Elevating

The BC Safety Authority initiated a consultation process on the Elevating Devices Safety Regulation, to adopt the most recent versions of the Canadian Standards Association code for lifts with persons with physical disabilities (CSA B355-09). The reason for recommending the adoption of this CSA Code is to help safeguard against the risk of accidents associated with access and operation of elevating devices for persons with physical disabilities.

Over a period of six weeks, we received feedback from the industry, in particular those individuals, companies, and associations representing Class A, Class RA, Class H elevating device contractors as well as owners/property managers, and consultants impacted by these potential changes.

Consultation Report

We are sharing the consultation report to acknowledge the feedback received and the key issues brought forward. We have also assembled a chart (see Appendix 1 in the consultation report), which outlines all the comments put forward by the stakeholders and the BC Safety Authority responses.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, and or comments, please feel free to contact Jim Allaway at: jim.allaway@safetyauthority.ca

If you own a building that has an elevating device installed, it’s your responsibility to request an operating permit one year after the work was done. You also need to renew the permit every year thereafter.

Your renewal reminder and form will be mailed 30 days before your operating permit expires. Please submit your form in person at any BCSA office or call
1-866-566-7233.

Be prepared to pay the renewal fee.

To retain your operating permit you need to hire a licensed maintenance contractor to perform mandatory maintenance. For more information see the Mandatory Maintenance directive.

If you have a new installation, the certificate of inspection is considered your operating permit for the first year.

Remember, all active elevating devices must have an operating permit.

Licensed contractors must provide a design submission for each unit being considered before they install or alter any elevating device. An elevating device includes elevators, escalators, moving walkways, or dumbwaiter lifts.

The steps after getting your installation permit may include a construction inspection and will include an acceptance inspection. Follow the steps to get your installation permit.

Installation Permit

Before installing an elevating device, you’ll need to get the design specifications registered. Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation letter which becomes your installation permit.

To get the design registered, you must be a licensed elevating device contractor and you must hire the services of a professional, BC-licensed engineer to certify the design registration.

When you have the design specifications of your device:

1. Complete the Elevating Devices Drawings and Specifications Submission for Installation Permit Form 1069. The professional engineer must add their professional seal to the form and indicate conformance with the applicable code.
2. To submit your design application, submit your forms and drawings to the BCSA New Westminster office in person or by mail.

Our design registration review can take up to four weeks from the date you submit an application.