Section 296-96-02525. What is required for installation and operation of emergency communication systems?

Every elevator must contain an emergency two-way communication system. The installation and operation of this emergency communication system must comply with the ASME A17.1 code in effect when the department issued the elevator's installation permit. In addition to the appropriate ASME A17.1 code, the following requirements apply:

(1) The communication device located in the elevator car must comply with the following:

(a) The maximum height of any operable part of the communication system is forty-eight inches above the floor.

(b) Raised symbols and letters must identify the communication system. These symbols and letters must be located adjacent to the communication device. The characters used must be:

(i) At least 5/8 inches but no more than two inches high;

(ii) Raised 1/32 inch;

(iii) Upper case;

(iv) Sans serif or simple serif type; and

(v) Accompanied by Grade 2 Braille.

(c) If the system is located in a closed compartment, opening the door to the compartment must:

(i) Require the use of only one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist; and

(ii) Require a maximum force of five pounds.

(d) The emergency communication system must not be based solely upon voice communication since voice-only systems are inaccessible to people with speech or hearing impairments. An indicator light must be visible when the telephone is activated. This nonverbal means must enable the message recipient to determine the elevator's location address and, when more than one elevator is installed, the elevator's number.

(e) The emergency communication system must use a line that is capable of communicating with and signaling to a person or service that can respond appropriately to the emergency at all times.

(2) A communication device (intercom), if required by ASME A17.1, must be installed in the lobby adjacent to the Phase I key switch. This device must be a two-way communication device used to communicate with individuals in the elevator.

(a) The height of any communication device(s) located in the lobby must be located between forty-eight and sixty inches above the floor.

(b) Additional communication device(s) may also be located in other parts of the building in addition to the one located in the lobby.

(c) ASME A17.1-2.27.1.1.6(a) The two way voice communication (intercom) within the building is not required to meet the telephone operability verification requirements if the connections are hardwired.

EXCEPTION:	Elevators that have less than sixty feet of travel do not require an intercom.

(3) Subsections (1) and (2) of this section do not apply to special purpose elevators. However, residential and special purpose elevators must have a means of communication located inside the elevator cab. This communication device must be permanently installed and available at all times. Cell phones and radios do not meet this requirement.

EXCEPTION:	Residential inclined elevators are exempt from this section.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.87 RCW. WSR 13-24-066, § 296-96-02525, filed 11/27/13, effective 1/1/14; WSR 07-24-041, § 296-96-02525, filed 11/30/07, effective 1/1/08.]

Chapter 70.87 RCW. WSR 13-24-066, § 296-96-02525, filed 11/27/13, effective 1/1/14; WSR 07-24-041, § 296-96-02525, filed 11/30/07, effective 1/1/08.