Whether because of true stories or action movies, many people fear elevators and the possibility of becoming trapped inside one. According to the ASME elevator code, all elevators must have a call button to contact personnel in an emergency. Until recently, however, there was no requirement for communications that accommodate non-verbal or hearing-impaired passengers.
ASME A17.1-2019 is a new elevator code that addresses this issue. The revision adds the following elevator code requirements to the ASME safety standards:
- A two-way messaging display inside the elevator for hearing- and speech-impaired passengers
- A way for emergency personnel to see a video feed of the entire elevator car
- A message activated by emergency personnel indicating that help is on site
ASME Elevator Code Updates
According to the updated ASME A17.1, the push button next to the elevator operating panel must initiate a two-way call with authorized emergency personnel who can take appropriate action. A common problem in elevator emergencies is that the call button contacts non-emergency personnel who do not have the availability or means to take appropriate action, leaving passengers without help.
Another significant revision to the elevator safety code is that the panel with the emergency push button must display messages from authorized personnel so they can communicate with trapped passengers, including individuals who cannot communicate verbally or hear.
The panel must be able to display a message that help is on the way instead of the more common single-light indicator. The new message system will help reassure passengers during an emergency even if they cannot hear the call.
Finally, the elevator must have the means to display video to authorized personnel, allowing them to see trapped passengers anywhere in the elevator car. With video elevator monitoring, emergency personnel can assess the situation inside the elevator, including whether the passenger is injured, unconscious, or non-verbal.
A Safety Solution That Meets Your Needs
At ELEVATE, we take elevator passenger safety seriously and are one of the first agencies to comply with the new elevator code. We are an emergency elevator monitoring agency with certified personnel who are available to respond 24/7 and have comprehensive training in handling emergencies.
We have an ASME A17.1-2019 and ADA-compliant phone system that automatically identifies the exact location and specific elevator where the passenger is. Downtime is never an issue at our UL-listed monitoring facility because of our cutting-edge automation system and redundant infrastructure.
For more information about our professionally monitored system for elevator emergencies, contact us today!
