We sincerely hope that this first edition of the ADVISOR provides our clients with information they find useful about elevating devices and their safety. We wish to promote safety and be helpful to our clients in this regard.

HYDRAULIC ELEVATORS - BURIED CYLINDERS

Recently we've received a number of inquiries from owners concerned with potential catastrophic failures (bottom blowouts) of buried hydraulic cylinders, particularly older elevators fitted with single bulkheads at the bottom (double bulkheads required by code after 1982). An affected elevator could free fall to the hoistway bottom.

Once installed in the ground, there seems no practical way to determine for certain whether or not cylinders are so fitted. However, while double bulkheads may provide better protection than single bulkheads, in our opinion they do not guarantee protection against catastrophic failure.

Hence, the newest national elevator code (adopted in Alberta) requires sealed PVC jackets surrounding buried hydraulic cylinders with an air space around cylinders on new installations. This applies to replacement cylinders.

While we are aware of no reported cases in Alberta of catastrophic failure, we understand several have occurred in the U.S. and at least one in eastern Canada. So it cannot be denied that the possibility exists here. We would suggest some things could be done to minimize the chance of catastrophic failures of existing cylinders.

First confirm if the hydraulic cylinder is leaking underground. They can be tested (per elevator code procedure) to detect underground leaks. Elevator contractors should perform this work. If a cylinder is proven to leak, then it must be replaced.

For cylinders proven not to be leaking, early detection of leaks can be achieved through frequent regular monitoring and recording of hydraulic oil losses (identified by having to add oil to the system) and the reasons for adding oil. As soon as oil losses cannot be explained (e.g. leaks above ground) then the leak must be below ground. Then the cylinder must be replaced. Elevator contractors should provide this monitoring.

CONSIDERING A MODERNIZATION?

Most elevators and escalators in Alberta were installed before or during the boom that ended in the early 80's and are aging. The trend toward modernization seems to be increasing.

When modernizing we suggest owners and their agents can avoid increasing their liability exposure (and unnecessary costs of corrections) that can occur through conflicts with safety codes adopted as law in Alberta.

We suggest using reputable elevator contractors and include wording to reflect "all work and equipment must comply with applicable Alberta codes and regulations" in job tender specifications.

Modernization almost always involves major or minor alterations to the equipment. Under Alberta regulations major alterations are subject to an approval process by AEDARSA. The duty rests with owners and contractors to adhere with regulations and adopted safety codes involved when minor alterations are carried out.

One of the most common minor modernizations is to passenger elevators by refinishing interiors of elevator car cabs. This can be subject to adopted codes and regulations. Some of the most commonly overlooked include:

When adding all or some special emergency service (formerly fire-fighters control) features to elevators:

Where relay logic control systems are replaced with solid state systems. While a major alteration, in some cases these have been done without following the approval process.

When discovered after the fact, formal acceptance and inspection and tests needed to confirm that equipment is installed as designed and that safety devices and switches and speed control systems function as per code requirements can be both costly and highly inconvenient for everyone involved.

ESCALATOR SAFETY ENHANCEMENT

Sometimes passengers get their feet caught between the steps and side (skirt) panels of escalators. This has resulted in minor cuts and abrasions and occasionally somewhat more serious injuries.

Serious injuries are supposed to be reported to AEDARSA for investigation with a view to preventing recurrences.

The nature of escalators is such that, while restricted to close tolerances by the code, clearance space in this area has not been eliminated. Clearance is needed to minimize wear and noise.

In addition to regular checks and skirt panel adjustments by qualified tradesmen to keep clearances at allowed tolerances, some add-on features might be considered as options to reduce this hazard on older units such as:

If you have any questions pertaining to this newsletter your nearest AEDARSA office can provide assistance.