ESW - 20 : Working in the Elevator Machine Room

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Elevator, Escalator & MovingWalk

Working in the Elevator Machine Room

Accurate electrical schematic diagrams for all installations must be available at the site. Any subsequent approved modifications to any part of the electrical power and safety circuits must be recorded on those diagrams by the person making the modifications.

A permanent means for emergency stopping must be provided. When access to the machine room presents a fall hazard of 3 metres, the access opening must be protected by a guardrail system.

1. A safe means of access to equipment must be provided. For newly designed and currently manufactured escalators, safe working conditions shall be provided in the pit and machine room areas to perform maintenance and repair operations.
• Controller
• Before working on the controller, remove it from the truss using a mechanical lifting device and position at the floor level. If the effort required to remove the controller and attached cables exceeds 11 kg, then a lifting device is required and this requirement shall be clearly indicated on the controller.
• A clear path must be provided in front of the controller. The controller cabinet must be secured to prevent it from tipping.
• It is preferable that the controller be designed so that it can be serviced outside the truss.
• Where the controller cannot be removed, each company must establish written procedures to enable safe working conditions.
• Motor Heat
• The motor/gearbox can reach high temperatures. Precautions must be taken to avoid contact with this machinery under these conditions. Warning signs or other visual indications must be placed on machinery that has the potential to reach high temperatures.
2. External Machine Room

• Hazards in machine rooms relating to rotating machinery and electrical equipment are similar to those encountered at other locations on the job site and require the same type of protection.
• At a minimum, the following safeguards must be implemented:
• A safe means of access to equipment areas must be provided. If the main line disconnect can not be operated from the access, an emergency stop switch must be provided.
• When access to the machine room is through a trap door, the opening shall be protected by a guardrail system.
• All electric contacts, buss and wiring connections must be guarded to protect against electric shock.
• The floor must be free of oil and debris.
• On multiple installations, each machine and its related equipment must be clearly identified with the same markings.
• Adequate lighting must be provided to assure safe entry/exit and safe working conditions. Control switches should be located close to each access point.
• All lighting must be protected against mechanical damage and all lighting circuits must be properly fused and grounded or double insulated.
• An electrical outlet should be readily available to accommodate the use of portable tools, lights and cleaning equipment. Ground fault circuit protection is required.
• Newly designed escalators shall incorporate ground fault circuit protection in allelectrical outlets.

REQUIREMENT MAY VARY AS PER THE NATION / COUNTRY / STATE LOCAL RULES & REGULATIONS