Elevator Safety

The Elevator Safety Division is responsible for implementing the Elevator Safety and Regulation Act through the registration, inspection, and certification of conveyances, and the licensing of contractors, mechanics, inspectors, inspection companies and apprentices. The Division assures that conveyances are correctly and safely installed and operated within the State of Illinois outside the City of Chicago by regulating the design, installation, construction, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, alteration and repair of elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving sidewalks, platform lifts, stairway lifts and automated people movers in accordance with all applicable statutes and rules.

Notices/Reminders

• On December 28, 2023, The Illinois Elevator Safety Administrative Rules have been updated and those changes have became effective.
  • Revised Rules
  • On June 9th, 2022, the Elevator Safety Board made a final decision on the updated inspection form, to be used for all inspections. As of January 1st, 2023, the new updated standard inspection form will be used for all conveyance inspections under the OSFM jurisdiction.
    
    • New Elevator Inspection Form
      
    • Notice Letter for New Elevator Inspection Form
      
    • 988 Mandatory Elevator Letter
    • Expired Certificate of Operation Notice
    • Pit and Hoistway Access
      
    • Notification to Licensed Inspection Companies and Inspectors

    Notification of New Elevator Safety Administrative Rules, Effective May 25, 2021
    

    On May 25,2021, revisions to the Illinois Elevator Safety Rules (41 Ill. Admin. Code 1000) reflecting prior amendments to the Elevator Safety and Regulation Act ("Act") will become effective as State law. The text of the revised Rules can be found at

    • http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/041/04101000sections.html
      
    • Notification to Illinois Licensed Contractors Inspectors and Municipalities
      

    Public Act 92-0873, cited as the Elevator Safety and Regulation Act, was approved by the Illinois General Assembly in order to provide for public safety and awareness in relation to conveyances located within the State of Illinois. This Act was amended as of 7/23/09 (Public Act 96-0054) and on 8/11/09 (Public Act 96-0342). This Act was once again amended on 8/11/11 (Public Act 097-0310) to allow certain conveyances located in certain churches, synagogues or other buildings, structures, or places used primarily for religious worship to renew certificates of operation every 3 years (triennial basis) rather than on an annual basis (see Certificates of Operation below). The full text of this and all other legislation can be found on the "Statutes and Rules" page listed below.

    The Act requires that the design, construction, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, alteration, and repair of elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving sidewalks, platform lifts, stairway chairlifts, and automated people conveyances be in accordance with all applicable statutes and rules. As mandated by the Act, no person shall erect, construct, wire, alter, replace, maintain, remove, dismantle, or inspect any conveyance contained within buildings or structures without possessing the proper license.

    Notice to Conveyance Owners
    

    It has come to the attention of the Elevator Safety Division that conveyance owners are not being made aware of the various options they have to meet the new code requirements. And, that some companies are submitting proposals for work that does not need to be done.

    The Elevator Safety Division recommends that a conveyance owner obtain several quotes from different elevator companies for any work that is required. Then, have these proposals reviewed by your licensed elevator inspector to verify that the work and upgrades proposed are actually necessary.

    Another option is to contact and employ an elevator consultant. The consultant will manage the project and ensure that only the work and upgrades necessary are performed by the company and at the best price.

    Attached to this Notice is a list of all licensed elevator contractors that are licensed to perform work in this State. In addition, the Elevator Safety Division is available to answer any question you might have or assist you with information on code updates.

    Certificates of Operation

    Public Act 097-0310 enacted on 8/11/11 states in part:

    A certificate of operation is renewable annually, except that a certificate of operation is renewable every 3 years for a conveyance :

    • That is located in a building owned and occupied by any church, synagogue, or other building, structure, or place used primarily for religious worship and is the only conveyance in the building
    • That is under the jurisdiction of the Administrator,
    • That is limited in use to 2 levels, and
    • For which the church, synagogue, or other building, structure, or place used primarily for religious worship has an annual maintenance examination that includes the applicable category tests.

    For these occupancies, on-site witnessing of the category test shall be witnessed every 3 years. Records of the applicable maintenance checks and elevator category test results shall be maintained on-site by the building owner.

    • Maintenance Control Program, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, ASME A17.1-2007/CSA B44-07
    • Maintenance Control Program - Memo to Open Territory Owners- 3-25-11