Fire Fighters Service Phase II Exemption Changes

On July 1, 2013, the exemption from Fire Fighters Service Phase II in 399.02(9), Florida Statutes, for certain residential properties will be extended.  When initially created, the Fire Fighters Service Phase II exemption was set to end on July 1, 2015.  House Bill 73 eliminates the end date and allows elevators to remain exempt until the elevator is replaced or requires major modification, as defined in rule 61C-5.008, Florida Administrative Code.  Governor Rick Scott signed House Bill 73 into law (Chapter 2013-188, Laws of Florida) on June 14, 2013.

The exemption only applies to Fire Fighters Service Phase II.  Elevators must still comply with all other ASME A17.3 requirements, including Fire Fighters Service Phase I.  Elevator owners may still apply for a variance from the Fire Fighters Service Phase II requirement, but a variance is not necessary as long as the exemption applies.  Please contact your certified elevator inspector or registered elevator company with questions about how the exemption applies to your elevators. Additional information is available in the Fire Fighters Service Phase II Exemption FAQ.

April 19, 2017 /  
Online Applications Now Available

The Department’s Online Services has expanded to allow online application for certain elevator permits and professional credentials. You may now apply online for a permit to install or relocate an elevator, a certificate of competency, an elevator technician or elevator inspector certification, or register as an elevator company. Applicants may still apply via hard copy, but applying online will reduce the amount of time needed to process the application. Applications for a permit to alter and certificate of operation cannot be submitted online at this time. All applications are available in hard copy on our website.

April 19, 2017 /  
Bureau Adopts Disciplinary Guidelines

The Bureau of Elevator Safety adopted a disciplinary guidelines rule describing the normal range of administrative penalties imposed for violations of Chapter 399, Florida Statutes. The new rule provides minimum and maximum penalties for specified violations that increase in severity for repeat offenses. Penalty options include fines ranging from $250 up to $1,000, suspension, and revocation. The rule also describes aggravating factors that may result in higher than normal penalties and mitigating factors that may reduce the penalties imposed. The guidelines take effect on February 27, 2013, and apply to all elevator licensees, certificate holders, and registrants. Rule 61C-5.020, Florida Administrative Code, is available from the Department of State and our website.

April 19, 2017 /  
Pit Shut Off Valve Correction

Effective July 5, 2012, any elevator containing hydraulic supply shut off valves, also known as “knock-style valves”, are in violation of the Florida Elevator Safety Code. Certified elevator inspectors must cite the violation and the violation must be corrected to obtain a current satisfactory inspection. In order to comply with the safety requirements adopted by the division, the only acceptable method of correction is to replace the valve.

The Bureau of Elevator Safety previously published Industry Bulletin 2010-01 on January 11, 2010, regarding the dangers of hydraulic supply shutoff valves.

April 19, 2017 /  
Online Accident Reporting and Contract Maintenance Now Available

DBPR’s new Online Services now allows elevator owners to file accident reports directly from their online account. In addition, elevator owners and registered elevator companies can maintain their service maintenance contract information using the “Maintain Relations” feature. This will be particularly useful as the Bureau of Elevator Safety updates its contract information this year as it relates to two-stop inspection exemptions. Just go to Online Services above to create and maintain your accounts.

April 19, 2017 /