TSSA EDM-A Exam key terms

Any machine or apparatus that raises or lowers people or goods between levels, including elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, and similar equipment. In Ontario it is defined and regulated under the Technical Standards and Safety Act and its elevating device regulation.

A certified tradesperson licensed to install, maintain, repair, and test elevating devices. The EDM-A certificate authorizes work on the categories of equipment specified by the licensing authority and requires continuing registration to remain valid.

The not-for-profit corporation delegated by the Ontario government to administer and enforce safety legislation for elevating devices and other regulated sectors. It licenses mechanics and contractors, reviews device registrations, and carries out inspections and compliance actions.

The statutory official appointed under the Technical Standards and Safety Act who holds delegated authority for a regulated sector. The Director issues and revokes licences, orders unsafe devices taken out of service, and may grant equivalencies or variances from code requirements.

The credential issued to an individual who passes the required trade examination and meets experience requirements, permitting that person to work in the trade. For elevating devices it identifies the class of equipment the holder may service.

A business entity licensed to carry out installation, alteration, maintenance, or repair of elevating devices. The licence obliges the contractor to employ qualified mechanics, keep records, and ensure work complies with the applicable code and Act.

The regulation under the Technical Standards and Safety Act that governs elevating devices in Ontario. It sets adoption of codes, registration, inspection, maintenance, mechanic licensing, and reporting duties for owners and contractors.

The harmonized North American safety code for elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, and moving walks. It covers design, construction, installation, alteration, testing, and maintenance requirements, and is adopted by reference in Ontario regulation.

The safety code for existing elevators and escalators, used to bring older equipment up to a minimum acceptable level of safety. It addresses items such as door protection, car lighting, and pit access that may be absent on legacy installations.

A recurring examination of an elevating device by an inspector to confirm it remains safe and compliant. The interval depends on device type and use, and findings may generate orders requiring correction within a stated time.

A written direction issued by an inspector or the Director requiring a specified defect to be corrected within a set time. Failure to comply can lead to the device being sealed out of service or to prosecution.

A notice placed on a device declaring it unsafe for use and prohibiting operation until repairs are completed and the device is cleared. Removing or defacing such a tag without authorization is an offence.

A documented program that sets out the systematic examination, cleaning, lubrication, adjustment, and repair tasks and their frequencies for each device. It must be kept on site or readily available and be followed by the maintenance mechanic.

A log documenting maintenance and repair activity on a device, including dates, tasks performed, and the person responsible. Records must be retained for the period required by regulation and made available to inspectors on request.

An annual safety test of elevator components such as door interlocks, car and counterweight safeties, and terminal stopping devices, performed as specified by the code. Results are recorded and retained for inspection.

A periodic full-load test of the elevator's traction, braking, and safety systems performed at intervals set by the code, typically every five years. It verifies that the machine can stop and hold the rated load safely.

A change to a device that affects its safety, capacity, speed, or operation, such as replacing a controller or changing the rated load. Alterations require design review, permits, and inspection before the device may return to service.

The vertical shaft in which an elevator car and counterweight travel. It must be enclosed, ventilated, and provided with pit access, lighting, and clearances that keep people away from moving equipment.

The space at the bottom of a hoistway below the lowest landing. It houses buffers, the governor tension sheave, and pit equipment, and must have a means of access, a ladder, lighting, and a stop switch.

The vertical distance between the top of the car or counterweight and the hoistway ceiling. It must be sufficient to protect anyone on the car top when the car reaches its highest stopping point, including buffer compression.

A weighted mass connected to the car by ropes or belts that balances most of the car's weight, reducing motor effort and improving ride quality. It travels in the hoistway and requires its own guides and safety devices.

A rigid vertical track fixed in the hoistway that keeps the car and counterweight aligned and guides their travel. Rail alignment and fastenings are critical to ride quality and to the proper functioning of safeties.

A sliding or roller component mounted on the car or counterweight frame that engages the guide rail and keeps travel aligned. Worn shoes cause sway, noise, and uneven rail loading, so they are checked during maintenance.

A mechanical device mounted on the car or counterweight that grips the guide rails to stop and hold the unit if it overspeeds or if suspension means fail. It is activated by the governor and must be tested periodically.

An overspeed sensing device that trips a switch to stop the driving machine and, at higher speed, engages the safety gear. It is driven by a rope or belt from the car and is tested as part of periodic safety tests.

A condition in which the car travels faster than its rated or governed speed. The governor detects it and initiates a machine stop, and at a higher threshold trips the safety gear to arrest the car mechanically.

An energy-absorbing device in the pit that stops a descending car or counterweight gradually if it overtravels. Buffers may be spring, oil, or polyurethane type, and their stroke and condition are checked during tests.

A switch or system that slows and stops the car at the top and bottom of travel before it reaches the buffers. Normal and final limits are separate stages, and their correct adjustment is verified during testing.

An electrical switch actuated by car position that opens the motor circuit at a set point in travel. It works with the final limit to prevent the car from running into the overhead or pit buffers.

An elevator in which steel ropes or coated belts pass over a grooved driving sheave and are pulled by friction, with a counterweight on the other end. Traction machines dominate mid- and high-rise applications.

An elevator lifted by a plunger pushed by pressurized oil from a power unit, used mainly for low-rise buildings. It has no counterweight and relies on valves, a tank, and a jack for controlled movement.

The space housing the driving machine, controller, and related equipment. It must be secured, ventilated, and kept clear, with access limited to authorized personnel and adequate lighting for maintenance work.

A device that prevents the car from moving unless every hoistway door is closed and locked, and prevents a door from opening unless the car is at that landing. It is a primary passenger-protection item tested annually.

The mechanism that opens and closes the car and hoistway doors, typically driven electrically or by a motorized arm. It works with the interlock and door protection to ensure safe boarding and exiting.

A sensor or mechanical edge on the car door that detects an obstruction and reverses or holds the door open. Common types include infrared curtains and mechanical safety edges, and they must be verified during maintenance.

A continuously moving stairway with a power-driven chain of steps for carrying passengers between levels. It requires comb plates, skirt panels, handrails, and step-level safety devices that are checked during maintenance and inspection.

The toothed plate at the top and bottom landings of an escalator where passengers step on and off. Its teeth mesh with step cleats, and damaged teeth or missing screws create a serious tripping hazard.

The stationary vertical panel along each side of an escalator beside the moving steps. Clearance between the skirt and the step edge is critical, and skirt guard devices help prevent entrapment of clothing or footwear.

A power-driven continuous walkway, either pallet or belt type, that moves passengers horizontally or on a slight incline. It uses many of the same safety devices as an escalator, including handrails and comb plates.