Conveyance safety inspections for elevators are required to be performed, at minimum, annually and every five years. During these inspections, safety features and overall functionality of the elevator is tested ensuring the elevator meets the safety standards and complies to current regulation per code of ASME A17.1. Load testing (on traction elevators) and emergency power (where applicable) takes place during 5-year inspections where the assigned/contracted elevator mechanic is also to be present during the inspection.
Elevator Inspections
Every elevator within the state of Colorado is required to be registered with Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety and inspected by a thrid-party, licensed conveyance inspector.
Who regulates these inspections?
Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety (OPS)
Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety (OPS) is the overarching authority for elevator safety compliance throughout the State of Colorado and manages the OPS Conveyance Program.
Denver Fire Department Fire Prevention Division (DFD)
Denver Fire Department Fire Prevention Division (DFD) oversees the Conveyance Inspection Program throughout the City and County of Denver.
Local Authorities
Local Authorities are counties or municipalities that have entered into a Memorandom of Agreement (MOA) with the OPS to become approved Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Types of Inspections:
Annual/Periodic Inspections
Annual/Periodic Inspections are mandatory inspections for all elevators to ensure the elevator is operating under and compying with all safety codes and regulations in accordance to their respective program.
Acceptance Testing
Acceptance Testing is required on all newly installed and modernized elevators. These inspections are designed to ensure the elevator is operating to the standards of its respective program’s safety and performance standards prior to being put in service.
5-Year Witnessed Inspections
5-Year Witnessed Inspections are mandatory inspections for all elevators to ensure the elevator meets all safety and regulatory requirements mandated by the loaction’s program requirements. These inspections require a third party inspector to over see the required testing to be completed by the elevator’s contracted mechanic. If an elevator operates on emergency power, authorized personnel must also be present to perform additional testing/inspection of the emergency power unit and its current functionality.