Elevator Emergency Communications & Monitoring: Ensuring Safety and Compliance
Why Building Owners and Managers are Switching to Reliable VoIP Technology
At ATIS, our team has witnessed firsthand the vital importance of reliable emergency communication systems in elevators. These systems are not merely a response to a regulatory requirement; they are a lifeline for passengers in distress and a cornerstone of elevator safety and compliance.
Ensuring Elevator Passenger Safety
The primary function of emergency communication systems in elevators is to ensure the safety of passengers. In the event of an emergency, such as a power outage or mechanical failure, passengers must have a reliable means of contacting emergency services at any time. Continuous monitoring also ensures that any issues are detected and resolved promptly, preventing potential failures during emergencies.
Elevator Safety Regulations & 2019 Mandates
Elevator communication systems must comply with comprehensive regulatory compliance measures to ensure that all elevators are equipped with functional and reliable communication systems.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (https://www.asme.org/ ) developed the national standard for elevator and escalator safety, and ASME A17.1 2019 Code (2.27.1.1) outlines several critical requirements for elevator emergency communication systems:
The code maintains requirements that communication systems are meeting strict stringent safety & functionality standards
The code introduces required monitoring enhancements that mandate video monitoring and two-way text communication between the elevator cab and the responding operator. These new additions cannot be accommodated by legacy hardware and transmission means and require upgraded communications systems.
Transitioning to Modern Elevator Communications & Monitoring Technology
Many older elevators still rely on outdated landline systems for emergency communication, and since the FCC has now relieved local telephone carriers of the need to support these systems, they have become prone to failure, are slow to be serviced, and are increasingly becoming obsolete. In 2019, Telecom companies were no longer subject to Telecommunications Act of 1996 requirements that obliged price cap incumbent local exchange carriers (LECs) to service POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines, as many providers were already transitioning to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service.
What does this mean for the building owner or asset manager stuck with an outdated POTS emergency communications system? Potential non-compliance violations and an increased risk of emergency communication failure.
Elevator Emergency Communications and Monitoring: Customized Solutions, Expert Consultation, and Support
The importance of emergency phone monitoring and communications in elevators cannot be overstated. These systems are essential for ensuring passenger safety, complying with regulations, and maintaining reliable communication during emergencies.
With decades of experience in the elevator industry, ATIS's team of experts provides unparalleled consultation and support. We know that the needs of building owners and asset managers are unique, and that’s why we provide tailored solutions that are designed to reach and maintain regulatory compliance for elevator emergency communications & monitoring. We work to meet the specific requirements of each installation, giving our clients the confidence that their emergency communication systems are optimized for safety, performance, and reliability.
From evaluating existing communication equipment to implementing new systems, ATIS ensures that every aspect of the emergency communication system is handled with professionalism and expertise. Learn more about the ATIS ECM solution here.
Can we help? Email our ECM team, or request to connect via our Contact form.