The requirement to report extended elevator outages takes effect in July 2022
This summer, legislation is coming into effect that will include new reporting requirements for extended elevator outages in residential buildings. The new rules, which seek to enhance the availability, safety and maintenance of elevators in Ontario, will also give members of the public access to information about elevator outages via the Technical Standards and Safety Authority’s (TSSA) website.
Starting July 1, 2022, owners and licensees (the person in charge of the elevating device as the license holder) of elevators in residential buildings and long-term care homes are required to report to TSSA elevator outages lasting 48 hours or longer. The reporting needs to be completed within 30 days after the day the elevator was returned to service.
Data on elevator outages will be used for public reporting purposes and to inform and shape future regulatory decisions on elevator safety and availability. TSSA’s website is intended to show historical data of reported elevator outages that have been out of service for 48 hours or longer.
If you own or manage a property that is used partially or entirely for residential occupancy, then you need to be aware of these new requirements for reporting an elevator outage. An “outage” is considered a period greater than 48 hours in which the elevator is out of service. This “outage” must be reported to the TSSA no later than 30 days after the elevator has been put back into service.
The report shall contain the following information:
- The address of the premises where the elevator is installed.
- The number of elevators in the building.
- The installation number allocated to the elevator.
- The number of floors which the elevator serves.
- The date and time that the outage started and ended.
- The cause of the outage, including any factor that prolonged the elevator being out of service.
- The year in which the elevator was installed.
- If a major alteration has been made to the elevator, the date that the elevator was returned to service after undergoing the most recent major alteration.
- If the elevator’s control system has been replaced, the date that the most recent replacement occurred.
- The intervals at which the elevator undergoes maintenance.
- The name of the manufacturer of the elevator.
- The name of the manufacturer of the elevator’s control system.
- The name of the contractor who maintains the elevator.
- In respect of a contractor who repaired the elevator during the outage:
- The name of the contractor.
- The date and time that the contractor was first contacted about the outage.
- The date and time that the contractor first attended the premises after being contacted about the outage.
The TSSA will publish the information above on its website. This means that the performance of your elevator(s) will be public knowledge on the TSSA’s website. Owners of rental properties, hotels, or long-term health care facilities should strongly consider a review of their elevator maintenance contract. It has never been more important to ensure you are working with a contractor that provides monthly, pro-active maintenance on your elevators. Don’t let elevator outages impact the value of your business or property.
What actions can I take?
This public denigration is meant to put pressure on property owners and managers to ensure their elevating devices are being maintained by a reliable and reputable elevator maintenance contractor. It also ensures that both owners/managers and elevator maintenance contractors are working together to plan for upgrades, both short-term and long-term to ensure the highest elevator reliability. ATTA recommends the following actions to protect yourself and ensure you are informed when it comes to your elevating devices:
- Ensure you are working with a reputable and proactive elevator maintenance and repair contractor that will understand your needs and concerns.
- Review your existing elevator maintenance contract. The ATTA Elevators team is well versed in elevator maintenance contracts of all types. If you are not happy with your current elevator contractor speak to ATTA Elevators and we will be happy to provide our insight on what options you may have.
- Consider a monthly elevator maintenance approach. Do you want your elevator maintenance contractor to work on/inspect your elevators less frequently? Most of the major OEMs have scaled back their maintenance frequency based on the false narrative that, through their MCP (Maintenance Control Program), the minimum frequency of no more than 90 days between maintenance work will suffice. Are you happy with the bare minimum or would you prefer an elevator maintenance contractor that goes above and beyond to ensure you get true value from your contract?
- Speak to ATTA Elevators as to how you can plan for upgrades and/or modernizations to your elevating devices to ensure you maintain and improve reliability. ATTA Elevators understands old and new elevator technology and we can ensure you are aware of obsolete components, possible safety upgrades, and worn-out equipment. We will work with you to budget and plan for the future of your elevating devices.
ATTA can help by providing insight on your elevator maintenance contract. We can ensure the contractual obligations are being met by your contractor. We can assist with upgrades to improve reliability and safety. Let ATTA Elevators assist with capital planning to ensure you are well prepared for the future and in good standing with the TSSA.
