Elevating Devices in Condominiums Webinar
Date: Thursday, June 20, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
There are 30,000 residential elevators in Ontario that play a big part in people’s daily transportation ‘to and from’ their homes, which is why it is important that condominium managers understand their role and responsibilities for the safety of these devices in condominiums.
Join us on Thursday, June 20, to hear from an expert panel about elevating devices in condominiums. Guest speakers from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) will present important information about elevating device licensing, maintenance requirements, as well as inspections and reporting, and a representative from Del Property Management will share insights on the role of condominium managers as it relates to these safety requirements.
Panelists will include:
- Phil Simeon, Policy Director, Technical Standards and Safety Authority
- Tenly Rodrigues, Compliance Support Advisor for Elevating Devices, Technical Standards and Safety Authority
- Phillip Osborne, Compliance Support Advisor for Fuels, Technical Standards and Safety Authority
- Vijay Mehta, District Manager, Del Property Management
Attendees may submit any questions they would like to have answered during the question and answer (Q&A) period during the webinar.
This webinar is for condominium managers and is approved as an eligible Continuing Professional Education (CPE) activity for the 2023–2024 licensing year. General Licensees who attend the live webinar (from beginning to end) may earn 1.5 credits towards their CPE requirements.
The webinar presentation is available to download. [PDF – 1,946 KB]
The recorded webinar is available for viewing in the CMRAO’s video gallery.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the Cost of a Licence for a Regular Elevator Servicing a High Rise the Same as an Accessibility Lift Servicing Two Units?
On the TSSA website, you can search for the elevating devices fee schedule (based on the number of floors), which will show all the fees for different situations.
Is There a Way to Ensure a TSSA Inspection Can Be Completed Within 10 Days?
A TSSA inspector can typically be scheduled within five business days. TSSA requires that they receive a pre-inspection checklist at least 48 hours ahead of the scheduled inspection date. If the checklist is not received 48 hours ahead of the scheduled inspection date, the inspector will not be dispatched for the inspection.
Can We Have One Standard Agreement (Or More Than One Standard Agreement) for Preventative Elevator Maintenance Services?
It is possible to have one standard agreement, but it also depends on the management company and the service provider. These parties, and the condominium corporation, may choose to mutually agree to make a plan of their own.
If a Snap Frame (4’ X 6’ or 9’ X 11’) is Installed (Either Screwed or Glued) in the Elevator Car, What Does the TSSA Require?
A snap frame is an alteration that needs to be documented. Any inclusion of equipment in the elevator is considered an alteration and must be installed safely and properly. The TSSA requires a submission that outlines how the equipment is being installed and if any tests are required. For example, if installing a camera inside the elevator, a safety test must be conducted. These tests are required to be logged in the logbook.
If the Elevator Stops Working, Can a Condominium Manager Go to the Mechanical Room and Restart The Elevator (By Shutting Off and Turning It Back On)?
No. No one except a licensed mechanic should try to restart an elevator, especially from the mechanical room.
Can the Condo Corporation Request Reimbursement for a Portion on the Monthly Fee if the Contractor Did Not Perform the Required Routine Maintenance?
Read the contract to ensure it contains a non-performance clause. The condo corporation may consider seeking advice or an opinion from the corporation’s solicitor or lawyer as well.
Is it Mandatory to Have the TSSA Certificate Displayed in the Elevator Cabin?
No, it is not mandatory to be in the elevator cabin, but it could be adjacent to it outside of it, in the mechanical room, or kept with the logbooks.
Are there any Consequences if an Inspector Finds an Expired Licence?
Yes. When there is an expired licence, the inspector will write up a deficiency order that requires you to renew your licence within 14 days. Failing to comply will result in the elevator being out of service or shut down.
Does the Original Licence Need to be Posted in the Elevator, or Could it be a Copy?
A copy of the licence is acceptable.
Is There a One-Page Summary of Maintenance and Inspection Requirements, or Tests, and the Frequency Needed for Each?
No. In the logbook there are three major tasks that need to be done: scheduled maintenance task, category-one task, and category-five task. The compliance standards indicate to all parties (owners, contractors, and mechanics) the high-risk orders an inspector will be issuing. They expect compliance immediately or give an order for compliance within 14 days or 90 days. The compliance standard and a list of these orders are available on the TSSA website.
Who is Identified as the Owner of the Elevator? Is it the Corporation or the Delegated Manager on the Contract?
The elevator belongs to the corporation.
If the Elevator Contractor Has Not Fulfilled the Annual Category Test for Two Years, What Recourse is There for the Corporation?
If annual testing is missed, there is recourse. Once a deficiency has been identified, it is up to the contractor to ensure their obligations have been met. The contractor must perform the activity on time.
If the Elevator is Out of Service Due to Components That Need to be Replaced, But the Elevator Company Does Not Have Them in Stock and the Wait Time is Unknown, Should This Situation Be Reported to the TSSA as an Outage?
Yes. Anytime an elevator is out of service for 48 hours or more, it is required to be reported as an outage. Generally, including cases where delivery of the component(s) is unknown, you have up to 30 days after the elevator is operating again to report the outage.
Is There a Preferred Length of Service for a Contract to be Signed with the Maintenance Company?
Elevator companies or service providers normally have a contract signed for 5 years.
How Frequently Should the Elevator Phone Communication System be Checked, and if it is Not Working, Should This be Reported to the TSSA?
Depending on the type of building and elevator, it may be necessary to check the communication system in the elevator every two weeks. If the communication system is not working, report this to the contractor so they can fix the issue. This is a high-risk order. Note there is a new requirement that requires both one-way communication (phone) and audio-video be installed and working in an elevator.