Why Federal Government Lagging in Improving Home Elevator Safety Standards
The U.S. federal government has largely failed to improve the safety standards of home elevators, leaving the responsibility to individual states, counties, or local jurisdictions. This lack of a unified federal approach has led to a fragmented system where safety standards vary widely across different regions. As a result, homeowners across the country face varying levels of safety when using residential elevators.
State-Specific Safety Standards
Each state, county, or local jurisdiction creates and enforces its own safety standards for home elevators and other ADA-compliant equipment. For instance, in Washington State, every residential elevator, platform lift, or stair climber must be inspected by an appropriate elevator inspector before the homeowner can use it. During the inspection, a full-weight test is conducted to ensure all safety features are fully functional. If the elevator is rated for 750 pounds, for example, a 750-pound dead weight is loaded into the car to test the safety features.
The inspection process is crucial as it helps identify potential hazards and maintains public safety. Additionally, it’s highly advisable to have elevator servicing and inspections performed by licensed elevator companies. This is due to the significant liability that homeowners face in case of an accident. The prudent approach is to ensure that the elevator meets the required safety standards before use.
Proposed State Legislation
Washington State is currently considering a bill that would mandate the inspection of residential elevators and other ADA-compliant equipment before a home is sold. This move aims to ensure that home buyers are aware of the safety standards of the elevator installations in the property they are purchasing.
However, not all states have similar provisions. The variation in inspection frequency can be significant, with some requiring annual inspections, others biannual inspections, and some only during turnover to a new customer. This inconsistency is largely due to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) in each area, rather than federal standards.
Federal Role and Local Adoption
Federal regulations typically need to be "adopted" by the individual states to come into force. This means that while the federal government can provide guidelines and recommendations, states are responsible for actually implementing and enforcing these standards. The significance of this relationship is that commercial building elevators and those in apartment buildings over a certain height and occupancy have very well-defined safety standards. Unfortunately, residential elevators remain relatively rare and the number of complaints and injuries has been minimal, resulting in less comprehensive standards at the state level.
Elevators and Buyer Preferences
The relative rarity of residential elevators, combined with the low frequency of accidents, indicates that safety standards for these devices have not been a priority for both buyers and sellers. Furthermore, potential improvements to home elevator safety standards may be met with resistance from homeowners who may see these features as unnecessary or expensive.
Current Federal Regulations and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Currently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates the workplace elevators, which are different from residential elevators. OSHA does not regulate the maintenance of residential elevators, meaning there is a gap in comprehensive safety oversight, especially given the growing number of homeowners opting for residential elevators for accessibility and convenience.
What Needs to Be Done
Given the fragmented nature of the current regulatory landscape, more comprehensive federal guidelines are needed to ensure consistent safety standards across the country. There are already safety switches and features that prevent operation with open doors, uncontrollable descent, and overloading. However, in areas with less stringent standards, these features may not be as prevalent or well-maintained.
To improve safety standards for home elevators, the following steps could be considered:
Developing comprehensive federal guidelines for home elevator safety and maintenance.
Encouraging states to adopt more stringent inspection and maintenance requirements.
Improving awareness among homeowners about the importance of regular elevator inspections.
Enhancing coordination between federal, state, and local regulatory bodies to ensure consistent enforcement of safety standards.
In conclusion, while state-specific regulations and local jurisdictions play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of home elevators, a more comprehensive federal approach is necessary to address the current gaps and improve safety standards nationwide.