Adhering to all of the DOB elevator codes is critical for ensuring that all of your elevators are properly functioning for all the passengers in New York City.
What buildings does this affect? All buildings with elevators in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, The Bronx and Staten Island must be inspected and tested twice per year. Most of the time these inspections are unannounced. These inspection companies are contracted by approved companies that can do inspections for the DOB. All of this information can be obtained through DOB and NYC Maintenance of Buildings Codes.
DOB helps ensure that elevators are safe and reliable forms of vertical transportation through Category Testing. Vertical Systems Analysis is an approved DOB Elevator Consulting Company that can provide Witness Testing.
The NYC Department of Buildings Guide to Elevators describes the different category tests as follows:
Category 1 (CAT1)
No load safety test performed between January 1st and December 31st each year
Category 3 (CAT3)
Performed on water hydraulic elevators only every three years from date of installation
Category 5 (CAT5)
Building owners and managers have the responsibility to hire licensed, competent elevator inspectors to preform the witness testing. Witness testing is performed with speed and with rated load every five years from the installation date of the elevator according to NY Law.
Building managers and building owners also have the responsibility of hiring a 3rd party impartial elevator consultant to actually witness the testing that is described above. (In other words, to witness the inspection) Vertical Systems Analysis is licensed to do this witness testing.
In NYC about 50% more violations are detected by elevator consulting companies that are attending elevator inspections. Another benefit is that having these completed will demonstrate to the building insurance company that the building owner and/or manager is complying with the law and protecting the overall assets of the building.
During the elevator test, escalators and elevators are tested in extreme conditions that do not rely on normal operation. This allows the elevator consultant to test for possible situations that may highlight small issues that can be fixed before they become large ones. Performing these tests also helps ensure safety of all the passengers on the elevator or escalator.
Choosing VSA for your building 3rd party witness testing.
Vertical Systems Analysis is a New York State licensed that can perform test witnessing as a third party agency. We have a terrific support staff that can complete your third party inspections, processing and even file the fees for your building. For more information, call (800) 989-5525