The primary North American safety code for elevators, escalators, and related conveyances, governing design, installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance in the USA and Canada.
Full Definition
ASME A17.1 / CSA B44 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators is the authoritative standard for elevator safety in North America, adopted by most US states and Canadian provinces. It covers traction and hydraulic elevators, escalators, moving walks, dumbwaiters, and platform lifts. The code is organised into requirements for new installations (Part 2) and existing installations (Part 8). Unlike EN 81-20, ASME A17.1 sets prescriptive requirements updated on a three-year cycle. Key companion documents include ASME A17.2 (Inspector's Manual) and ASME A17.3 (Existing Installations). The Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) — typically state or city elevator inspection departments — enforce the code version adopted locally. Third-party inspection by licensed QEIs (Qualified Elevator Inspectors) is standard practice.
