock Monitoring can be found here. Section 4.a & b of the WAC state: (4) The owner shall have a maximum of 60 months/5 years in which to come into compliance with the following:(a) ASME A17.3 requirement 3.10.12 System to Monitor and Prevent Automatic Operation of the Elevator with Faulty Door Contact Circuits.(b) Where Firefighters' Emergency Operation is required by ASME A17.3, requirement 3.11.3 (note: ASME A17.3, requirement 3.11.3 only pertains to elevators where Firefighters' Emergency Operation does not comply with the 1987 or later editions of ASME A17.1 or ASME A17.1/CSA B44). There is no requirement to add Firefighter's Emergency Operation (FEO) under ASME A17.3 if the elevator was not provided with FEO during the initial installation. The code was adopted in 2018, more than 60 months ago. 

However, we have reason to believe that the State will allow 60 months from the date that the building owner is notified of the deficiency. Essentially, the Inspectors will add this to their annual inspection. These items will be added to the Inspection Report and tracked like all other deficiencies.  This seems to be the approach for multiple reasons: There is not enough manpower to make the required corrections immediately. 

The City of Spokane, for example, is allowing 60 months from the time of notification to the owner. The State is currently in the process of launching a new Conveyance Management Portal. This is the system that facilitates Inspection Reports and tracks correction dates. The current system only allows for tracking of short-term due dates (30- or 90-days). The new system will allow tracking on longer terms (60 months). L&I staff have mentioned that they intend to allow a longer term for compliance. We have been tracking other Authorities Having Jurisdiction. Most have given a specified period to come into compliance.  

WHAT ABOUT THE CITY OF SEATTLE? 

The City of Seattle is waiting to see how the State plans to enforce A17.3.  There are programs pending like the Unreinforced Masonry program that have significant impacts on building owners. At the same time, vacancy rates are increasing. They are cognizant of this as they weigh what can have a significant capital impact on owners. The City of Seattle alone has approximately 4600 affected elevators. There are far more located in the State of WA’s jurisdiction.

WHAT’S NEXT? 

The Elevator Safety Advisory Committee (ESAC) met on February 20, 2024. They voted to send a letter to Gerald Brown (Chief Elevator Inspector) requesting more information on the State’s intended enforcement guidelines. Recommendations were made to allow for five-years from the time of inspection (not adoption). Meeting minutes have been posted here. We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates. 

If you have questions in the meantime, contact your trusted elevator advisor for more information about your specific elevator and feel free to reach out to our Chief Problem Solver, Sean.

Sean McMannis

There is nothing that Sean enjoys more than helping a customer solve an elevator issue. Since 2008, he has witnessed a deterioration in the services provided throughout the industry. Sean prides himself on being responsive and honest. He takes the time to educate elevator owners and help them understand their options. After spending time at various elevator companies, Sean joined Washington Elevator because he believes building owners and managers crave a company focused on people, not profits.

With more than 15 years of elevator experience, Sean’s goal is to proactively address all elevator issues so that you can focus on your business.

When Sean isn’t helping customers, you can find him playing on the soccer field, cheering on the Sounders and enjoying activities with his wife and their two young kids.

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