Construction Hoists/Elevators Requirements

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July 01, 2019 by Corey Fisher, P.E.

Do you have a hoist or operated elevator to move men or materials on your construction site? 524 CMR 36.00, Personnel Hoists and Employee Elevators on Construction and Demolition Sites, regulates the installation of man/material hoists in the State. A few key components of the installation of the hoist related to the emergency operation of the hoists are outlined below:

  • Inspections: Prior to placing the elevator into service and after installation is complete, a representative from both the installing company (elevator contractor) and operating company (general contractor) are required to review the operation with the fire department having jurisdiction (524 CMR 36 Section 24.2.16.1).
  • Approval: In order for the elevator installation to pass the state elevator inspection, written approval from the fire department having jurisdiction of the aforementioned training is required (524 CMR 36 Section 24.2.16.1).
  • Certification: The state elevator inspector will inspect and issue a certificate for use during construction.

Key components that are required for the construction hoist/elevator are as follows:

  • Phase I Emergency Control: All hoists are required to be outfitted by a three position Emergency Control Operation switch located in front of each elevator bank with RESET, OFF, and ON positions which is operable with a 3502 Key. The 3502 key is required to be removable in the ON and OFF positions. When Phase I Emergency Control is in effect, a visual signal, i.e. firefighters’ hat, is required to be illuminated until normal operation of the elevator is returned (524 CMR 36 Section 24.2.17).
  • Phase II Emergency Control: All hoists are required to be outfitted by a two position Emergency Control Operation switch located in the operating panel of each car with OFF and ON positions which is operable with a 3502 Key. The 3502 key is required to be removable in only the OFF position during Phase II Emergency Control (524 CMR 36 Section 24.2.18).
  • Top Emergency Exit: Where provided, the top emergency exit on hoist cars is only permitted to be operable by a 3502 Key. When opened, the car shall only be operated with the assistance of a Massachusetts Licensed elevator mechanic at a speed of no more than 0.25 m/s.
  • Return to Service: Upon completion of emergency use, the fire department is required to lock out/tag out the elevator to prevent further use of the elevators until a Massachusetts licensed elevator inspector is able to arrive on site and review the elevator, at which point it can be returned to normal operation if in satisfactory condition (524 CMR 36 Section 24.2.21).

Have any questions on how these inspections may affect your construction schedule? Feel free to reach out for additional information.

 

Application of any information provided, for any use, is at the reader’s risk and without liability to Code Red Consultants. Code Red Consultants does not warrant the accuracy of any information contained in this blog as applicable codes and standards change over time. The application, enforcement and interpretation of codes and standards may vary between Authorities Having Jurisdiction and for this reason, registered design professionals should be consulted to determine the appropriate application of codes and standards to a specific scope of work.