Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-121-109: Maintenance in safe operating condition.

(a) Every elevator, dumbwaiter and escalator shall be maintained by the owner or lessee in a safe operating condition and so that it conforms to the rules and requirements of the board as adopted under § 68-121-103.

(b) Every aerial passenger tramway shall be maintained by the owner or lessee in a safe operating condition and so that it conforms to the rules and requirements of the board as adopted under §§ 68-121-101, 68-121-103, 68-121-108, and this section.

(c) (1) As provided in the applicable codes of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) as adopted by the Tennessee elevator safety board, each elevator shall have a means of two-way communication. The code requirement of two-way communication may be satisfied with a dedicated line, a line consolidation technology that enables the simultaneous operation of more than one (1) communication device, or an intercom system where a central answering location is staffed twenty-four (24) hours a day.

(2) If the state chooses to upgrade its two-way communication system in elevators in state facilities, funds in the facilities revolving fund may be used for such upgrade.