Own elevators and boilers?
Then you know that elevator and boiler devices at your buildings are some of the most costly and difficult equipment to keep in compliance. Here at SiteCompli, we’re all about simplifying regulations and processes into actionable steps for your compliance team, so we’ve created an in-depth resource guide to get into all the details you need to know.
What do I need to know about elevator inspections?
Category 1 Inspection:
The DOB requires all elevator devices to undergo an annual inspection, called a Category 1 test. Owners and managers are responsible for hiring an approved elevator inspection agency to perform the test, as well as an unaffiliated third party approved agency to witness the inspection. Category 1 tests must be performed and submitted to the DOB by December 31st of each year.
Category 5 Inspection:
Depending on the type of device, some also require a Category 5 full load inspection test every 5 years. If a Category 5 report was last filed in March 2012, it would be due again at the end of March 2017. When the Category 1 and Category 5 tests line up for a device, owners may choose to perform both types of inspections at the same time and file the results on the same ELV3 form.
Elevator Inspection Penalties
There are a number of ways failing to comply with elevator inspections can impact your properties:
- Missing inspections will be flagged during DOB’s review for a Final Certificate of Occupancy
- There may be delays for property transaction
- A property owner may be held liable in the case of emergencies involving a device lacking regular satisfactory inspections
Get details on penalties for inspection violations & how to avoid them in the first place here
What is an elevator PVT violation?
A PVT (or E-ELEVATOR violation) may be issued for failure to maintain the device. If the violation is hazardous or if the violation was issued for “no access to the device or machine room”:
- a certified elevator inspection company must submit a letter, by mail or in-person to the Elevator Division indicating that corrections were made and requesting a re-inspection of the device.
If the violation is non-hazardous, the certified company may:
- perform the re-inspection and submit the ELV-29 (aka an Affirmation of Correction) to the Elevator Division at 280 Broadway, 4th Floor.
*As of 2014, the DOB has also begun removing PVT violations on a regular basis from any elevator devices that are in current compliance. If your device has a current status of “Satisfactory” or “Accepted – Correction,” the DOB may clear any associated PVTs from that elevator as often as quarterly. Please note that this automatic removal process may take time, so if you need to clear PVTs quickly, submitting an Affirmation of Correction is often the fastest route.
What are DOB inspection rules for boilers?
- The BO-9 inspection form must be filed within 45 days of performing inspection (one form per each inspection type for High Pressure Boilers).
- If defects are found during an inspection, they must be corrected and an Affirmation of Correction (BO-13) must be filed within 180 days from the calendar inspection date.
- Reports submitted more than 180 calendar days from the BO-9 inspection date will incur a late penalty of $50/boiler/month. Reports submitted more than 180 calendar days from the BO-9 inspection date will incur a late penalty of $50/boiler/month.
- Reports submitted 12 months after the inspection date will be deemed expired and incur the full penalty.
- Inspections vary for high pressure and low pressure broilers, so be sure to check out our full Elevator & Boiler Quick Reference Guide to make sure you know the differences!
Get the resource that needs to be on your desk this elevator & boiler filing season
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