N.Y.C. Admin. Code § EBC 312: Section EBC 312: Elevators and Conveying Systems

312.1 General.

The installation of, alterations to and work on elevators, conveying systems, and amusement rides shall be governed by Chapter 30 and referenced standards as modified by Appendix K of the New York City Building Code, rules of the Department, and this code.

312.2 Existing elevators and conveying systems.

All existing and altered elevators and conveying systems shall comply with ASME A17.3, as modified by Appendix K, Chapter K3 of the New York City Building Code, and be maintained and periodically inspected and tested in accordance with Sections 118 and 119 of this code.

312.3 Change of use of an existing elevator.

Where an existing elevator is subject to a change in use, such change shall comply with Section 3001.4 of the New York City Building Code.

312.4 Existing shafts.

In prior code buildings, elevator cabs installed in existing shafts shall be permitted to be smaller than that required by Chapter 30 of the New York City Building Code, where necessary to fit in the existing shaft.

Exception: An existing elevator shaft shall be enlarged or a new elevator shaft shall be constructed to accommodate an elevator cab in compliance with Chapter 11 of the New York City Building Code where the entire building is required to be accessible pursuant to Sections 302.7, 906, 1006 or 1106 as applicable.

312.5 Signage.

When an existing or new passenger elevator is being serviced, repaired, inspected, tested, or is out of service, “CAUTION” sign tapes shall be provided in accordance with Section 3011.1 of the New York City Building Code.

312.6 Additional provisions for existing buildings.

Existing buildings shall also comply with Sections 312.6.1 through 312.6.6.

312.6.1 Removal of existing hoistway smoke venting.

Existing hoistway smoke venting may be eliminated when all of the following conditions are met:

1. The entire building is protected with a sprinkler system in accordance with the New York City Building Code;

2. Each elevator lobby and elevator machine room is provided with smoke detection that is connected to the building fire alarm system;

3. Any elevator cars within the existing hoistway where the venting is removed shall have emergency recall in accordance with the New York City Building Code; and

4. The elimination of the venting does not impede the elevator operation.

312.6.2 New hoistways serving an occupied floor more than 120 feet (36 576 mm) above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access.

Where 1 or more new hoistways serving an occupied floor more than 120 feet (36 576 mm) above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access are proposed in an existing building, at least 1 elevator serving the same stories penetrated by the new hoistway shall meet all the requirements of Section 3007 of the New York City Building Code as a fire service access elevator. Wires or cables that are located outside of the elevator hoistway shall be protected in the manner described in Section 3007.8.1 of the New York City Building Code.

Exceptions:

1. Where the existing building has an existing fire service access elevator meeting the requirements of Section 3007 of the New York City Building Code.

2. Where new hoistways are added in floors above the alternate level for Phase I and Phase II as defined in ASME A17.1, as amended by Appendix K of the New York City Building Code, the elevators are not required to meet the requirements of Section 3007 of the New York City Building Code.

312.6.3 Elevator car to accommodate ambulance stretcher.

Where 1 or more new hoistways are proposed in an existing prior code building with 5 or more stories above, or 4 or more stories below grade plane, or underground buildings described in Section 405.1 of the New York City Building Code, at least 1 elevator serving the same stories that are penetrated by the new hoistway shall meet the requirements of Section 3002.4.2 of the New York City Building Code.

312.6.4 Limited Use Limited Application (LULA) elevators in prior code buildings.

In prior code buildings, LULA elevators shall be limited in use as described in Section 306.2.4 with maximum rise of 25 feet (7.6 m), maximum capacity of 1400 pounds (635 Kg) and maximum speed of 30 feet/min (0.15 m/sec.). LULA elevators shall not be used for any other purpose that is not referenced in Chapter 30 of the New York City Building Code.

312.6.5 Connection to standby power.

Where 1 or more new hoistways are proposed in an existing prior code building identified in Section 3002.4.1 of the New York City Building Code, at least 1 elevator serving the same stories that are penetrated by the new hoistway shall be connected to a standby power source in accordance with Chapter 27 and Section 3003.1 of the New York City Building Code.

312.6.6 Connection with existing fire alarm.

In buildings with an existing fire alarm system, when existing elevators are being upgraded and such upgrades include the installation of a new operational controller, such elevators shall be connected to the fire alarm system in accordance with NFPA 72, as amended by Appendix Q of the New York City Building Code, as required by ASME A17.1, as amended by Appendix K of the New York City Building Code.