California Code of Regulations
Title 8 - Industrial Relations
Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety
Subchapter 6 - Elevator Safety Orders
Group II - Elevator Installations for Which the Installation Contract Was Signed Before October 25, 1998
Article 8 - Machinery and Equipment for Power Cable-Driven Passenger and Freight Elevators
Section 3041 - Emergency and Signal Devices

Universal Citation: 8 CA Code of Regs 3041

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024

(a) Emergency Devices for Summoning Assistance. (Title 24, part 7, section 7-3041(a)).

(1) Passenger elevators and automatic operation freight elevators shall be provided with an emergency alarm system, operable from within the car, which will provide effective means for summoning assistance at all hours in case of emergency.

(2) New installations of passenger or freight elevators, which are operated at any time without a designated operator in the car, shall be provided with one of the two following emergency alarm systems.

(A) A telephone in each elevator car, connected to a central telephone exchange providing 24 hour service.

(B) A system meeting the following requirements.

1. An electric bell, operable from the car, not less than 6 inches in diameter, located inside the building and audible inside and outside the hoistway. One bell operable from all cars may be used for a group of elevators.

2. Means for two-way conversation between each elevator and a readily accessible point outside the hoistway.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Elevators in buildings having a height from the lowest to the highest elevator landing of not more than 65 feet, providing the distance between any adjacent landing does not exceed 15 feet.

2. When the means of communication with an approved emergency service permits two-way conversation. See section 3041(a)(3)(B).

3. If the bell or the means of two-way conversation, or both, are normally connected to the building power supply, they shall automatically transfer to a source of emergency power within 10 seconds after the normal supply fails. The power source shall be capable of providing for the operation of the bell for one hour and the means of two-way conversation for 4 hours.

(3) Where elevators, which are operated at any time without a designated operator in the car, are located in buildings, other than apartments, hotels, or similar residential buildings, where attendants, watchmen, or tenants are not continuously available to take action in case the emergency signal is operated, and are not provided with a telephone in the elevator car connected to a central exchange system, they shall be provided with one of the following additional emergency signal devices.

(A) An electrical alarm bell, not less than 6 inches in diameter operable from inside the car shall be mounted in a weatherproof enclosure on the outside of the building near the main entrance. A sign that can be read from the adjacent sidewalk shall be mounted on or near the bell and shall be marked "ELEVATOR EMERGENCY, CALL POLICE" in letters not less than 2 inches high. Only one outside alarm bell is required, which shall be operable from the cars of all elevators of the type specified in the building. An emergency power source meeting the requirements of section 3041(a)(2)(B)3 shall be provided.

(B) Means within the car for communicating with or signaling to an approved emergency service which operates 24 hours each day.

(4) A sign, having lettering not less than 3/16 inch, shall be provided in passenger elevators adjacent to the car emergency alarm giving instructions as to the use of the device for summoning assistance.

(b) Photoelectric Tube By-Pass Switch.

(1) Elevators equipped with photoelectric tube devices, which control the closing of automatic, power-operated car or hoistway doors, or both, shall have a switch in the car which, when actuated, will render the photoelectric tube device ineffective.

(2) The switch shall be constant-pressure type, requiring not less than 10 lbf (44.5 N) nor more than 15 lbf (66.7 N) pressure to actuate.

(3) The switch shall be located not less than 6 ft. (1.83 m) nor more than 6.5 ft (1.98 m) above the car floor, and shall be located in or adjacent to the operating panel.

(4) The switch shall be clearly labeled "TO BE USED IN CASE OF FIRE ONLY."

(5) Switches shall be kept in working order or be removed when existing installations are arranged to comply with subsection 3041(b), Exceptions.

EXCEPTIONS to subsection 3041(b):

1. Elevators installed and maintained in compliance with subsections 3041(c)(1)(A) and 3041(c)(1)(B).

2. Where alternate means, acceptable to the Division and fire authority having jurisdiction, are provided that will ensure the doors can close under adverse smoke conditions.

(Title 24, part 2, section 5103(h).)

(1) Elevators with automatic operation and automatic power operated hoistway doors shall conform to the following:

Exception: New elevators having a travel of not more than 25 ft. (7.62m) and elevators existing at the time of adoption of this order with a travel of not more than 50 ft. (15.24m).

(A) A three-position (on, off, and by-pass), key-operated switch shall be provided at the designated level for each single elevator or for each group of elevators. The key shall be removable only in the "on" and "off" positions. When the switch is in the "on" position, all elevators controlled by this switch and which are on automatic service shall return nonstop to the designated level and the doors shall open and remain open.

1. An elevator traveling away from the designated level shall reverse at or before the next available floor without opening its doors.

2. Elevators standing at a floor other than the designated level, with doors open, shall close the doors without delay, and proceed to the designated level.

3. Door reopening devices for power-operated doors which are sensitive to products of combustion, heat or flame shall be rendered inoperative.

4. All car and corridor call buttons shall be rendered inoperative and all call registered lights and direction lanterns shall be extinguished and remain inoperative.

5. A car stopped at a landing shall have its "Emergency Stop Switch" required by section 3040(b)(5) rendered inoperative as soon as the doors are closed and it starts toward the designated level. A moving car, traveling to or away from the designated level, shall have its "Emergency Stop Switch" rendered inoperative immediately.

6. A sensing device at each elevator landing which, when activated, prevents cars from stopping at that floor shall not be substituted for the above requirements.

(B) Sensing Devices.

1. In addition to the key operated switch required in section 3041(c)(1)(A) above, sensing devices shall be located in accordance with NFPA No. 72-E-1984 at each elevator landing at each floor except the designated level. The sensing devices shall be either combined rate of rise and fixed temperature devices or smoke sensing devices approved and listed as suitable for this purpose by the State Fire Marshal. The activation of a sensing device at any elevator landing shall cause all cars in all groups that serve that landing to return non-stop to the designated level. The operation shall conform to the requirements of section 3041(c)(1)(A)1 through section 3041(c)(1)(A)5. The key-operated switch required by section 3041(c)(1)(A), when moved to the "by-pass" position, shall restore normal service independent of the sensing devices. Smoke detector systems shall not be self-resetting.

EXCEPTIONS:

(a) Elevator landings in buildings which are completely protected by an automatic sprinkler system. (See NFPA No. 13-1983 Sprinkler System)

(b) Elevator landings of unenclosed landings open to the atmosphere or open to an interior court of a building.

2. In addition to the sensing devices required by section 3041(c)(1)(B)1, either or both of the following additions are permitted:

(A) Sensing devices installed at the designated-level which, when activated, will cause all cars in all groups that serve that lobby to return non-stop to an alternate level, approved by the Division, unless the key-operated switch required by section 3041(c)(1)(A) is in the "on" position.

(B) Sensing devices installed in associated elevator machine rooms or associated elevator hoistways which, when activated, will cause all cars to function as specified in section 3041(c)(1)(B).

Note: See T24 CCR, section E620-37, Foreign Wires, for limitations on sensing devices located in elevator hoistways.

(C) Elevators without a landing at grade level shall be returned to the landing closest to grade level or other level approved by the local fire authorities and shall conform to the requirements of section 3041(c)(1)(A)1 through section 3041(c)(1)(A)6.

(D) Elevators having a travel of 70 feet or more above the lowest grade elevation surrounding the building shall be provided with the following operation:

A two position (off, on) key-operated switch shall be provided in or adjacent to an operating panel in each car and shall be effective only when the designated level key-operated switch is in the "on" position or a sensing device has been activated and the car has returned to the designated level or other approved alternate level. The key shall be removable only in the "off" position, and when in the "on" position it shall place the elevator on emergency service.

The operation of elevators on emergency service shall be as follows:

1. An elevator shall be operable only by a person in the elevator.

2. Elevators shall not respond to elevator corridor calls.

3. The opening of power-operated doors shall be controlled only by continuous pressure "Door Open" buttons or switches. If the switch or button is released prior to the doors reaching the fully open position, the doors shall automatically reclose. Open doors shall be closed by registration of a car call or by pressure on "Door Close" switch or button.

4. The car shall stay on emergency service as long as the car key is in the "on" position even though the designated level key-operated switch is returned to its "off" position.

5. The emergency stop switch shall be rendered operative.

(E) Multi-deck elevators shall conform to the requirements of section 3041(c)(1)(D), section 3041(c)(1)(F) and the following:

1. The key-operated switch required by section 3041(c)(1)(A) shall be located at the designated level served by the upper deck.

2. The key-operated switch in the car required by section 3041(c)(1)(D) for emergency service operation shall be located in the top deck. The elevators shall be provided with means for placing the lower deck out of service including closing of car and hoistway doors. The lower deck shall be out of service before the emergency service operation from the top deck becomes effective. The means for placing the lower deck out of service shall be located in that deck or adjacent to the entrance in the corridor.

(F) The switches required by section 3041(c)(1)(A) and section 3041(c)(1)(D) shall be operated by the same key but shall not be a part of a building master key system. There shall be a key for the designated level switch and for each elevator in the group and these keys shall be kept on the premises by persons responsible for maintenance and operation of the elevators, in a location approved by the local fire protection authorities readily accessible to authorized persons, but not where they are available to the public. The locks shall be of the cylinder type having not less than a 5-pin or 5-disc combination.

(2) Attendant-Operated Elevators. Elevators operable only by a designated attendant in the car shall be provided with a signal system consisting of both visual and audible types actuated at the designated level or other approved alternate level to alert the attendant to return non-stop to the designated level or other approved alternate level. Provisions shall be made to alert the attendant in the same manner when a sensing device is activated.

(3) Elevators Arranged for Dual Operation. Elevators arranged for dual operation shall, when on automatic operation conform to section 3041(c)(1) and when on operation by a designated attendant in the car, conform to section 3041(c)(2).

(4) Operating Instructions. Instructions for operation of elevators under fire and other emergency conditions shall be incorporated within the enclosure for the switch at the designated level required by section 3041(c)(1) and section 3041(c)(2) or shall be posted adjacent to it. Instructions shall be in letters not less than 1/4 -in. (6.4mm) in height and shall be permanently installed and protected against removal and defacement.

(5) Floor Numbers. Elevator hoistways shall have a floor number not less than 4 in. (102mm) in height, placed on the walls and/or doors of the hoistway at intervals such that a person in a stalled elevator, upon opening the car door, can determine the floor position.

(6) Fire Signs. All automatic elevators shall have not less than one sign at each landing printed on a contrasting background in letters not less than 1/2 inch high to read: "In case of fire use stairway for exit. Do not use elevator."

(7) Elevators exempt from the requirements of section 3041(c):

(A) Elevators in jails and penal institutions, where the recall of an elevator would interfere with mandatory security.

(B) Elevators in noncombustible type structures such as rock quarrys, mills, steel towers, dams, storage bins, noncombustible power plants, and tanks where the elevators are used only by maintenance and operating personnel.

(8) The date for compliance with the retroactive requirements of section 3041(c) for existing elevators installed before October 6, 1975 shall be October 6, 1978.

EXCEPTION: Elevators in buildings subject to the provisions for existing high rise buildings section B1733 of title 19 where good cause for not complying by October 6, 1975 and where a systematic and progressive plan of compliance has been submitted to and approved by the Division to comply on or before April 26, 1981.

(Title 24, part 2, section 5103(i).)

(d) Earthquake Emergency Operation.

(1) Passenger elevators with automatic operation and counterweights shall be provided with earthquake protective devices of the following types.

EXCEPTIONS:

(1) Elevators whose car and counterweight guiding system including rails, brackets and guiding shoes whose equipment fastenings and attachments to the building structural members have been properly certified to the Division, by an engineer qualified under the Civil and Professional Engineers Act, to be designed and built to withstand the static and dynamic seismic forces for which the building was designed.

(2) Elevators in structures such as rock quarries, mills, steel towers, dams, storage bins, power plants and tanks where the elevators are used only by maintenance and operating personnel and in buildings such as jails and penal institutions, where stopping of an elevator would interfere with the security of the institution.

(3) A period of seven years from October 6, 1975 will be allowed for elevators existing at the time of the adoption of section 3041(d) to comply with the retroactive requirements of section 3041(d) .

(A) Elevators with drum machines operating at any speed and traction machines operating at rated speeds of more than 150 f.p.m. shall be provided with either a seismic switch device or a derailment switch device.

(B) Elevators with traction machines with rated speeds of not more than 150 f.p.m. shall be provided with a collision switch device.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Elevators provided with either a seismic switch device or a derailment switch device.

2. Elevators with traction machines with counterweights located or restrained to prevent the car and counterweight colliding.

(C) Elevators with traction machines arranged to operate under emergency conditions after activation of either a seismic switch device or a derailment switch device shall be provided with a collision switch device.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Elevators with traction machines with counterweights located or restrained to prevent the car and counterweight colliding.

2. Elevators equipped with a derailment switch that continuously monitors the position of the counterweight and therefore acts as a collision switch.

(2) Passenger elevators with traction machines, counterweights, and selective collective or group automatic operation shall, upon activation of a seismic switch or derailment device, and if in motion, either

(A) Slow to a speed not greater than 150 f.p.m. and proceed to the next floor in the direction of the travel and stop.

EXCEPTION: Elevators operating in a hoistway with more than 36 feet between landings shall not proceed to the next floor in the direction of travel if the car must pass the counterweight

(B) Stop and then proceed to the next floor at a speed not greater than 150 f.p.m. in a direction away from the counterweight.

(3) Passenger elevators with traction machines having automatic operation other than selective collective or group automatic shall, if in motion, upon activation of an earthquake protective device, stop.

EXCEPTION: Elevators with traction machines that comply with 3041(d)(2).

(4) Passenger elevators with counterweights and drum machines shall, if in motion, upon activation of an earthquake protective devices stop.

(5) Elevators required to comply with section 3041(d)(1) when on automatic operation shall conform to sections 3041(d)(2), (3), and (4) when on attendant service.

(6) Cars stopped by an earthquake protection device shall be operable at not more than 150 f.p.m. from the car top operating station as described in section 3040(a)(4) if so equipped.

(7) Activation of a seismic switch device or momentary activation of a derailment switch device shall prevent operation of the car by the emergency service key described in 3041(c) or a hospital emergency service key at a speed greater than 150 f.p.m.

(8) Activation of a collision switch device or continuous activation of a derailment switch device shall prevent operation of the car except from the car top operating station.

EXCEPTION: Cars stopped by activation of the collision switch or derailment switch may be operable from the emergency service switch described in section 3041(c) in the direction away from the counterweight.

(9) A collision switch shall, upon activation, stop an elevator traveling at a speed of 150 f.p.m. before the car meets the counterweight.

(10) Elevators not in operation shall remain at the landing. Elevators shall upon reaching a landing remain at the landing unless operated by the emergency service key described in section 3041(c) .

(11) Cars with power operated doors shall upon reaching a landing cause their doors to open and remain open unless operated by the emergency service key described in section 3041(c) .

(12) An earthquake sensing device shall activate upon excitation in a horizontal or vertical direction of not more than 0.15 g.

(13) An identified momentary reset button or switch for each car, located in the control panel in the machine room, shall be provided for elevators equipped with a seismic switch or a derailment switch.

(14) Cars stopped by an earthquake protection device shall remain stopped in the event of a power failure and subsequent restoration of power. The functions performed by the electrical protective devices required by section 3040(b) shall not be canceled by the earthquake protection device.

(15) Earthquake protection devices with exposed live parts in the hoistway shall operate at not more than 24 volts root mean square A.C. or 24 volts D.C. above or below ground potential and shall not be capable of supplying more than 1/2 ampere when short circuited.

(16) Earthquake protection devices shall be of a fail safe-type or shall include a dual system arranged to prevent energizing the sensing portion unless the complete system is intact.

(17) Earthquake protection devices shall be arranged to be checked for satisfactory operation and shall be calibrated at intervals recommended by the manufacturer.

(e) Medical Emergency Elevators.

(1) All buildings and structures constructed after the effective date of this order that are provided with one or more passenger elevators shall be provided with not less than one passenger elevator designed and designated to accommodate the loading and transport of an ambulance gurney or stretcher maximum size 22 1/2 in. (572 mm) by 75 in. (1.90 m) in its horizontal position and arranged to serve all landings in conformance with the following:

EXCEPTIONS to section 3041(e)(1):

1. Elevators in structures such as rock quarries, mills, steel towers, dams, storage bins, power plants and tanks where the elevators are used only by maintenance and operating personnel; elevators in buildings such as jails and penal institutions; and private residence type elevators in locations under the jurisdiction of the Division.

2. Elevators in buildings or structures where each landing is at ground level or is accessible at grade level or by a ramp.

3. Elevator(s) in two story buildings or structures equipped with stairs of a configuration that will accommodate the carrying of the gurney or stretcher as permitted by the local jurisdiction authority.

4. Elevators in buildings or structures for which the local jurisdictional authority has granted an exception in the form of a written document.

5. Elevators in buildings or structures for which the building plans were filed or for which a permit was issued prior to (the effective date of this order).

(A) The hoistway landing openings shall be provided with power operated doors.

(B) The clear opening provided by the elevator entrance shall be not less than 42 in. (1.07 m) wide nor less than 78 in. (1.98 m) high.

EXCEPTION to section 3041(e)(1)(B):

See Exception to section 3041(e)(1)(C).

Exception to section 3041(e)(1)(B) and (C):

The platform dimensions and/or the clear entrance opening dimension may be altered where it can be demonstrated to the local jurisdictional authority's satisfaction that the car and entrance configuration to be provided will handle the designated gurney or stretcher with equivalent ease. Documentation from the local authority shall be provided to the Division.

(D) The elevator(s) that is designated the Medical Emergency Elevator shall be arranged to be recallable by a key switch as are the elevators which must comply with subsection 3041(c)(1)(A). For the purpose of this subsection elevators in compliance with subsection 3041(c) shall be acceptable.

(2) Designation. New elevators arranged to conform with section 3041(e)(1) shall be provided with identification which can be readily noted from the landings and hallways.

(A) The identification shall be the international symbol (Star of Life) for Emergency Medical services.

(B) The symbol shall be approximately 3 in. (76 mm) in size.

(C) The symbols (2 each) shall be permanently attached to the hoistway door frame on that portion at right angles to the hallway or landing areas at a glance not less than 78 in. (1.98 m) and not more than 84 in. (2.13 m) above the floor level at the threshold.

(3) Designation. Elevators existing prior to July 1, 1986 that were intended as medical emergency elevators or any other passenger elevator of adequate size and configuration that the local jurisdictional authority may designate should be provided with the international symbols as required by section 3041(e)(2).

Note: 1: The intent of section 3041(e) is to ensure that each floor or landing of the building or structure can be accessed or egressed with a gurney or stretcher in the horizontal position. The Division will be receptive to passenger elevators of any size and/or configuration that can be demonstrated to meet this intent even if it does not comply with the specifications listed, providing the local building official and authority deem it acceptable.

Note: 2: The orders in section 3041(e) are not intended to be used to require the installation of an elevator, service to a given floor or landing, or the altering of an existing elevator as a result of building changes or upgrading. Such requirements must come from a different source, code or law.

(Title 24, part 7, section 7-3041)

(Title 24, part 2, section 5108)

1. Repealer of subsection (c) and new subsections (c) and (d) filed 9-5-75; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 75, No. 36).
2. Amendment of subsection (d)(2) filed 6-23-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 26).
3. Subsection (d) which was filed 9-5-75 (Register 75, No. 36), was approved by the Building Standards Commission 3-26-76. History note printed in Register 78, No. 30 for technical reasons.
4. New subsections (c)(7) and (c)(8), amendment of Exception within subsection (d)(1), repealer of subsection (d)(5) and Exception within subsection (d)(17), and new subsection (d)(5) filed 12-22-78; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 1).
5. Repealer of subsection (c)(7) (Register 75, No. 36 version) filed 1-3-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 1).
6. Amendment of subsection (c) filed 6-19-86; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 86, No. 25).
7. Amendment of subsection (c)(1)(E) filed 12-4-86; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 86, No. 49).
8. New subsection (e) filed by Building Standards Commission with the Secretary of State on 1-26-88. Submitted to OAL for printing only pursuant to government Code section 11343.8 (Register 88, No. 19).
9. Editorial correction of NOTE 2 filed 6-12-91; operative 7-12-91 (Register 91, No. 34).
10. Amendment of subsections (a) and (b) and Reference citation, filed 7-1-91; operative 7-31-91 (Register 91, No. 43).
11. Editorial correction of subsections (c)(1)(B)1. and (e)(1) EXCEPTION 4 (Register 95, No. 32).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7301.5, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code; and Section 18943, Health and Safety Code.

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