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A New Era of Inclusive Safety

Driven by a commitment to building safety, the recent updates to ASME A17.1 (2019+) introduce significant changes regarding elevator emergency communications to help ensure that passengers can access crucial help in times of need. The updates aren’t just another set of regulations to navigate—they represent a paradigm shift in how we approach elevator emergency communications, one that demands our immediate attention and action.

The ASME A17.1 code updates were developed with accessibility for all in mind. They mandate a unified approach to emergency communications that combines audio, video, and two-way messaging capabilities. This isn’t just about ticking boxes on a compliance checklist—it’s about saving lives and ensuring accessibility for all.

The updated requirements empower emergency responders to:

• Visually assess situations, transcending the limitations of audio-only communication
• Establish direct, inclusive contact with all passengers, regardless of their ability to speak or hear
• Minimize false alarms, optimizing resource allocation and response times

In essence, these updates are a testament to our commitment to safeguarding every life, upholding human dignity, and ensuring no one is left vulnerable in an emergency, regardless of ability.

Decoding the Confusion: Who’s Really Authorized to Monitor Elevator Calls?

Elevator code is never elementary, is it? Unless you’re a qualified elevator inspector (like many of Kings III’s own personnel—wink-wink, nudge-nudge), navigating the elevator code, and especially the latest code updates, can feel especially murky.

As you’ve been familiarizing yourself with these code updates, your attention has likely been on the two big glaring differences: the introduction of video and messaging. Those are the true “bones” of the update within emergency communication, but as it typically goes, the devil is in the details. As we’ve talked among others in the industry, there seems to be a common point of confusion regarding authorized personnel, and who can monitor what.

Some building managers have explored partial implementations, such as:

• Having on-site security monitor phone calls while a separate service monitors video feeds, or vice versa
• Implementing only audio or only video monitoring

These approaches fall short of the code requirements and could leave you non-compliant and vulnerable.

Kings III has been consulting with elevator companies, AHJs, and customers since the updated code’s inception. We have a very firm understanding of its requirements and how to execute them, and we want to make sure we can help everyone get it right.

Breaking Down Authorized Personnel

ASME A17.1 updates introduce more than one means of connection between elevators and responders for the first time, which creates a clear need for unified monitoring. Section 2.27.1.1.1 states out the requirement for authorized personnel:

“A communications means between the car and a location staffed by authorized personnel who can take appropriate action shall be provided.”

The location staffed by Authorized Personnel must be able to monitor both the voice and video messaging portion required by code. These requirements are detailed in 2.27.1.1.3, further clarifying how authorized personnel must facilitate the voice, video, and two-way messaging.

This seemingly simple statement introduces a crucial change: the same authorized personnel must monitor all communication pathways- audio, video, and messaging. This unified approach ensures:

1. Comprehensive situational awareness
2. Rapid and appropriate response to emergencies
3. Effective coordination with emergency services

The Imperative of Compliance

With over 75% of U.S. states already adopting a version of these code updates, compliance isn’t just recommended—it’s increasingly mandatory. But beyond legal obligations, there’s a compelling case for embracing these changes wholeheartedly:

1. Risk Mitigation: Non-compliance exposes building owners and managers to significant liability risks.
2. Ethical Responsibility: Ensuring the safety of all building occupants is a moral imperative.
3. Future-Proofing: Implementing these changes now prepares your building for future regulatory landscapes.

Embracing the Future of Elevator Safety

As building management professionals, it’s imperative that you:

1. Thoroughly review and understand the ASME A17.1 updates
2. Assess your current emergency communication systems
3. Implement compliant solutions that unify audio and video monitoring with messaging capabilities
4. Ensure your solutions have appropriately authorized personnel to handle all communication streams effectively

Solutions like Kings III’s CabView offer a comprehensive approach to meet these new requirements. CabView provides integrated video monitoring capabilities alongside traditional audio communications, allowing authorized personnel to meet the unified monitoring requirements efficiently. It includes features like two-way messaging for hearing and/or speech-impaired passengers, aligning perfectly with the code’s emphasis on inclusive communication.

By embracing these changes, we’re not just meeting regulatory requirements—we’re creating safer, more inclusive spaces for all tenants. In doing so, we elevate our role from mere compliance officers to true guardians of public safety.

Kings III is committed to helping you implement these pivotal updates, ensuring that when emergencies strike, you’re fully prepared to respond—for everyone’s sake.