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.
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.
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.
New Citation Rule Now In Effect
The Bureau of Elevator Safety’s new rule on citations for unlicensed activity became effective on January 10, 2012. Rule 61C-5.023, Florida Administrative Code, allows the bureau to issue citations and stop work orders for performing work or operating an elevator without the proper permit or license, including expired certificates of operation and temporary operating permits. Chapter 2010-110, Laws of Florida, authorized the bureau to issue citations for unlicensed activity. Contact the division at DHR.Rules@myfloridalicense.com with questions about the citation process.
New Elevator Law Takes Effect on July 1, 2010
As of July 1, 2010, elevators in certain condominiums and multi-family apartment buildings will have until June 30, 2015, to comply with Fire Fighters Service Phase II requirements. More information on this exemption is available in Industry Bulletin 2010-02. The new law, Chapter 2010-110, Laws of Florida, also extends the time owners have to correct violations from 30 days to 90 days, gives the division right of entry to perform its duties, allows the division to issue citations for unlicensed activity, and creates new violations subject to penalty. Additionally, certified elevator inspectors will be required to respond to requests for information from the division regarding inspection reports.
