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The Bureau of Elevator Safety is providing operational information on these items of interest, please refer to rule and law for clarification.

1. CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY EXAM PROVIDER

Beginning July 1, 2009, Elevator World will provide the Certificate of Competency Exam. Information concerning the exam is available in the Frequently Asked Questions and from Elevator World. Prometric will continue to provide this exam through June 30, 2009.

2. DOAH RULING

The Florida Division of Administrative Hearings judge has ruled in favor of the Department (re: “Bureau of Elevator Safety” ) in regard to the un-promulgated rule challenge.

3. PLANS OF CORRECTIVE ACTION AND TEMPORARY VARIANCES

The Plan of Corrective Action (“PCA”) and temporary variance procedure are hereby revised and owners who intend to submit a variance must follow Section 120.542, Florida Statutes–Variances and Waivers .

4. FLORIDA BUILDING CODE
Sections 399.001, 399.02(1)&(7), Florida Statutes (FS)

Effective March 1, 2009

Section 3002.9, Florida Building Code (FBC) – Automatic fire alarm-initiating devices shall be located and installed in accordance with ASME A17.1 and NFPA 72, which removes the previous FBC exemption for open air lobbies.  Fire alarm initiating devices are required for elevator recall at unenclosed lobbies.

5. DIRECT SUPERVISION

Rule 61C-5.008, Florida Administrative Code (FAC) –Definitions
(7) “Direct supervision” means a certificate of competency holder supervising an elevator helper as set forth in section 399.01(16), Florida Statutes, is within physical proximity of the person being directly supervised such that timely observation and evaluation of the work being performed is facilitated to ensure the work is completed in accordance with applicable statutory and administrative code requirements.

6. INITIAL INSPECTION

Section 399.03(5), FS

As required in Florida Statute for new installations, when an initial inspection is conducted, it must be submitted in hardcopy to the bureau along with the Supervisor of Construction signature and the affidavit of code compliance.

7. DEFICIENCY LETTERS

Rule 61C-5.0085(1)(a), FAC

Deficiency letters for expired credentials have been mailed which listed incomplete documentation, please provide the requested missing documentation to complete the renewal application process.

"Elevators, escalators and moving walks are the safest form of transportation. Each day in the U.S. and Canada this equipment moves the equivalent of double the entire U.S. and Canadian population - over 210 billion passengers each year. Very few accidents happen and most of these can be avoided."

Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation