Climbing up several flights of stairs when going to work can be a job in and of itself. Thankfully, there are elevators that can get you to your destination more efficiently. The first known reference of elevator use was documented by a Roman architect, Vitruvius, that Archimedes built the first elevator in 236 BC. Since the early times, elevators have been a great convenience for a long time. Keeping an elevator running is an extremely important priority. The elevator is a very safe mode of transportation up and down tall buildings. There are less than 30 deaths a year worldwide resulting from elevator use. Most of these deaths and injuries were to elevator maintenance crews.
Elevator Company in Washington DC takes safety very seriously. Elevator safety is governed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. They set safety standards to ensure public safety. Under the ASME, there is a set of building codes that define safety standards and features that each elevator must meet. For most elevators for human use, there are weight limits that they can hold. This is usually between 1600 to 5000 pounds. There are few Elevator Company in Washington DC and surrounding areas that will load test your elevator. There should be an annual elevator inspection for mechanical soundness and another inspection for safety. Elevators should be load tested at least once every five years. Keeping your elevator in top shape prevents entrapment and injuries as well as ensuring reliable operations. During the annual inspections, you should have your sump pump tested for correct operations. Companies like Elevator Technologies Inc. will have a comprehensive inspection plan.
Federal and state law mandate inspections and periodic service of your elevators. Most insurance companies will also need to see documentation of your annual inspection records as well. Not keeping your elevators in good working order is just asking injuries and lawsuits. You should check ASME website periodically to keep up to date on federal laws. Your state also will also have a set of guidelines. They will also send out state inspectors from time to time to ensure you are following the law. In fact, if there is injuries or death resulting from the use of your elevator, the state will shut your elevator down for investigations.
