WAC 296-96-02525
What is required for installation and
operation of emergency communication systems? Every elevator
must contain an emergency two-way communication system. The
installation and operation of this emergency communication
system must comply with the ASME A17.1 code in effect when the
department issued the elevator's installation permit. In
addition to the appropriate ASME A17.1 code, the following
requirements apply:
(1) The communication device located in the elevator car
must comply with the following:
(a) The maximum height of any operable part of the
communication system is forty-eight inches above the floor.
(b) Raised symbols and letters must identify the
communication system. These symbols and letters must be
located adjacent to the communication device. The characters
used must be:
(i) At least 5/8 inches but no more than two inches high;
(ii) Raised 1/32 inch;
(iii) Upper case;
(iv) Sans serif or simple serif type; and
(v) Accompanied by Grade 2 Braille.
(c) If the system is located in a closed compartment,
opening the door to the compartment must:
(i) Require the use of only one hand without tight
grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist; and
(ii) Require a maximum force of five pounds.
(d) The emergency communication system must not be based
solely upon voice communication since voice-only systems are
inaccessible to people with speech or hearing impairments. An
indicator light must be visible when the telephone is
activated. This nonverbal means must enable the message
recipient to determine the elevator's location address and,
when more than one elevator is installed, the elevator's
number.
(e) The emergency communication system must use a line
that is capable of communicating with and signaling to a
person or service that can respond appropriately to the
emergency at all times.
(2) A communication device must be installed in the lobby
adjacent to the Phase I key switch. This device must be a
two-way communication device used to communicate with
individuals in the elevator.
(a) The height of any communication device(s) located in
the lobby must be located between forty-eight and sixty inches
above the floor.
(b) Additional communication device(s) may also be
located in other parts of the building in addition to the one
located in the lobby.
EXCEPTION:
Elevators that have less than sixty feet of travel do not require an intercom.
(3) Subsections (1) and (2) of this section do not apply
to special purpose elevators. However, residential and
special purpose elevators must have a means of communication
located inside the elevator cab. This communication device
must be available at all times.
EXCEPTION:
Residential inclined elevators are exempt from this section.