SB2121 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB094 12575 RAS 47220 b

94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2005 and 2006
SB2121

Introduced 5/27/2005, by Sen. M. Maggie Crotty

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

225 ILCS 312/15
225 ILCS 312/20
225 ILCS 312/45
225 ILCS 312/55
225 ILCS 312/60
225 ILCS 312/95
225 ILCS 312/105
225 ILCS 312/110
225 ILCS 312/120
225 ILCS 312/135

Amends the Elevator Safety and Regulation Act. Defines "residential accessibility license". Provides that after January 1, 2006, no person shall no person shall erect, construct, wire, alter, replace, maintain, remove, or dismantle any conveyance contained within buildings or structures in the jurisdiction of this State unless he or she is registered as an elevator industry apprentice or a helper by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and works under the direct supervision of an individual licensed under the Act as an elevator mechanic. Provides that the Office shall set elevator industry apprenticeship and helper qualifications and registration procedure by rule. Provides that an applicant for licensure as an elevator mechanic who provides acceptable proof that he or she has worked as an elevator constructor, maintenance, or repair person must make application within 3 months after the effective date of the initial rules adopted by the Elevator Safety Review Board that implement the Act (now, within one year of the effective date of the Act). Provides that a residential accessibility license shall be issued to an individual who has demonstrated certain qualifications required to obtain an elevator mechanic's license and who performs A18.1 work in a private owner occupied residence. Provides that an applicant for licensure as an elevator contractor may demonstrate 5 years work experience in the elevator industry by providing proof of insurance and submitting the business address and contact information of a designated officer within such business. Provides that a license issued under the Act must be renewed every 2 years (now, biannually). Removes a provision that requires the Office to inspect all newly installed and existing platform lifts and stairway chair lifts for private residences subsequent to an inspection by a person, firm, or company to which a license to inspect conveyances has been issued. Provides that any owner or lessee who violates any of the provisions of the Act shall be fined in an amount not to exceed $1,500 per violation, per day (now, just $1,500). Provides that the notice of safety requirements that the Office is required to provide to owners of private residences where a conveyance is located must be provided annually. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning regulation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Elevator Safety and Regulation Act is amended by changing Sections 15, 20, 45, 55, 60, 95, 105, 110, 120, and 135 as follows:

(225 ILCS 312/15)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2013)

Sec. 15. Definitions. For the purpose of this Act:

"Administrator" means the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

"ANSI A10.4" means the safety requirements for personnel hoists, an American National Standard.

"ASCE 21" means the American Society of Civil Engineers Automated People Mover Standards.

"ASME A17.1" means the Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, an American National Standard.

"ASME A17.3" means the Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators, an American National Standard.

"ASME A18.1" means the Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts, an American National Standard.

"Automated people mover" means an installation as defined as an "automated people mover" in ASCE 21.

"Board" means the Elevator Safety Review Board.

"Certificate of operation" means a certificate issued by the Administrator that indicates that the conveyance has passed the required safety inspection and tests and fees have been paid as set forth in this Act. The Administrator may issue a temporary certificate of operation that permits the temporary use of a non-compliant conveyance by the general public for a limited time of 30 days while minor repairs are being completed.

"Conveyance" means any elevator, dumbwaiter, escalator, moving sidewalk, platform lifts, stairway chairlifts and automated people movers.

"Elevator" means an installation defined as an "elevator" in ASME A17.1.

"Elevator contractor" means any person, firm, or corporation who possesses an elevator contractor's license in accordance with the provisions of Sections 40 and 55 of this Act and who is engaged in the business of erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, repairing, or maintaining elevators or related conveyance covered by this Act.

"Elevator contractor's license" means a license issued to an elevator contractor who has proven his or her qualifications and ability and has been authorized by the Elevator Safety Review Board to possess this type of license. It shall entitle the holder thereof to engage in the business of erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, testing, repairing, or maintaining elevators or related conveyance covered by this Act. The Administrator may issue a limited elevator contractor's license authorizing a firm or company that employs individuals to carry on a business of erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, repairing, or maintaining platform lifts and stairway chairlifts within any building or structure, including but not limited to private residences.

"Elevator inspector" means any person who possesses an elevator inspector's license in accordance with the provisions of this Act or any person who performs the duties and functions of an elevator inspector for any unit of local government with a population greater than 500,000 prior to or on the effective date of this Act.

"Elevator mechanic" means any person who possesses an elevator mechanic's license in accordance with the provisions of Sections 40 and 45 of this Act and who is engaged in erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, repairing, or maintaining elevators or related conveyance covered by this Act.

"Elevator mechanic's license" means a license issued to a person who has proven his or her qualifications and ability and has been authorized by the Elevator Safety Review Board to work on conveyance equipment. It shall entitle the holder thereof to install, construct, alter, service, repair, test, maintain, and perform electrical work on elevators or related conveyance covered by this Act.

"Escalator" means an installation defined as an "escalator" in ASME A17.1.

"Existing installation" means an installation defined as an "installation, existing" in ASME A17.1.

"Inspector's license" means a license issued to a person who has proven his or her qualifications and ability and has been authorized by the Elevator Safety Review Board to possess this type of license. It shall entitle the holder thereof to engage in the business of inspecting elevators or related conveyance covered by this Act.

"License" means a written license, duly issued by the Administrator, authorizing a person, firm, or company to carry on the business of erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, repairing, maintaining, or performing inspections of elevators or related conveyance covered by this Act.

"Material alteration" means an "alteration" as defined by the Board.

"Moving walk" means an installation as defined as a "moving walk" in ASME A17.1.

"Private residence" means a separate dwelling or a separate apartment in a multiple dwelling that is occupied by members of a single-family unit.

"Repair" has the meaning defined by the Board, which does not require a permit.

"Residential accessibility license" means a license issued to a person who has proven his or her qualifications and ability to, and has been authorized by, the Elevator Safety Review Board to install, construct, alter, service, repair, test, maintain, and perform electrical work on A18.1 equipment in a private owner occupied residence.

"Temporarily dormant" means an elevator, dumbwaiter, or escalator:

(1) with a power supply that has been disconnected by removing fuses and placing a padlock on the mainline disconnect switch in the "off" position;

(2) with a car that is parked and hoistway doors that are in the closed and latched position;

(3) with a wire seal on the mainline disconnect switch installed by a licensed elevator inspector;

(4) that shall not be used again until it has been put in safe running order and is in condition for use;

(5) requiring annual inspections for the duration of the temporarily dormant status by a licensed elevator inspector;

(6) that has a "temporarily dormant" status that is renewable on an annual basis, not to exceed a one-year period;

(7) requiring the inspector to file a report with the chief elevator inspector describing the current conditions; and

(8) with a wire seal and padlock that shall not be removed for any purpose without permission from the elevator inspector.

(Source: P.A. 92-873, eff. 6-1-03; revised 1-20-03.)

(225 ILCS 312/20)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2013)

Sec. 20. License or registration required.

(a) After July 1, 2003, no person shall erect, construct, wire, alter, replace, maintain, remove, or dismantle any conveyance contained within buildings or structures in the jurisdiction of this State unless he or she possesses an elevator mechanic's license under this Act and unless he or she works under the direct supervision of a person, firm, or company having an elevator contractor's license in accordance with Section 40 of this Act or exempted by that Section. However, a licensed elevator contractor is not required for removal or dismantling of conveyances that are destroyed as a result of a complete demolition of a secured building or structure or where the hoistway or wellway is demolished back to the basic support structure and where no access is permitted that would endanger the safety and welfare of a person.

(b) After July 1, 2003, no person shall inspect any conveyance within buildings or structures, including, but not limited, to private residences, unless he or she has an inspector's license.

(c) After January 1, 2006, no person shall erect, construct, wire, alter, replace, maintain, remove, or dismantle any conveyance contained within buildings or structures in the jurisdiction of this State unless he or she is registered as an elevator industry apprentice or a helper by the Administrator and works under the direct supervision of an individual licensed under this Act as an elevator mechanic. The Administrator shall set elevator industry apprenticeship and helper qualifications and registration procedure by rule.

(Source: P.A. 92-873, eff. 6-1-03.)

(225 ILCS 312/45)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2013)

Sec. 45. Qualifications for elevator mechanic's license and residential accessibility license; emergency and temporary licensure.

(a) No license shall be granted to any person who has not paid the required application fee.

(b) No license shall be granted to any person who has not proven his or her qualifications and abilities.

(c) Applicants for an elevator mechanic's license must demonstrate one of the following qualifications:

(1) an acceptable combination of documented experience and education credits consisting of: (A) not less than 3 years work experience in the elevator industry, in construction, maintenance, and service or repair, as verified by current and previous employers licensed to do business in this State; and (B) satisfactory completion of a written examination administered by the Elevator Safety Review Board or its designated provider on the adopted rules, referenced codes, and standards;

(2) acceptable proof that he or she has worked as an elevator constructor, maintenance, or repair person; acceptable proof shall consist of documentation that he or she worked without direct and immediate supervision for an elevator contractor who has worked on elevators in this State for a period of not less than 3 years immediately prior to the effective date of this Act; the person must make application within 3 months after the effective date of the initial rules adopted by the Board under Section 35 of this Act that implement this Act one year of the effective date of this Act;

(3) a certificate of successful completion of the mechanic examination of a nationally recognized training program for the elevator industry such as the National Elevator Industry Educational Program or its equivalent;

(4) a certificate of completion of an elevator mechanic apprenticeship program with standards substantially equal to those of this Act and registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, U.S. Department of Labor, or a State apprenticeship council; or

(5) a valid license from a state having standards substantially equal to those of this State.

(d) A residential accessibility license shall be issued to an individual who has demonstrated the qualifications set forth in subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of this Section and who performs A18.1 work in a private owner occupied residence.

(e) Whenever an emergency exists in the State due to disaster or work stoppage and the number of persons in the State holding licenses granted by the Board is insufficient to cope with the emergency, the licensed elevator contractor shall respond as necessary to ensure the safety of the public. Any person certified by a licensed elevator contractor to have an acceptable combination of documented experience and education to perform elevator work without direct and immediate supervision shall seek an emergency elevator mechanic's license from the Administrator within 5 business days after commencing work requiring a license. The Administrator shall issue emergency elevator mechanic's licenses. The applicant shall furnish proof of competency as the Administrator may require. Each license shall recite that it is valid for a period of 30 days from the date thereof and for such particular elevators or geographical areas as the Administrator may designate and otherwise shall entitle the licensee to the rights and privileges of a elevator mechanic's license issued under this Act. The Administrator shall renew an emergency elevator mechanic's license during the existence of an emergency. No fee may be charged for any emergency elevator mechanic's license or renewal thereof.

(f) A licensed elevator contractor shall notify the Administrator when there are no licensed personnel available to perform elevator work. The licensed elevator contractor may request that the Administrator issue temporary elevator mechanic's licenses to persons certified by the licensed elevator contractor to have an acceptable combination of documented experience and education to perform elevator work without direct and immediate supervision. Any person certified by a licensed elevator contractor to have an acceptable combination of documented experience and education to perform elevator work without direct and immediate supervision shall immediately seek a temporary elevator mechanic's license from the Administrator and shall pay such fee as the Board shall determine. Each license shall recite that it is valid for a period of 30 days from the date of issuance and while employed by the licensed elevator contractor that certified the individual as qualified. It shall be renewable as long as the shortage of license holders continues.

(Source: P.A. 92-873, eff. 6-1-03.)

(225 ILCS 312/55)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2013)

Sec. 55. Qualifications for elevator contractor's license.

(a) No license shall be granted to any person or firm unless the appropriate application fee is paid.

(b) No license shall be granted to any person or firm who has not proven the required qualifications and abilities. An applicant must demonstrate one of the following qualifications:

(1) five years work experience in the elevator industry in construction, maintenance, and service or repair, as verified by current and previous elevator contractor's licenses to do business, or satisfactory completion of a written examination administered by the Elevator Safety Review Board or its designated provider on the most recent referenced codes and standards; or

(2) proof that the individual or firm holds a valid license from a state having standards substantially equal to those of this State; or .

(3) 5 years work experience in the elevator industry, as verified by proof of insurance and submission of the business address and contact information of a designated officer within such business.

(c) This Section does not apply to a person or firm engaged in business as an elevator contractor in a municipality with a population over 500,000 that provides for the licensure of elevator contractors for work performed within the corporate boundaries of a municipality with a population over 500,000.

(Source: P.A. 92-873, eff. 6-1-03.)

(225 ILCS 312/60)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2013)

Sec. 60. Issuance and renewal of licenses; fees.

(a) Upon approval of an application, the Administrator may issue a license that must be renewed every 2 years biannually. The renewal fee for the license shall be set by the Board.

(b) (Blank). Whenever an emergency exists in the State due to disaster or work stoppage and the number of persons in the State holding licenses granted by the Board is insufficient to cope with the emergency, the licensed elevator contractor shall respond as necessary to assure the safety of the public. Any person certified by a licensed elevator contractor to have an acceptable combination of documented experience and education to perform elevator work without direct and immediate supervision shall seek an emergency elevator mechanic's license from the Administrator within 5 business days after commencing work requiring a license. The Administrator shall issue emergency elevator mechanic's licenses. The applicant shall furnish proof of competency as the Administrator may require. Each license shall recite that it is valid for a period of 30 days from the date thereof and for such particular elevators or geographical areas as the Administrator may designate and otherwise shall entitle the licensee to the rights and privileges of a elevator mechanic's license issued under this Act. The Administrator shall renew an emergency elevator mechanic's license during the existence of an emergency. No fee shall be charged for any emergency elevator mechanic's license or renewal thereof.

(c) (Blank). A licensed elevator contractor shall notify the Administrator when there are no licensed personnel available to perform elevator work. The licensed elevator contractor may request that the Administrator issue temporary elevator mechanic's licenses to persons certified by the licensed elevator contractor to have an acceptable combination of documented experience and education to perform elevator work without direct and immediate supervision. Any person certified by a licensed elevator contractor to have an acceptable combination of documented experience and education to perform elevator work without direct and immediate supervision shall immediately seek a temporary elevator mechanic's license from the Administrator and shall pay such fee as the Board shall determine. Each license shall recite that it is valid for a period of 30 days from the date of issuance and while employed by the licensed elevator contractor that certified the individual as qualified. It shall be renewable as long as the shortage of license holders shall continue.

(d) The renewal of all licenses granted under the provisions of this Section shall be conditioned upon the submission of a certificate of completion of a course designed to ensure the continuing education of licensees on new and existing provisions of the rules of the Elevator Safety Review Board. Such course shall consist of not less than 8 hours of instruction that shall be attended and completed within one year immediately preceding any such license renewal.

(e) The courses referred to in subsection (d) of this Section shall be taught by instructors through continuing education providers that may include, but shall not be limited to, association seminars and labor training programs. The Elevator Safety Review Board shall approve the continuing education providers. All instructors shall be approved by the Board and shall be exempt from the requirements of subsection (d) of this Section with regard to their applications for license renewal, provided that such applicant was qualified as an instructor at any time during the one year immediately preceding the scheduled date for such renewal.

(f) A licensee who is unable to complete the continuing education course required under this Section prior to the expiration of his or her license due to a temporary disability may apply for a waiver from the Board. This shall be on a form provided by the Board, which shall be signed under the penalty of perjury and accompanied by a certified statement from a competent physician attesting to such temporary disability. Upon the termination of such temporary disability, the licensee shall submit to the Board a certified statement from the same physician, if practicable, attesting to the termination of the temporary disability, at which time a waiver sticker, valid for 90 days, shall be issued to the licensee and affixed to his or her license.

(g) Approved training providers shall keep for a period of 10 years uniform records of attendance of licensees following a format approved by the Board. These records shall be available for inspection by the Board at its request. Approved training providers shall be responsible for the security of all attendance records and certificates of completion, provided that falsifying or knowingly allowing another to falsify attendance records or certificates of completion shall constitute grounds for suspension or revocation of the approval required under this Section.

(Source: P.A. 92-873, eff. 6-1-03.)

(225 ILCS 312/95)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2013)

Sec. 95. New installations; annual inspections and registrations.

(a) All new conveyance installations shall be performed by a person, firm, or company to which a license to install or service conveyances has been issued. Subsequent to installation, the licensed person, firm, or company must certify compliance with the applicable Sections of this Act. Prior to any conveyance being used, the property owner or lessee must obtain a certificate of operation from the Administrator, unless the property is located within a municipality with a population greater than 500,000. Except as set forth in subsection (b) of this Section, a A fee as set forth in this Act shall be paid for the certificate of operation. It shall be the responsibility of the licensed elevator contractor to complete and submit first time registration for new installations. The certificate of operation fee for newly installed platform lifts and stairway chair lifts for private residences shall be subsequent to an inspection by a licensed third party inspection firm.

(b) The certificate of operation for newly installed platform lifts and stairway chair lifts for private residences shall be subsequent to an inspection by a licensed third party inspection firm. The certificate of operation fee for all new and existing platform and stairway chair lifts for private residences and any renewal certificate fees shall be waived. The Administrator or his or her designee shall inspect, in accordance with the requirements set forth in this Act, all newly installed and existing platform lifts and stairway chair lifts for private residences subsequent to an inspection by a person, firm, or company to which a license to inspect conveyances has been issued, unless the private residence is located within a municipality with a population greater than 500,000.

(c) A certificate of operation referenced in subsection subsections (a) and (b) of this Section is renewable annually, except for certificates issued for platform and stairway chairlifts for private residences, which shall be valid for a period of 3 years. Certificates of operation must be clearly displayed on or in each conveyance or in the machine room for use for the benefit of code enforcement staff.

(Source: P.A. 92-873, eff. 6-1-03.)

(225 ILCS 312/105)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2013)

Sec. 105. Enforcement.

(a) It shall be the duty of the Elevator Safety Review Board to develop an enforcement program to ensure compliance with rules and requirements referenced in this Act. This shall include, but shall not be limited to, rules for identification of property locations that are subject to the rules and requirements; issuing notifications to violating property owners or operators, random on-site inspections, policies for administrative penalties, and tests on existing installations; witnessing periodic inspections and testing in order to ensure satisfactory performance by licensed persons, firms, or companies; and assisting in development of public awareness programs.

(b) Any person may make a request for an investigation into an alleged violation of this Act by giving notice to the Administrator of such violation or danger. The notice shall be in writing, shall set forth with reasonable particularity the grounds for the notice, and shall be signed by the person making the request. Upon the request of any person signing the notice, the person's name shall not appear on any copy of the notice or any record published, released, or made available.

(c) If, upon receipt of such notification, the Administrator determines that there are reasonable grounds to believe that such violation or danger exists, the Administrator shall cause to be made an investigation in accordance with the provisions of this Act as soon as practicable to determine if such violation or danger exists. If the Administrator determines that there are no reasonable grounds to believe that a violation or danger exists, he or she shall notify the party in writing of such determination.

(d) This Section does not apply within a municipality with a population over 500,000.

(Source: P.A. 92-873, eff. 6-1-03.)

(225 ILCS 312/110)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2013)

Sec. 110. Liability.

(a) This Act shall not be construed to relieve or lessen the responsibility or liability of any person, firm, or corporation owning, operating, controlling, maintaining, erecting, constructing, installing, altering, inspecting, testing, or repairing any elevator or other related mechanisms covered by this Act for damages to person or property caused by any defect therein, nor does the State or any unit of local government assume any such liability or responsibility therefore or any liability to any person for whatever reason whatsoever by the adoption of this Act or any acts or omissions arising under this Act.

(b) Any owner or lessee who violates any of the provisions of this Act shall be fined in an amount not to exceed $1,500 per violation, per day.

(c) Compliance with this Act is not a defense to a legal proceeding.

(Source: P.A. 92-873, eff. 6-1-03.)

(225 ILCS 312/120)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2013)

Sec. 120. Inspection and testing.

(a) It shall be the responsibility of the owner of all new and existing conveyances located in any building or structure to have the conveyance inspected annually by a person, firm, or company to which a license to inspect conveyances has been issued. Subsequent to inspection, the licensed person, firm, or company must supply the property owner or lessee and the Administrator with a written inspection report describing any and all violations. Property owners shall have 30 days from the date of the published inspection report to be in full compliance by correcting the violations. The Administrator shall determine whether or not such violations have been corrected.

(b) It shall be the responsibility of the owner of all conveyances to have a firm or company licensed as described in this Act to ensure that the required inspection and test are performed at intervals in compliance with ASME A17.1, ASME A18.1, and ASCE 21.

(c) All tests shall be performed by a licensed elevator mechanic.

(Source: P.A. 92-873, eff. 6-1-03.)

(225 ILCS 312/135)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2013)

Sec. 135. Elevators in private residences. The owner of a conveyance located in his or her private residence may register, pay the required fee, and have his or her existing conveyance inspected. The Administrator shall provide annual notice to the owner of the private residence where the conveyance is located with relevant information about conveyance safety requirements, including the need to have the elevator periodically and timely inspected and made safe. Any inspection performed shall be done solely at the request and with the consent of the private residence owner. No penalty provision of this Act shall apply to private residence owners.

(Source: P.A. 92-873, eff. 6-1-03.)

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.