The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is working on new elevator safety and availability rules in Ontario, which will require elevator owners to record extended elevator outages for public reporting.
In Ontario, there are nearly 20,000 passenger elevators in over 10,000 residential and institutional buildings. According to former Justice Douglas Cunningham’s recommendations in his 2018 report on elevator availability, stakeholders across Ontario have raised a multitude of issues related to elevator availability as the existing stock of elevators ages, and the province continues to experience rapid growth in the construction of buildings, including high-rise condominiums.
Beginning July 1, 2022:
- Owners of elevators in residential buildings and long-term care homes will be required to report elevator outages lasting more than 48 hours as part of an initiative to improve elevator availability, safety, and maintenance. The reporting must be completed within 30 days of the elevator’s resumption of service.
- Members of the public will be able to get information regarding elevator outages via TSSA’s website under the new rules. The data will aid the government and TSSA in determining if any adjustments to elevator safety and availability are required in the future.
The Ontario government held consultations on the proposed regulatory amendments under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 from July 2 to August 4, 2020, to see how these changes can help guarantee that elevators are effectively maintained and satisfy safety criteria.
Comprehensive requirements for elevator-owner reporting will be accessible next spring.
Resources
Auditor General of Ontario’s recommendations on improving elevator safety
Justice Douglas Cunningham’s recommendations in his 2018 report on elevator availability.
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