CODE UPDATE

Update #4 - Projections, Recesses, & Setbacks (2.1.6)

Projection: something that projects, or juts out

Recess: a receding or hollow place, as in a surface, wall, etc.; niche

Setback: an upper part of a wall or building set back to form a steplike section

The intent of this section of the code is to discourage standing or placing tools and other equipment on projections, recesses, and setbacks.

2.1.6 Projections, Recesses, and Setbacks in Hoistway Enclosures. Hoistway enclosures shall have flush surfaces on the hoistway side, subject to the requirements of 2.1.6.1 and 2.1.6.2.

The 1996 code contained the phrase "substantially flush" in this requirement. Flush being defined by online dictionaries as "in an even manner; so as to be level or in alignment; unbroken or even in surface; in one plane." I think removing the phrase "substantially flush" eliminates a little of the "wiggle" room we had when accepting or rejecting the hoistway enclosure construction. In addition, some jurisdictions add a requirement similar to this, "The phrase substantially flush does not include unnecessary horizontal surfaces or surface projections such as reinforcing rods, snap ties, screws, etc., which may cause injury." I might add that screw points protruding through the hoistway ceiling are especially dangerous, particularly for elevators with the minimum amount of top of car clearance.

2.1.6.1 On sides for loading and unloading, landing sills, hoistway doors, door tracks, and hangers shall be permitted to project inside the hoistway enclosure. Sills shall be guarded as required by 2.11.10.1.

Some jurisdictions require various other hoistway enclosure protection. For instance, California currently has this requirement: "The hoistway wall opposite the car entrance shall be smooth. Recesses or projections in excess of 1 in. (25 mm) shall be beveled at an angle of not less than 60° nor more than 75° from the horizontal." [Title 8 Elevator Safety Orders Section 3020(a)(3)(B)] Consult your AHJ for additional local requirements.

2.1.6.2 On sides not used for loading and unloading

(a) recesses, except those necessary for installation of elevator equipment, shall not be permitted;

(b) beams, floor slabs, or other building construction making an angle less than 75 deg with the horizontal shall not project more than 100 mm (4 in.) [increased from 2 in. (51 mm)] inside the hoistway enclosure unless the top surface of the projection is beveled at an angle not less than 75 deg with the horizontal;

The 1996 code contained the following sentence: "The top surface of intersections created by diagonal bracing, if projecting more than 2 in. (51 mm), shall be beveled at an angle of not less than 75° with the horizontal." Apparently, the phrase "or other building construction" covers the diagonal bracing situation.

(c) separator beams between adjacent elevators are not required to have bevels;

(d) where setbacks exceeding 100 mm (4 in.) [increased from 2 in. (51 mm)] occur in the enclosure wall, the top of the setback shall be beveled at an angle of not less than 75 deg with the horizontal;

(e) bevels are not required if the projections and setbacks are covered with material conforming to the following:

1 - it shall be equal to or stronger than 1.110 mm (0.0437 in.) wire;

2 - it shall have openings not exceeding 25 mm (1 in.); and

3 - it shall be supported and braced such that it will not deflect more than 25 mm (1 in.) when subjected to a force of 4.79 kPa (100 lbf/ft²) applied horizontally at any point.

As you can see there are no requirements to bevel the undersides of any of these surfaces to eliminate a shear hazard.

2.1.6.2(a) prohibits "recesses, except those necessary for installation of elevator equipment." It appears that some jurisdictions will allow recesses to be covered as pictured above. Consult your AHJ for additional local requirements.

E-mail Bob Desnoyers with your projections, recesses, & setback comments

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