New B44-16 elevating safety code

BC’s Elevating Devices Safety Regulation has been amended to include the adoption of the new safety code for elevators and escalators, CSA B44-16. The new code includes requirements that aim to improve the safety of your elevating device. B44-16 now requires that maintenance of your unit matches its usage, and that critical life safety systems are regularly tested. Here are some answers to questions you may have about these changes and your role:

What are the code requirements that affect me?

There are two new requirements that will impact equipment owners. They are:

• Maintenance control programs (MCPs): MCPs are a customized maintenance schedule for your elevating device that reflects its use and installation. MCPs are now required to ensure each device is properly maintained throughout its life cycle.
• New testing requirements: There are new requirements around annual and five-year testing of elevator systems (Category 1 and Category 5 tests), and for testing of escalators and moving walks (Category 1 tests for escalators and moving walks).

Why are these changes important?

MCPs help ensure your elevating device is inspected and maintained when it needs it, not just when the code outlines. There will be a minimum requirement for your contractor to perform maintenance visits at least once every three months. You may still elect to have monthly maintenance visits if that is best for your unit.

In jurisdictions where the new testing requirements have been implemented, safety defects have been identified that would not have been detected otherwise.

What are my responsibilities as an equipment owner?

Equipment owners are responsible for ensuring maintenance work is performed on their devices by licensed contractors. You should reach out to your contractor to assess the scope of the code changes and to make sure your maintenance contract complies with the new regulations.

When do I need to have an MCP in place?

An MCP must be in place for each elevating unit starting April 30, 2020, and no later than September 30, 2021.

Your licensed contractor is required to provide an MCP Transition Plan to Technical Safety BC by April 30, 2020. This plan should describe how they intend to onboard their portfolio of units into an MCP model.

For more information on requirements and deadlines for implementation, view the Information Bulletin released by Technical Safety BC.