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Video Elevator Monitoring vs. Traditional Elevator Monitoring

Posted on
Dec
3
Video Elevator Monitoring vs Traditional Elevator Monitoring

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.

ASME Elevator Code Includes Video Monitoring Technology

Posted on
Nov
16
Video Monitoring Technology

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (AMSE) is an organization of experts that creates safety codes for various mechanical devices, including passenger elevators, escalators, moving walks, and other equipment.

Recently, an update to the ASME elevator code added several requirements to bring the code up to ADA standards, including:

  • A way for emergency personnel to view a video feed of the elevator car
  • A panel for sending two-way messages between the passenger and emergency personnel
  • A display message indicating that help is on site

New Elevator Code Revision To Meet ADA Standards

ASME A17.1-2019 requires a means to display a video so emergency personnel can observe the entire elevator car. A video feed enables emergency personnel to assess the situation inside the elevator, including whether a passenger is unconscious or nonverbal and whether the call was a false alarm.

The code also stipulates that new elevator installations must be able to send two-way messages so authorized personnel can communicate with trapped passengers who are nonverbal or hearing-impaired. The emergency personnel should be able to display a message indicating help is on the way, helping reassure passengers who cannot hear.

Video Elevator Monitoring System

The ASME A17.1 revision addresses the issue that the typical two-way emergency call system in elevators is not adequate for the hard of hearing. Even if the hard-of-hearing passenger presses the call button, emergency personnel will struggle to communicate with them. Without video, personnel won’t be able to assess the situation sufficiently.

The revised ASME elevator code requires that new elevator installations have a means for emergency personnel to observe a video feed of the elevator car. If an elevator rise is 60 feet or more, the code requires both voice and video communication that can function with an internet connection.

During an emergency, personnel can start a video feed if they do not receive a verbal response from the passenger. This technology allows agents to take appropriate action more quickly and reduces false emergency responses.

Emergency Elevator Monitoring by Trained Professionals

Most elevators still use a traditional emergency monitoring system, but the new elevator safety code requires video and a two-way messaging system. ELEVATE is a UL-listed monitoring facility with certified and trained operators available 24/7. We are one of the first agencies to integrate the technology required in the ASME 17.1 revision and provide cost-effective solutions to accommodate the new system.

Ready to become our partner in ensuring passenger safety? Click here to contact us today.

How To Select an Emergency Elevator Monitoring Company

Posted on
Nov
9
Emergency Elevator Monitoring Company

Monitored two-way communication is a requirement under the ASME Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. Despite the elevator safety standards, many of the elevators in the US have call buttons that forward to non-emergency personnel who aren’t available to answer 24/7. To ensure the safety of all passengers, it’s crucial to partner with a professional elevator monitoring agency.

Building on the ambitions of a former fireman, ELEVATE is a company that prioritizes life safety. This article highlights what to look for in an emergency elevator monitoring company.

Compliance With Latest ASME Elevator Code

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) determines the safety code for elevators, escalators, and other similar equipment. Recently, a revision introduced changes that elevate the code to meet ADA standards.

ASME A17.1-2019 introduces the following changes to the Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators:

  • Must have a means for emergency personnel to see a video feed of the elevator’s interior
  • Must have a two-way messaging system
  • Must display a message indicating that help is on the way

These safety requirements accommodate passengers who are nonverbal or hard of hearing, but many companies have not adopted these emergency communications systems into their monitoring service. At ELEVATE, we have integrated video and two-way messaging to provide a high-quality emergency monitoring system that meets the needs of all passengers.

Video Elevator Monitoring Capability

A traditional elevator emergency system includes a two-way elevator phone, and the passenger initiates a call by pressing a button on the operations panel. This communication method could be problematic for passengers who can’t speak or hear the person on the other end of the call.

With a video feed, emergency operators can quickly assess the situation and take the appropriate action without wasting valuable time. They can determine whether a passenger is unconscious or nonverbal or whether the call was an accident.

Adherence to Elevator Emergency Phone Requirements

The new elevator code mandates that emergency calls go to authorized personnel who can take appropriate action. Therefore, the person answering the phone should be certified and trained in handling emergencies. Our team at ELEVATE has years of experience in the emergency monitoring field and the TMA Five Diamond certification, ensuring life safety expertise.

Innovative Emergency Elevator Monitoring

At ELEVATE, we stay up to date on the latest elevator monitoring technology and changes in safety standards to provide leading-edge emergency elevator monitoring solutions.
To partner with our professional monitoring center, contact us.

New Elevator Code To Meet ADA Standards

Posted on
Nov
1
New Elevator Code

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!

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