MA Elevator Mechanic flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Governing statute for elevators

Massachusetts General Laws chapter 143, sections 62 through 71B, establish the elevator safety law; the Board of Elevator Regulations adopts administrative rules under 524 CMR to implement it.

Board of Elevator Regulations role

The Board adopts and amends the elevator code, sets licensing and inspection requirements, hears variances and appeals, and may suspend or revoke licenses and certificates for violations.

Covered equipment examples

Passenger and freight elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving walks, wheelchair lifts, and similar hoisting and lifting mechanisms fall under the code, subject to the regulation's enumerated inclusions and exclusions.

Permit required before work

New installations, alterations, and major repairs require an approved permit before work starts. Routine maintenance by licensed personnel does not require a permit but must comply with the code.

Certificate of inspection posting

After a satisfactory inspection the authority issues a certificate of inspection. It must be posted as the code directs, and operating the elevator without a valid certificate is prohibited.

Periodic inspection responsibility

The owner or lessee must arrange periodic inspections before the certificate expires. The required interval depends on equipment type and use and is stated on the certificate.

Incorporated consensus standards

524 CMR incorporates ASME A17.1 for elevators and escalators, A17.3 for existing installations, and A18.1 for platform lifts. The edition adopted by the Board governs, not the newest published edition.

A17.3 applicability

ASME A17.3 sets safety requirements for existing elevators and escalators not being altered to A17.1. Alteration work triggers newer requirements only to the extent the regulation specifies.

Variance request requirements

A variance must be requested in writing from the Board and granted on a showing of equivalent safety. It applies only to the specific equipment and site described in the request.

Plan review before permit

Plans and specifications for new installations and alterations are submitted for state review. A permit is issued only after approval, and work may not begin on unapproved plans.

Contractor versus mechanic license

Elevator contractor licensing is separate from individual mechanic licensing. Legal installation and alteration work requires both a licensed contractor and licensed mechanics performing the work.

Mechanic license class limits

A mechanic license class defines the work an individual may legally perform. Apprentices and helpers must work under the supervision of a licensed mechanic as the regulation requires.

Acceptance test purpose

Before a certificate is issued for new or altered equipment, acceptance tests verify safety devices such as governors, safeties, buffers, door interlocks, terminal stopping, and escalator braking.

Alteration voids certificate

When equipment is altered, the existing certificate becomes void. The equipment may not be returned to service until the alteration is inspected and a new certificate is issued.

Out-of-service tagging

Equipment removed from service for a safety defect must be tagged and secured against operation. It may return to service only after repair and the required inspection or test.

Owner maintenance duty

The owner must keep equipment in safe operating condition, ensure required maintenance and testing, post the certificate, and arrange inspections before the certificate expires.

Periodic safety device testing

Door interlocks and restrictors, emergency terminal stopping, governors and safeties, buffers, and standby power operation require periodic testing at the intervals the code specifies.

Machine room access rules

Machine rooms and machinery spaces must be locked, adequately lit, free of stored materials, and accessible only to authorized personnel. Unauthorized storage is a common violation.

Emergency communication requirement

Passenger elevators must provide the code-required means for emergency communication or alarm, and the owner must maintain a documented procedure for rescuing entrapped passengers.

Escalator operational safety features

Operating escalators and moving walks require posted safety signage, intact comb plates and skirt guards, and functioning stopping devices at both landings.

Change of use as alteration

A change in use, rated load, speed, or travel that affects code compliance is an alteration requiring approval, not routine maintenance. It triggers plan review and inspection.

Firefighters service maintenance

Firefighters' service and emergency operation features must be maintained and periodically tested. Deactivating them without authority is a code violation and a life-safety hazard.

Violation notice and correction

An inspector may issue a violation notice with a correction deadline. Failure to correct can lead to certificate suspension and an order prohibiting further operation of the equipment.

Unlicensed work consequences

Unlicensed installation or alteration can result in a stop-work order, fines, and required removal or rework at the responsible party's expense, plus license action against involved parties.

Serious accident reporting

Serious injuries and fatalities involving covered equipment must be reported promptly to the state elevator authority. The equipment is secured and may not be altered pending investigation.

Appeal of enforcement order

Appeals of inspector or Board orders follow the administrative process in the regulation. Operating during an appeal of a shutdown order is not allowed unless a stay is granted.

Reinspection after correction

After violations are corrected, a reinspection is required before the certificate is restored. A reinspection fee may apply, and operation before approval is prohibited.

Recordkeeping obligations

Inspection, test, maintenance, and accident records must be retained and made available to the authority on request. They may be used as evidence in enforcement proceedings.

Local versus state authority

Local fire and building officials may inspect fire-safety features, but enforcement of the elevator code rests with the state elevator authority under the Board of Elevator Regulations.

Licensed mechanic work scope

Installation, alteration, maintenance, and repair of covered equipment must be performed by or under the supervision of a licensed elevator mechanic as defined in the regulation.

Stop-work order effect

A stop-work order halts further installation or alteration until identified code deficiencies are resolved and the authority authorizes resumption of work.

Standby power testing

Where standby or emergency power is provided for elevator operation, the transfer and operation of the elevator on standby power must be tested at the required interval and documented.