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NEII, NAESAi Recommend Interim Process for the Introduction of Alternative Elevator Technologies

NEW YORK, Sept. 28, 20043⁄4Two national elevator trade groups have joined to create guidelines designed to ensure that emerging technologies not covered under the current code meet equivalent requirements. This will help assure the safety of the riding public until the official ASME Performance Based Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators for emerging technologies is published.

The National Elevator Industry, Inc (NEII) and the National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities International (NAESAi) have agreed on The Interim Process for the Introduction of Alternative Technologies in the United States. This would address measures not yet covered under ASME 17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.
“As alternative elevator and escalator technology becomes available around the world, there is increasing customer demand in the U.S. building industry for these products,” says Edward Donoghue, spokesperson, NEII. “Because development of a new ASME Code to address alternative technologies could take years to complete, it is recommended that elevator companies follow these interim procedures when applying for the acceptance of new equipment.”

NEII and NAESAi also recommend that elevator inspection authorities nationwide use the interim process when reviewing applications for installing new technology to ensure that it meets specified code requirements. The interim procedures are based on technical documentation prescribed in the ASME A17.1 codes and require companies to submit the following:

• A description and diagrams of the equipment/components for which the application is being made;
• Operational and maintenance instructions;
• Documentation that verifies that the alternative technology meets the requirements of the ASME A17.1 code, Section 1.2, and is safe for the intended use;
• A list of the ASME A17.1 prescriptive requirements that the alternative technology currently does not meet;
• Details for inspection and testing the new equipment;
• A list of the jurisdictions that have already accepted the technology; and
• A signed application.

“NAESAi recognizes the need for the industry to develop new technology and to improve the safety of elevators and escalators in a timely manner,” says James Runyan, president, NEASAi. “As the industry awaits the development of the new elevator performance standard, NAESAi supports and encourages the use of this interim process.”
The Interim Process for the Introduction of Alternative Technologies can be downloaded from the NEII Web site at www.neii.org and the NAESAi Web site at www.naesai.org.

About NEII

The National Elevator Industry, Inc., NEII, is a national trade association representing the interests of corporations, firms or companies that, as part of their regular business, provide or perform any of the following: manufacture (including parts or components used by others in the manufacture, repair or maintenance), install, repair and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walks and related equipment. Trust membership is available to those corporations, firms, or companies who, as part of their regular business, employ members of the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) and contribute to the benefit trusts (Trusts) established by agreements between the IUEC and NEII. NEII strives to become the leader in promoting safe building transportation, as well as working with local government agencies to encourage the adoption and enforcement of the latest codes and standards.

About NAESAi

NAESA International (NAESAi) is a non-profit international organization with over 1300 members and nearly 1500 QEI credentialed inspectors. Its members are comprised of elevator inspectors, consultants, contractors, architects, engineers and elevator manufacturers involved in elevator safety, code enforcement and technology. For more information, please visit www.naesai.org.