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For Immediate Release
October 12, 2015

STATEMENT FROM COMMISSIONER CHANDLER INTO FINDINGS OF AN ELEVATOR FATALITY AT 156 HOPE STREET IN BROOKLYN

On October 2nd a fatality occurred in conjunction with an elevator failure at a privately owned building at 156 Hope Street in Brooklyn. In the course of the Department's investigation into the incident, we determined that a specific make of elevator system (Global Tardif Machine Room-Less Elevator with Leroy Somer Z2-Z3 AC Gearless Machine and Warner Brakes) might have a potential deficiency. These units, generally found only in elevator systems installed since 2000, are not common in New York City, and represent only a very small fraction of total elevators in use. These devices are not used by NYCHA. To ensure this issue is addressed immediately, the Department has issued a Commissioner's Order mandating that owners and operators of this equipment test it by a licensed firm and provide all results to the Department. Staff at the Department are currently contacting owners and managers of any properties with these specific elevators to ensure compliance. Inspectors have already begun visiting buildings that may have this type of elevator in active use and will follow up where necessary. Under the Commissioner's Order, until these buildings can certify to the Department that there is no deficiency in their elevators, they are ordered to either have a person on staff operate the unit manually--which can be done safely--or cease use of the device. With these measures in place and all units inspected, we believe there will be no risk to the public. Anyone seeking more information or to report an elevator problem should contact 311.

Contact: Alexander Schnell (212) 393-2126
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