Elevators and Lifts
Classes of elevating devices include passenger and freight elevators, escalators, lifts for persons with physical disabilities, dumbwaiters, manlifts, material lifts, personnel and material hoists, special elevating devices and passenger ropeways.
Licensing
All elevating devices require an operating license. This license ensures the device meets the Nova Scotia Elevators and Lifts Act and General Regulations, as well as applicable safety codes and standards. All elevating device licences expire on December 31.
Any work performed on elevators and lifts must be completed by a registered contractor (PDF) who employ licensed mechanics.
Inspections
Use the Inspection Scheduler form to schedule an inspection.
Maintaining Safety
All activities associated with Elevators and Lifts must comply with the applicable safety code(s).
Annual condition reports are required as part of the equipment license renewal process. These reports are completed by registered Elevators and Lifts contractors (PDF). Compliance audits are carried out by licenced elevator inspectors who follow the applicable standard.
Safety Notifications
Manufacturer Safety Bulletin: documentation issued by the equipment manufacturer for non-imminent danger practices or procedures, which may have a level of safety risk if not addressed as soon as possible.
Safety Alert: imminent danger to a safety issue, that if not addressed will likely lead to health and safety consequences.
Safety Bulletin: non-imminent danger practices or procedures, which may have a level of safety risk if not addressed as soon as possible.
Safety Directive: an interpretation or application of the act, regulations or standards of the regulation, which require action. A Directive is legally binding and must be followed by the affected parties.
Safety Notice: informative, non urgent, proactive communication on safety issue.
- Escalator Safety (PDF) | Sécurité des escaliers roulants (PDF)
- Steel & Elastomeric Suspension (PDF)
- Manufacturer Safety Bulletin - Thyssenkrupp Northern Elevator Traction Sheave Brake (Sheave Jammer) Maintenance (PDF)
- Single Bottom Cylinder Safety Order – Hydraulic Elevators with buried jacks with single bulkhead cylinders – 2nd Notice (PDF) | Ordonnance de sécurité relative aux cylindres à fond simple – Ascenseurs hydrauliques avec vérins enterrés à cylindre à fond simple – 2e avis (PDF)
- Single Bottom Cylinder Safety Order – Hydraulic Elevators with buried jacks with single bulkhead cylinders (PDF) | Ordonnance de sécurité relative aux cylindres à fond simple – Ascenseurs hydrauliques avec vérins enterrés à cylindre à fond simple (PDF)
- Adoption of the CSA B355 Annex B maintenance requirements for Platform Lifts and Stair Lifts (PDF) | Adoption des exigences de maintenance CSA B355 annexe B pour plateformes élévatrices et monte-escaliers (PDF)
- Adoption of the CSA B44 Elevator Maintenance Control Program (MCP) (PDF) | Adoption du programme de contrôle de la maintenance (PCM) des ascenseurs CSA B44 (PDF)
- Directive for the Installation of Unlocking Devices in Elevator Hoistway Doors (PDF) | Directive relative à l'installation de dispositifs de déverrouillage dans les portes de cage d'ascenseur (PDF)
- Directive for Fire Emergency Operation (FEO) Switch Keys for Elevators and Escalators (PDF) | Directive relative aux interrupteurs à clé lors d'opérations de secours en cas d'incendie (OSI) dans un ascenseur ou un escalier mécanique (PDF)
- Replacement of Hydraulic Control Valves (PDF) | Remplacement des distributeurs hydrauliques (PDF)
- Mechanics in Training supervision (PDF) | Supervision des mécaniciennes et mécaniciens en formation (PDF)
- Manufacturer Safety Bulletin - TK Elevator - 2:1 Roped counterweight (PDF) - January 3, 2023
- 2021-01 - Effective Date of the 2019 ASME 17.1/CSA B44-19 Safety Code for Elevators & Escalators (PDF) - December 14, 2021
- 2021-02 - Effective Date of the 2019 CSA B355:19 Platform lifts and stair lifts for barrier–free access (PDF) - December 14, 2021
- 2021-03 - Effective Date of the 2019 CSA Z98:19 Passenger Ropeway & Passenger Conveyors (PDF) - December 14, 2021
- Elevator & Lift Industry Factsheet (PDF)
- OTIS 12CB (PDF) - September 22, 2020
Key Safety Reminders
Legislation
Permits, Licensing and Forms
Elevators and Lifts Appeal Board
The Elevators and Lifts Act Appeal Board hears appeals from persons directly aggrieved by a decision, conditions or an order of the Chief Inspector of the Elevators and Lifts Act regarding a certificate of competency, an application for contractor registration, an application for a certificate of competency or a licence or an audit.