- Inspection: The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires elevators to be inspected by a certified elevator inspector, such as EMS, to ensure the equipment meets operational requirements governed by the Commonwealth’s Uniform Construction Code. The certified elevator inspector submits the results of the inspection to the state.
- Test: An elevator test is also a requirement set forth by the state. Two different companies must be hired for the test:
- The test must be performed by an elevator maintenance company.
- The test must be witnessed and results submitted to the state by a certified elevator inspector, such as EMS.
| Equipment Type | Inspection Frequency |
| Hydraulic Elevator | Every Six Months |
| Traction Elevator | Every Six Months |
| Escalator | Every Six Months |
| Dumbwaiter | Every Twelve Months |
| Wheelchair Lift | Every Twelve Months |
| Material Lift | Every Twelve Months |
| Equipment Type | Testing Frequency |
| Hydraulic Elevator – Pressure Relief Valve Test | Every Three Years |
| Traction Elevator – Full Load Safety Test | Every Five Years |
| Escalator Test | Every Three Years |
| Dumbwaiter – Full Load Safety Test | Every Five Years |
| Wheelchair Lift | No Testing Required |
| Material Lift – Full Load Safety Test | Testing Schedule Varies Typically Every Five Years |
EMS can assist in determining the equipment type and the test required.
As part of our service, EMS monitors the inspection and testing schedules of our clients. EMS will contact you when inspections and testing are required. Inspection appointments are arranged directly with our customers to best fit your schedule.
Elevator testing requires your elevator maintenance company to conduct the test with EMS serving as a witness. EMS coordinates an agreed upon test date with our customer and the elevator maintenance company.
Yes, EMS inspects all modes of vertical transportation.
Elevators that are currently not in service due to a modernization or a repair can only be inspected by a State Inspector employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As a third party agency, EMS can only witness tests and inspect elevators that are in service. Once a State Inspector has placed an elevator back in service, EMS would establish a bi-annual inspection schedule starting six months after the elevator is returned to service.
EMS will supply you with a report of the inspection results. If there are any deficiencies that need to be addressed, they will be provided. EMS will work with your elevator maintenance provider to address any outstanding issues.
Only the state can issue a Certificate of Inspection. To receive a Certificate of Inspection, EMS must inspect the elevator and submit the results of the inspection to the state. After receipt of the inspection results, the state will send you an invoice for the Certificate of Operation. When the state receives payment of the invoice, the certificate will be issued and sent to you. You may contact the State at 717.787.7465 or send an email to elevators@pa.gov. Be sure to include your Building Code Number.
Certificate inquiries should be directed to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry – Elevator Division. To inquire about the status of the certificate, please call 717.787.3612, or email elevators@pa.gov. Be sure to include your Building Code Number.
The building code number, which identifies the building in the state’s system, is the four- or five-digit number listed on the Certificate of Inspection. IMAGE TO FOLLOW
In Pennsylvania, the Authority having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is the Department of Labor and Industry – Elevator Division. The website is:
https://www.dli.pa.gov/ucc/Pages/Elevator-Plan-Review-and-Inspection-Requirements.aspx
You can contact the State at 717.787.7465 or send an email to elevators@pa.gov.