Scope

This part of the Directive enhances and or supplements Part IV (Elevating Devices) [https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-86-304/page-3.html#h-893452] of the COHSR and should be read in that context.

It includes a process under which the employer (the Treasury Board) has delegated to the deputy heads of custodian departments and agencies the responsibility for establishing contracts with provincial and territorial elevating device inspection authorities to ensure that inspections required by the Code are carried out at facilities under their custody or charge.

Notwithstanding the scope of other federal government codes or standards on elevating devices, this directive is primarily concerned with occupational safety. This directive shall apply in all government-owned buildings occupied by employees. For those employees occupying buildings not owned by the federal government, it shall be applied to the maximum extent that is reasonably practical. Privately owned facilities occupied by the public service are expected to comply with the applicable provincial or territorial requirements.

4.1 Installation and Alteration

4.1.1 The safety inspector shall advise the operating authority when his or her inspection of an installation or alteration is complete.

4.2 Inspection, Maintenance and Testing

4.2.1 All elevating devices require a safe operating certificate for each elevator. The operation certificate shall be issued by the authorized inspection agency and shall be made available to the appropriate health and safety committee. Specific procedures are required for occupants trapped in an elevator. Emergency procedures are to be posted in each elevating device.

4.2.2 The authorized inspection agency shall inspect all elevating devices.

4.2.3 The operating authority is responsible for ensuring that safety inspections are performed by authorized inspection agencies in accordance with the requirements set out in the Code and this directive.

4.2.4 The operating authority shall provide safety inspectors with accreditation identifying them as persons qualified and authorized to perform safety inspections of elevating devices in accordance with this directive.

4.2.5 Operating authorities shall establish and maintain a list of all elevating devices for which they are responsible that are subject to the requirements of this directive.

4.2.6 The operating authority shall provide a safety inspector conducting an inspection or test pursuant to this directive, on request, an assistant capable of taking all necessary precautions to ensure that inspector's safety during the inspection or test and to assist in the safe conduct of the inspection or test.

4.2.7 When a safety inspector finds on inspection that an elevating device is not safe to operate, the inspector shall:

  1. immediately seal the elevating device and inform the operating authority that using the elevating device is prohibited; and
  2. take possession of or cancel the certificate of inspection, if any.

4.2.8 On discovering any defect or condition in the elevating device that may render it unsafe to operate, the operating authority shall immediately take the device out of service until repairs have been completed and inspected and a new record of inspection issued.

4.2.9 The operating authority shall ensure that the maintenance and repair of elevating devices, or safety devices attached to it, is performed by a qualified person in accordance with standards that comply with good industrial safety practice.