A17 Elevator and Escalator Standards Committee Incorporates the Use of Cases

The ASME A17 Elevator and Escalator Standards Committee recently incorporated the use of Cases, also known as Code Cases, into their procedures. Cases are used when there is an identified urgent need to have a revision or alternative requirement available to the public. When used, Cases prescribe requirements in the same sense as the text of the standard, however not all jurisdictions, owners, or contracts may accept Cases. The most common application of Cases are:

• To permit early implementation of a revision based on an urgent need
• To provide alternative rules when justified
• To gain experience with alternative or potential additional rules prior to incorporation directly into the standard
• To permit the use of a new material for construction
• To clarify the intent of specific requirements

To familiarize the elevator and escalator community with this process, a presentation was given at the National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities (NAESA) September 2017 Wisconsin Symposium. Topics covered in the presentation included an explanation of Cases, as well as interpretations and technical revisions. It was noted that the addition of Cases would aid in the dissemination of information on items that may be of urgent need to the elevator and escalator community in a more timely fashion.

For more information, contact Geraldine Burdeshaw (+1.212.591.8523).