In its latest revised edition, the ASME Elevator Code introduced mandatory video elevator monitoring. The requirement applies to all new elevators and major modifications going forward.
Here is how video monitoring solutions depart from traditional emergency phone systems and what to do to bring your elevators up to code.
The Issue With Traditional Elevator Phone Monitoring
The United States currently has around one million elevators. The vast majority have elevator emergency systems that support voice communication. While helpful in some cases, these phones aren’t suitable for passengers who are:
- Deaf
- Hard of hearing
- Nonverbal
- Speech-impaired
- Unconscious
To ensure the safety of passengers with disabilities, elevator emergency systems must now include a broader range of monitoring and communication methods.
Video Elevator Monitoring: Understanding the New Elevator Code
The ASME A17.1-2019 has updated its monitoring requirements to align them with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). Among other things, all new elevator installations and major modifications like rehabs and renovations must now have a two-way video communication system. This builds on a similar requirement in the International Building Code (IBC) of 2018.
The video doesn’t have to be running all the time, but emergency personnel must be able to start a live feed from their monitoring stations 24/7 if they don’t hear a response from a passenger. The feed must cover the entire elevator car, including the floor and any passengers.
In addition, the new visual communication systems must include these three components:
- An adjustable camera with remote access
- An LCD video display informing passengers of their rescue status and enabling operators to ask questions remotely
- Physical YES-NO buttons for passengers to answer questions
ELEVATE MONITORING: ASME-Compliant Emergency Elevator Monitoring
Getting your elevators to meet all requirements of the new elevator code on your own can be challenging.
Fortunately, at ELEVATE MONITORING, a leading elevator monitoring company, we can help. All our solutions are fully ASME-, IBC-, and ADA-compliant and have video elevator monitoring in addition to other monitoring methods such as text-based and visual communication.
We are also a UL-listed provider that never outsources any part of our call-center services: Our operators are trained, certified, available 24/7, and exclusively U.S.-based.
Professional Monitoring of Elevators for Your Peace of Mind
Call us at ELEVATE MONITORING at 1-877-990-9191 to tell us about your needs, learn more about our emergency elevator monitoring services, and get your elevators up to code.
