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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions to get you started.

 

Is my conveyance regulated?

Most elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters and other lifts installed and operating in commercial buildings and are accessible to the public are regulated. OPS does sometimes delegate this regulatory authority to a local jurisdiction, so the conveyance owner should always check with the local jurisdiction to determine if there are more stringent requirements.

Some notable conveyance that we do not regulate are:

  • Conveyances located in private residences
  • Stairway chairlifts
  • Special Purpose Personnel Elevators
  • Conveyors and related equipment
  • Portable lifts (scissor lifts)
  • Performance stage lifts
How do I register my conveyance?

A conveyance owner must register every regulated conveyance by completing the Registration Notice and submitting it to OPS along with the one-time fee of $200.

Who inspects my conveyance? 

OPS delegates authority to regulate some conveyances to approved local jurisdictions.

  • If your conveyance is located within the territory of a local jurisdiction, please contact that local jurisdiction. Each jurisdiction has the flexibility to require inspections by private inspectors, jurisdiction-employed inspectors or jurisdiction-contracted inspectors, all of whom must have a current OPS license.
  • If your conveyance is not located within an approved local jurisdiction, OPS is the regulatory authority. OPS requires the conveyance owner to arrange for a licensed private inspector to inspect the conveyance.
Who maintains my conveyance?

licensed conveyance contractor may maintain your conveyance. The conveyance contractor employs mechanics, who must also have current OPS licenses, to perform the work.

What is a Maintenance Control Program?

The MCP (Maintenance Control Program) is basically a conveyance ‚Äúowner‚Äôs manual‚Äù which describes the recommended maintenance tasks, testing procedures and unique procedures associated with the specific equipment. It also includes documented maintenance, repairs and tests performed on the equipment. OPS has developed MCP Guidance to help you to comply with this requirement.

What is the difference between inspection and testing?
  • A licensed conveyance inspector must inspect a regulated conveyance annually at a minimum.
  • A licensed mechanic must perform the specific periodic safety tests required for a conveyance.
  • On a less frequent basis, a licensed conveyance inspector must witness the safety test.

 

The table below lists the testing and witnessing frequencies.

Frequency of Periodic and Acceptance Tests
Conveyance Type Category 1 (One-Year) Category 5 (Five-Year)
Perform Witness Perform Witness
Traction Elevators Annually No 5 years Yes
Hydraulic Elevators Annually No No1 Yes1
Other Elevators2 Annually No 5 years Yes
Dumbwaiters 5 years No No No
Escalators & Moving Walks Annually Yes No No
Indoor Platform Lifts 5 years Yes 5 years Yes
Outdoor Platform Lifts 3 years No 6 years Yes

1.) A category 5 test is only required on hydraulic elevators that are equipped with safeties, a plunger gripper, a governor, an oil buffer, or an over-speed valve.

2.) Includes roped-hydraulic and limited-use/limited-application (LULA) elevators.

 

What fees are associated with a regulated conveyance?
Fee Type Fee Amount
Registration $200
Certificate of Operation $30
Installation Permit $300
Alteration Permit $150
How do I report a dangerous conveyance or accident?

If you experience a dangerous situation involving an elevator, please contact us as soon as possible.

How do I request a site visit?

If you would like a staff member to visit your facility, complete the Request a Visit form.