Elevators and lifts

Elevators and lifts

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All elevator mechanics are required to be licensed, and all elevating devices are required to have an operating licence. This licence ensures the device meets the Nova Scotia Elevators and Lifts Act and regulations, and applicable safety codes and standards.

Classes of elevating devices include passenger and freight elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, manlifts, platform lifts and stair lifts for barrier-free access, rope tows, pony lifts, chair ski lifts, T-bar lifts, gondola lifts and passenger ropeways.

Overview and guidelines: Elevator Mechanics: A Guide to Classification (PDF)

Mechanics

You need a Certificate of Competency and elevator mechanic licence to construct, install, alter, repair, maintain, service, inspect, examine or test elevating devices. As part of the certification process, you need to successfully complete the education, training and practical experience requirements for the class of licence you want.

Classification levels (certificate and licence)

Licence

Classification

Certificate

Authorized activities

Requirements

Elevator Mechanic Licence

Class A

Certificate of Competency

Constructing, installing, altering, repairing, maintaining, servicing, inspecting, examining and testing all classes of elevating devices, except passenger ropeways.

4-year program of practical skills and theoretical training as provided by the Canadian Elevator Industry Education Program or another equivalent educational program acceptable to the Chief Inspector.

Elevator Mechanic Licence

Class B

Certificate of Competency

Constructing, installing, altering, repairing, maintaining, servicing, inspecting, examining and testing lifts for persons with physical disabilities.

Successful completion of a 2-year training program or equivalent educational program acceptable to the Chief Inspector.

Elevator Mechanic Licence

Class C

Certificate of Competency

Constructing, installing, altering, repairing, maintaining and servicing passenger ropeways.

Documented proof of at least 5 years of related work, with a minimum of 1,000 hours each year, and successful completion of lift mechanic training approved by the passenger ropeway industry and the Chief Inspector.

Application process

Once you meet all the requirements for the certification process, you can apply for a Certificate of Competency and Elevator Mechanic Licence for the class of licence you want. You can also apply to renew your Certificate of Competency or request a copy of your Certificate of Competency, licence or notice.

Application form: Elevator Mechanic Licence Application (PDF)

Recognition of international credentials

Applicants from outside Canada may need to complete a prior learning assessment if they don't meet the education requirements. They may also need to have their credentials verified by an evaluation agency. For more information, visit the Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Transfer of competency

You may transfer your credentials from another jurisdiction if your qualification is equivalent to the classification you are applying for.

Application review process

It should take 10 days for Technical Safety to review applications for operators and business contractors. International and transfer applications can take up to 30 days to review. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your form hasn't been filled in correctly.

If your application is approved, you receive your Certificate of Competency card by mail. Contractor licences are mailed.

Fees

The fee for operators for the initial or renewal of competency is $66.35.

Businesses (contractors)

A company that provides mechanical service to the elevating industry needs an Elevator Contractor Licence in Nova Scotia. Any work performed on elevators and lifts must be completed by a registered contractor that employs licensed mechanics.

Contractor list: Registered Elevator and Lifts Contractors (PDF)

Application process

A company that provides mechanical service to the elevating industry must hold an elevator contractors licence in Nova Scotia.

Application form: Elevator Contractor Licence Application (PDF)

Other permits, licensing and forms

Fees

The fee for businesses (contractors) is:

  • contractor initial - $265.40
  • contractor renewal - $132.70

Inspections and maintaining safety

Use the inspection scheduler form to schedule an inspection.

As a condition of licensing, all activities associated with elevators and lifts must comply with the applicable safety codes.

Annual condition reports are required as part of the equipment licence renewal process. These reports are completed by registered elevators and lifts contractors. Compliance audits are carried out by licensed 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.

Contact

If you have any further questions, reach out to the Safety Branch-Technical Safety Division at 1-800-9LABOUR (1-800-952-2687).

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