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Striving to Understand
By Jim Runyan,
Educational Director-NAESA International
Striving to Understand!
By Jim Runyan
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could develop codes that were easy to understand for everyone? A single read of a requirement would bring clarity and the ability to apply it to the equipment with little or no complexity. However, the English language is too complex for such an ideal to come true.
For over two decades I have dealt with the quagmire that comprises our safety codes. I always find it amazing that there is a continuous stream of requests for interpretations at the code committee level. Thus, it shows that the ideal code language is far from a reality. There are many challenges that face a new inspector. The first hurdle that they must face is to understand the codes that will be part of their everyday inspection activities.
It is not always easy for someone to trade-in their tool box for a stack of code books. Working with the tools is a physical and visual activity; one in which the fruits of their labor can be readily seen. With code however, the world is not as easily recognizable. Reading paragraph after paragraph and trying to develop an image in one’s mind of what the code is trying to say can be a daunting task. Plus, the rewards are not always readily apparent.
Those of us that sit on ASME code committees recognize it is not easy to write code language so that all who read it will recognize the intent in the same manner as those who authored same. How can we effectively enforce a document that can be riddled with misinterpretations and misapplications of the requirements contained therein? The answer, interesting enough, is to “strive to understand”. We will surely fail if we do not try!
Interpreting the code can be difficult at times to say the least. These difficulties in understanding often lead to misinterpretations and create conflict between industry, building owners and enforcement. Misapplication of the code can be costly to building owners and elevator companies. It is therefore imperative that the enforcing authority seeks to understand the code so as to minimize such occurrences in the field. Manufacturers also need to seek a better understanding. In some cases, their interpretations of the code come in direct conflict with those of the AHJ. Moreover, the AHJ may just use their authority to impose their will without regard to seeking a more clear understanding of the code.
Having sat in the seat of an AHJ, I am aware that those who enforce code must strive to “get it right” as many times as possible so as to be able to justify enforcement. Incorrect enforcement can lead to political solutions that can devalue an AHJ’s ability to do a good job of enforcing safety. So how should they go about getting it right?
Inspectors must learn to investigate; be able to navigate the myriad of tomes that make up the safety standards for elevator and escalator installations. Inspectors can begin by searching through official interpretations, reading manuals and handbooks on the subject and, of course, communicating with other AHJ’s. The latter is usually effective since it will normally lead to a conclusion that the AHJ’s interpretation is correct due to the number of other jurisdictions whose enforcement of the issue is the same. On the other side of the coin, if an AHJ stands alone on a code matter, it may be that a shift in their thinking is in order.
If we take a look at the basic list of codes that apply to elevators in some fashion, we can see that it can be a daunting task to find the answer:
ASME A17.1/CSA B44
ASME A17.1/CSA B44 Handbook
ASME A17.2
ASME A17.3
ASME A17.4
CSA B44.1/ASME A17.5
ASME A17.6
ASME A17.7/B44.7
ASME A17.8 (in production)
ASME A18.1
ASSE A10.4
CSA B355 (Canadian Standard)
CSA B311 (Canadian Standard)
CSA C22.1 (Canadian Standard)
ICC A117.1 (Accessibility Standard)
NBCC (National Building Code of Canada)
NFPA 13 (Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems)
NFPA 72 (Fire Alarm and Signaling Code)
NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code)
NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code)
IBC (International Building Code)
…to name a few!
So where does one begin?
Generally the first document to view is A17.1/B44. This is the industry’s bible when it comes to elevators and escalators. However, this standard often references other standards such as the building code, NFPA 70, NFPA 72, and others. Thus, it is imperative to know how these referenced documents relate to an elevator installation. Some research is required to familiarize one’s self with a myriad of standards to be able to visualize the big picture. Only then can one begin to understand the proper application of the codes involved.
So how does one know when they have a “better understanding” of the code? Read and reread the requirement(s); look for comparisons with other equipment being constructed and installed; research other resource material such as the A17.1/B44 Handbook and handbooks for related standards (e.g. NFPA 70, IBC, etc.) and discuss with other inspectors. Then put the information together and see the big picture if possible. If the big picture is not forthcoming it is probably because you do not have enough information yet. But never give up hope in the quest for better understanding. “Striving to Understand” is essential for all of us in the industry.
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