§ 14-16-104. Clearances between cars, counterweights and shaftways.

A.

Between car and hoistway car and counterweight. There shall be maintained a clearance of not less than one-half-inch between the sides of the car and the shaftway enclosure and not less than one-half-inch clearance between the car and its counterweights.

B.

Between car and landing threshold. There shall be maintained a clearance of not less than one-half-inch between car platforms and landing thresholds for elevators using steel guide rails with side post construction, and three-fourths inch for elevators with wood guide rails or corner post construction. This clearance shall be maintained so as not to exceed 1½ inches.

C.

Between hoistway and open edge of car. The clearance between the shaftway enclosure and the open edges of the car platform should not exceed five inches, except where the hoistway doors are installed wholly within the hoistway; in which case the maximum clearance should not exceed 7½ inches. Car doors or gates equipped as required in section 14-16-97, shall be installed where this above clearance exceeds 5½ inches.

D.

Between two cars. If two or more adjacent cars are operated in the same shaftway the horizontal clearance between cars should not be less than two inches.

E.

Overhead clearances.

1.

The distance between the top of the elevator car sling and any obstruction directly above it when the car floor is level with the top landing shall be equal to or be greater than the sum of the following:

a.

The distance between the counterweight and its buffer;

b.

The maximum stroke of the counterweight buffer;

c.

Six inches.

2.

The distance between the top of the counterweight and any obstruction directly above it when the car floor is level with the top landing shall be equal to or greater than the sum of the following:

a.

The distance between the top of the buffer and its striker plate on the car;

b.

The maximum stroke of the car buffer;

c.

Six inches.

3.

For cars traveling faster than 250 feet per minute add this item to each of the above sums: one-half of the stroke of the buffer used.

Note: this item may be omitted if provision is made to eliminate the jump of the car or counterweight, if its top clearance is being considered, at buffer engagement.

F.

Reducing overhead clearance. No structure or apparatus shall be installed either on the top of the car, or extending upwards above the top of the car, or extending downwards from the top of the hoistway which would reduce the over-travel clearances; unless prior to installation an investigation is made and permission is given by the department of labor, supervising inspector.

G.

Compressed counterweight buffer. When the counterweight is resting on its fully compressed bumper, no equipment attached to the elevator car or car frame shall strike the overhead construction.

(Code 1967, § 49-154; Code 1985, § 46-174)