Elevator Program Elevators and Lift Devices Inspections Under The Elevator Act , the elevator inspection program is structured to allow Mechanical and Engineering to focus resources where they are needed most. With a mandate to help ensure that all elevating devices are safe for operation, Mechanical and Engineering assesses each installation according to its age, maintenance condition and history, inspection history and the inherent risk based on its type and determines how long the elevator may be operated between inspections. Higher risk installations are issued six month operating permits while those with proven records in stable environments may be permitted for up to three years.
Elevator inspectors see each installation before the permit expires.
In addition to inspecting existing installations, Mechanical and Engineering also approves designs for new installations. Inspectors conduct a start-up inspection of new installations before adding them to the regular role of inspections. Although Mechanical and Engineering does not license trades under the Elevator Act, the work of inspectors in the field both fosters and enforces high performance standards from elevator mechanics. In addition to inspecting and permitting passenger and freight elevators, the inspection program extends to escalators, dumbwaiter, hand-powered elevators, personnel hoists, ski lifts and handicap elevators.