Your Safety Is Our Priority – New Regulations
New regulations for home elevators are potentially coming to California. This is due to changes to the National Elevator Code and there might be a concern regarding your existing home elevator. We want you to be safe and completely informed so we are supplying the following information.
1. SHOULD I BE CONCERN?
Yes. An advisement was issued on Aug 6, 2019 by the US Consumer Products Safety Commission. The advertisement specifically addresses the spacing between gate and landing doors on home elevators. There were reports of children getting stuck and injured, sometimes fatally, between the entry door and the elevator car door or gate.
2. WHAT DID THE ANNOUNCEMENT SAY?
It is important for you to be fully informed. Click below and please read the announcement in its entirety.
3. WHAT IS THE ISSUE?
Primarily, the issue is regarding the space between your entry doors and the gate on the elevator car. For decades the accepted space was referred to as the 3”x5″ Rule. Those that determine the National Elevator Code decided to narrow that space as it could be dangerous for children. The new rule nationally went into effect, although at this time California has yet to adopt the change.
The new rule will no longer be the 3″X5″ Rule, but now a narrower and safer 3/4″X4″ Rule (see the image below). Not following these rules could lead to the possibility of a serious accident.
The issue is that although almost every manufacturer or home elevator installer knows about the new rule and makes sure on any new construction the proper distances are observed, older elevator units are often not in accordance with the new code.
WHAT ABOUT MY CURRENT HOME ELEVATOR?
You should have the space reduced to meet the National Elevator Code. Please contact us to schedule an assessment and the required maintenance by clicking the SCHEDULE ASSESSMENT button below.
If you have any questions about the spacing please contact us or a licensed elevator mechanic to assess the situation. It is important to make the needed change as quickly as possible even if it is not official the code in California at this time.
The bottom line is that the space between your entry doors and the gate on the car can be dangerous for children. So, if you have an existing elevator or are considering buying a home with an existing elevator in it, you need to consult a home elevator professional to make an evaluation for your own safety.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR AN EXISTING ELEVATOR?
Your home needs to be surveyed by a professional who can make those recommendations. The major options are:
- Door Build-Outs – These attach to the back of your door and fill the space, reducing the void to acceptable dimensions. This will need sizing and dimension verification.
- Move Landing Doors – This would entail having a door contractor move your existing doors almost flush to the landing sill edge.
- NOT RECOMMENDED – Attempt Your Own Repair – This is not recommended however, you can attempt your own repair. You can find the parts needed by clicking the button DO IT YOURSELF SOLUTION and reviewing installation by clicking DO IT YOURSELF MANUAL. We cannot stress enough that this is not a recommended action.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TAKE AWAY?
You need to put safety first and be cautious. Take this new code seriously. An elevator needs to be safe in all situations and evaluated. Call for guidance. Do not let this go unaddressed.