New York City is known for having a lot of people and tall buildings. In the boroughs of New York, there are a lot of residential towers that light up Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and The Bronx. And New Yorkers can’t live without elevators. They are an important part of their daily lives. For the building owners, it is crucial to know the NYC elevator testing and maintenance requirements.
New York City has more than 70,000 elevators which makes this a regular part of our lives. But using this machine the wrong way is dangerous that most people did not know about due to the advancement of technology nowadays.
Generally, elevators are a secure and dependable mode of transportation for your tenants. But as time goes by, all the mechanical systems can develop severe problems. For instance, there would be costly emergency repairs, excessive downtimes, code violations, and legal liabilities. And those problems can be avoided by having regular maintenance.
NYC Elevator Testing and Inspection
In order to follow the NYC Building Codes, the five boroughs of New York must test and inspect their elevators twice a year. The Department of Buildings (DOB) hires a private inspection company to do the annual checks.
Most of the time, these inspections are done at random, and the owners must let the inspector do what needs to be done. If the owner doesn’t let the inspector in, they must put up a sign where everyone can see it with information about rescheduling the inspection.
NYC Elevator Testing Category
The New York Department of Buildings (DOB) licenses and accredits independent third-party agencies to carry out and observe the NYC elevator testing category. The owner of the building is the one who has to hire these inspection companies.
- CATEGORY 1 ( CAT-1 ) – This is a safety test that is done every year between January 1 and December 31. During the inspection, if any flaws are found, they must be fixed and confirmed with an Affirmation of Correction ( ELV-29 ). It is the same form that is used to fix violations of Elevator PVT (E-Elevator). Corrections for flaws must be made within 120 days of the date of the original inspection and must be filed within 60 days of the date of the correction.
- CATEGORY 5 ( CAT-5 ) – This is the same test as CAT-1, but it also includes test weights to check the full load and rate speed to test how buffers work at full speed, as well as the speed at which they trip and their ability to hold on when they slip. It is done every five years from the date the system was put in place. The CAT-5 test takes at least five hours, so it’s best to let people know ahead of time that there will be a service interruption. The test results must be within 60 days of the inspection date. If problems are found, they must be fixed within 120 days of the date of the original inspection and an Affirmation of Correction (ELV-29) must be filed within 60 days of the date the problem was fixed.
Violations and Penalties
- EVCAT1 –Administrative violation for failing to file a CATEGORY 1 (CAT-1) annual elevator inspection. These violations don’t change, and they are given out by the government with no copies. Each EVCAT1 device that doesn’t follow the rules costs $3,000. This violation will be fixed when the total amount of civil liability is paid to the Elevator Division at DOB.
- EVCAT5 – If you don’t file a CATEGORY 5 (CAT-5) load-bearing test, you will get a violation from the government. Same as with EVCAT1, EVCAT5 violations don’t change and are given out by the administration without copies. The fine for an EVCAT1 is $5,000 per device which doesn’t meet the rules. This violation will be fixed when the total amount of civil liability is paid to the Elevator Division at DOB.
Disputes and Payments.
- CATEGORY 1 ( CAT-1 ) To file a dispute, provide evidence of the appropriate, filed, and complete Category 1 test together with the canceled check copy for the inspection fee within 30 days of issuance of the violation to the Elevator Division of DOB.
- CATEGORY 5 ( CAT-5 ) To file a dispute, provide evidence of the appropriate, filed, and complete Category 5 test together with the canceled check copy for the inspection fee within 30 days of issuance of the violation to the Elevator Division of DOB. Another way is providing proof that the non-compliant device does not require the CAT-5 test to the DOB.
As of June 2020, all payments for penalties must be paid online via DOB NOW Public Portal and the civil penalties.
Late Fees.
Failure to file inspections within 60 days after the test or correction date will mark as late and with corresponding late fees. CATEGORY 1 ( CAT-1 ) will be $150/month; for CATEGORY 5 ( CAT-5 ), it will be $250/month, while the affirmation of correction will be $150/month.
Elevator Maintenance
Approval of company with the current maintenance contract. And if you own a building, you need to be able to do elevator repair, replacement, and maintenance, as a requirement by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
The building custodian and department must have readily available information on the contracted agency’s name, address, and telephone number.
The NYC Construction Code says that maintenance contracts should have a Maintenance Control Program (MCP) in them. That’s what the elevator manufacturer’s maintenance protocol says to do. MCP can also be set up by a designer hired by the building owner. Another requirement is a maintenance log that lists the dates and types of maintenance done on the device. And this log must be available on-site with the MCP.
The owners of a multi-family unit, residential building, or condo apartment building must let the residents know if the building will be out of service for two hours or more or if there are plans for construction.
If the owner submits an application for modernization. They have to put up a notice at least ten days before they start work. There should be a clear plan for what kind of work will be done and when it will begin and end.
For conducting elevator works, the owner must obtain all the necessary permits. An NYC licensed Elevator Director or a registered design professional must file an Elevator Application (ELV1) to the DOB as the applicant representing the owner to obtain an elevator permit.
Elevators are now a must-have in both commercial and residential buildings with more than one floor. When elevators are inspected and fixed properly, people stay safe and the device lasts longer. Overall, a well-kept elevator in a rental building or condo makes it easier for people to rent because it causes them less stress and only a small amount of trouble.
