Elevator Industry Group Of Southern California

Recap of Meeting of April 15, 2008

The meeting was called to order by President Mike Shaw with about 120 attending. In view of the size of the group, the usual business session was omitted, as were self - introductions. We proceeded directly to the program, headed by Al Tafazoli, Principal Engineer for the Elevator unit of DOSH for the State of California. Additional representatives of the state code enforcing authorities on hand included Michael Boyle, Paul Puno, John Pevehouse, Steve Singleton, Daniel Barker and Al Swanson. The City of Los Angeles was represented by Chief Inspector Peter Callas, Barry Friesen and David Jennings.

All present were provided with copies of Circular letter E-08-01 form the State of California, DOSH, Elevator, Ride and Tramway Unit, which is the official notification of the new regulations which were the stimulus for our meeting. The letter can be seen here:

http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/elevator_circular_letterE-08-01.pdf
Mr. Tafazoli reminded us that the state’s elevator regulations are embodied in Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations, and that ASME A17.1-2004 only applies to the extent that it is incorporated in those regulations. Further, when reference is made to ASME A17.1-2004 (which we will refer to hereafter as A17), it means the original version thereof and does not include supplement 1S-2005 or addenda 1a-2005.  Al emphasized that when consulting the regulations, it is important to begin with Title 8 and refer to A17 only where directed therein. Many items are addressed in the Title 8 regulations and not necessarily covered by A17. Some examples are static controls, vertical platform (Wheelchair) lifts, water removal systems and limited use, limited access systems (”LULA’s”).

Elevators covered by these revised regulations are classified as being in a new grouping, designated Group IV. Equipment covered by previously created Groups I, II and III continue to be covered by the regulations appropriate thereto and the new regulations incorporated into Group IV are not retroactive. Previously granted permanent variances continue to be valid.

The effective date of the new regulations is May 1, 2008. For contracts signed prior to May 1, a letter of intent should be sent to the Division to insure “grandfathering” as Group III. Contracts executed on and after May 1, 2008 will be covered by Group IV.

California has no regulations governing elevators and the like in single family residences. Section 3001((b)(5) states that elevators installed in a multiunit residential serving no more than two dwelling units, not accessible to the public, installed after September 28, 2001 are required to comply with applicable provisions of ASME A17.1-1996, part 5, or ASME A18.1-1999, sections 5, 6 and 7. Such installations require an “acceptance” inspection but are not subject to periodic inspections thereafter.

Device approval (”labeling”) is still required by the State for hoistway door locks, oil buffers, governors and safety devices. Plunger grippers are added to this list by the Group IV requirements. In response to a question, it was indicated that the auxiliary braking devices required by the new regulations do not require labeling.

Conveyances used for construction covered by A17 section  5.10  are required to comply with that section and additional requirements are listed in Section 3141.10 of Title 8.

Many questions were asked concerning what are commonly called “modernization’s” (called alterations in A17). The concern is when the Group IV regulations would apply in such cases. There is no short answer. Each Group has regulations which address the subject and one must consider what is being done, look in the appropriate section and make a determination. Generally, it may be said that components that are in no way altered would continue to be governed by the rules applying at time of original installation. As a specific example, any modernization of a hydraulic elevator that did not directly affect the jack unit, would not be cause to apply the Group IV rules to that jack. Where the jack unit is replaced as part of a modernization, (alteration) Group IV rules would apply to that jack, simply because those would be the rules in effect at time of installation insofar as the jack is concerned. Where a cylinder is installed, altered or sleeved as part of an alteration it would be required to conform to rule 3.18.3 of A17, which is the same requirement a new installation would have to satisfy.

Section 3141.6 states that periodic testing (generally not previously required) shall comply with the requirements of A17 section 8.11, establishes the frequency for such tests and requires that such testing be witnessed by a “Certified Competent Conveyance Inspector” (CCCI). A CCCI is defined as “Any person who has been determined by the Division to have the qualifications and ability of a competent conveyance inspector and is certified as a CCCI by the Division”. The methods to be used by the Division to determine such competency have yet to be developed. The CCCI witnessing such tests is required to report the details and results to the Division within 21 days of the date of the test, on a form to be provided by the Division or equivalent. All statements on the form are to be made under penalty of perjury.

In a separate conversation, Mr.Tafazoli indicated that the written Maintenance Control Program, as called for in 8.6.1.2.1 and the maintenance records called for in  8.6.1.4 of A17 will be required to be kept on the premises, readily available to his inspectors upon request.

Up to date wiring diagrams are required by 8.6.1.6.3 of A17 to be available in the machine room.

Another meeting is contemplated n the near future to discuss pending items and other developments. Thanks to all the participants for their cooperation and support!

Proceedings concluded with our regular raffle. We had a truly nice group of prizes. Unfortunately, I fear that in the rush due to the larger than usual attendance, the names of all the donors were not properly recorded. Those that were include: Allan Lloyd of DRAKA, Michael Shaw of LERCH BATES, John and Doris Brannon, Bill Adrian of REPUBLIC ELEVATOR, Stan Schultz and Scott Dutton of CED. Apologies to anyone left out.

And the winners were:

Orion Pepin, Mark Anderson (big time), Mike Shaw, Phillip Hampton, Dave Turner, Alan Taylor, Marilyn Look, Doris Brannon,  Dave Turner, Jim Finley, Paul Puno, Steve Grainer, Joe Orrico, John Irelan, and last but certainly not least — the grand prize went to Teel Whittington.

President Mike Shaw called the March meeting to order with about thirty attending. After self introductions, Mike reminded everyone that next month is the Cracker Barrel meeting relative to the new state code and emphasized the need to make reservations in view of the large turnout expected and also to submit questions in advance.

A summary financial report was presented, indicating that the Group is on solid financial footing at this time.

Golf chairman Scott Dutton reported that all is going according to plan. The brochure is ready and will be mailed soon. It may be seen on page four of our web site and a convenient full size form for sponsorships is there as well. Scott explained that the sponsorships had been expanded and the fees increased slightly, all in quest of achieving our goal of doubling the contribution to the Elevator and Escalator Safety Foundation this year.

Ed Park announced that a retirement party for Jerry Sanders will be held at Winter & Bain (1410 Elwood Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021) on April 17, 2008, from about 1 to 3 PM. All are welcome.

Joe De Simone, Vice President of Sales for Courion, gave us a very nice presentation, entitled “Freight Doors - 101″. It was concise but very complete and effective. Courion’s antecedent companies, well known to us “old timers” were St. Louis Fire Door and Security Fire Door. They also acquired former competitors Guilbert and Harris Preble.  They have files on about 34,000 jobs.

Freight elevators account for only 3 to 5% of the elevator market at this time, but they still constitute an item of major industrial importance and their usefulness would be severely limited without freight doors. Two very important features of freight doors are — opening width is the same as the platform width, and they have the rugged construction necessary to accommodate the handling of large heavy items and provide a “bridge” between the building floor and the elevator platform.

The standard Courion product complies with NEMA standards, 1,4,12 and 13, so only the so called “explosion proof” category is “special order”.

Doors are furnished for all four loading classes (A, B, C1 and C2).

The doors bear an Underwriters “B” label (1-1/2 hours). Both steel plate and wood core doors are available

The accompanying car gates are now all supplied with non contact reversing edges, which can also be retro fitted. Car gates have “VFD” (variable frequency) drive, a distinct advantage over the old two speed type.

The accompanying control system is now all solid state (no more “Christmas Tree” relays). Serial communication reduces the number of wires required from 64 to 9.

Door shoes are now all one piece of molybdenum nylon and are “ambidextrous” such that the same shoe may be used in any location.

Gate limit switches are a simple cam and contact arrangement, replacing the screw drive formerly used.

Courion will furnish and install or just supply the equipment according to the customers requirements. They also supply Cart Lift systems, a subject for another time perhaps.

Joseph De Simone, VP Sales, Courion Industries (click on picture to enlarge)

Great job, Joe — thanks!!

We concluded with our raffle for some nice prizes provided by Jack Parker, John and Doris Brannon, Jack Lawson, Mary Thomsic and Sharon McKellips of ALPS WIRE ROPE, Greg Moore of WESTCOAST, Allan Lloyd of DRAKA, Sam Farooqi of PAR PAINT, Jeff Runtz of KONE, Scott Dutton of CED, Steve Grainer of MITSUBISHI and Gordon Simpkins of GMS.

Winners included, Sharon McKellips, Jack Parker, Gordon Simpkins, Robert Sylvest, Marilyn Look, Steve Grainer, Joe Gomez, Mike Shaw, Lupe Castrejon, Sam Farooqi, Gerry McKinnon, Jeff Runtz, Stan Schultz and Harvey Ledesma.

This months attendance prize, a DVD recorder/player, provided by COURION went to Sharon McKellips.

As President Mike Shaw was out of town on business, this meeting was chaired by our esteemed and capable Vice President, Allan Lloyd.

Alan called upon our Treasurer, Estella McIntosh who delivered a detailed financial report.

Secretary John Brannon told us of the untimely passing of Cathy Engel (nee Rueschli). Cathy, a long time industry member, employed by ADAMS Equipment and SCHINDLER Elevator, passed away at her home in San Diego on February 17, a victim of Cancer. Cathy, who was only 50 years old, leaves behind her husband and two teen age children. The group extends sincere condolences to her family and friends.

We have since learned that services will be as follows:

Phone (85 535-1111

John also noted the “Cracker Barrel” scheduled for our April meeting. He explained where to get more information and suggested everyone review the available information and submit written questions in advance, as explained in a recent email and reprised on our web site: http://www.elevatorindustry.org/

Our presenter was Patrick Tobin of MINNESOTA ELEVATOR INC. MEI was founded in 1971 and entered the manufacturing segment in 1980. They supply complete elevators, geared traction and conventional and holeless hydraulics and also sell sub systems and components to the industry. They presently produce about 500 elevators per year, of which they install about 100. They number KONE and SCHINDLER among their many customers.

Patrick Tobin - (click picture to make larger)

Patrick showed us details of some of their major components, widely used in the industry. Among these is their line of oil coolers for hydraulics with capacities up to 21600 BTU per hour. They produce a very effective silencer to reduce noise and vibration on hydraulics. A very unique and useful item is the Pully Bully, This is sort of an “A frame”, which can be used to “pull” submersible hydraulic pump/motor assemblies. The components can be serviced or replaced while suspended on the Pully Bully. The Pully Bully is compact and easy to transport, weighs only 185 pounds, but will lift 500 pounds. It is furnished with its’ own wheeled cart for easy handling.

Literature and CD’s were available for all who needed them. Thanks very much, Patrick, for an informative and entertaining presentation!

Our regular raffle closed the meeting, with prizes provided by JANUS Elevator Products, John and Doris Brannon, Steve Grainer and Duane Klechner of MITSUBISHI, Bernie Tillipman, Mary Thomsic of ALPS Wire Rope, Stan Schultz and Allan Lloyd of DRAKA.

The winners included Steve Grainer, Jack Parker, Doris Brannon, Duane Klechner, Harvey Ledesma, Joe Gonzalez, Tim Hawkins and Sam Farooqi.

The monthly attendance prize provided by the group went to Tim Hawkins.

Twenty - two attended our first meeting of 2008. President Mike Shaw announced that he had again spoken with Al Tafazoli, Chief Safety Engineer for the State of California . They tentatively set up a “cracker barrel” meeting for May to discuss the impact of the (anticipated) adoption of the ASME A17.1-2004 Code by the state, replacing the present (1996) version.

Treasurer Stella McIntosh provided copies of her report for all who desired them.

Our presentation was from Patricia Seniw , VP Sales and Marketing for Janus Elevator Products, Inc. and Tom Warmingham, Regional Sales manager for Monitor Controls.

Patricia Seniw and Tom Warmingham - (click on photo to enlarge)

Patricia explained that Janus Elevator Products is a member of the Halma Group. Halma is a holding company with some 45 units, including Janus. Halma is traded on the London Stock Exchange. Janus Elevator Products includes Monitor Controls, E-Motive USA, TL Jones Microscan, Electronic Micro Systems and VPP Vandal Proof Products.

Tom explained the construction and features of Monitor fixtures in detail. The fixtures are certainly very rugged and contain numerous notable features. Every car operating station has an aluminum  backing plate on which all the operating components are mounted. This permits removal of the cover plate for refinishing or replacement without disturbing any of the wiring or affecting the operability of the assembly. The backing plate is attached by strap hinges, further facilitating servicing. The push buttons themselves are the same proven design used for many years. All fixtures are supplied pre-wired. Many button designs are available including vandal resistant types. A total of 480 combinations of buttons can be supplied. In addition to the video “slide show”, display cases showed us the actual products:

Monitor Display cases (click on photo to enlarge)

Patricia showed us a video of the latest Janus door edges, which include built in red-green signal lites . “2D” and “3D” designs are available.

Very interesting and informative presentation! Everyone in attendance received a “Janus” tee shirt and luggage tag. Thanks Patricia and Tom!

The meeting concluded with our fabulous raffle for prizes provided by John and Doris Brannon, Jack Lawson, Stan Schultz, Harvey Ledesma, Allan Lloyd of DRAKA, Gerry McKinnon, Mary Thomsic of ALPS Wire Rope and Mike Shaw of LERCH BATES.

And the winners were —

Stella McIntosh, Tim Hawkins, Jack Lawson, Andrew Ryan, Andy Duzich, Dave Altman, Stan Schultz, Mike Shaw and Steve Grainer.

This months attendance prize, provided by the Group, went to Andy Duzich.