The PBC was developed jointly by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) at the request of the National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities International (NAESAi), the National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII), the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC), the National Elevator Escalator Association (NEEA) and the Canadian Provincial Elevator Inspectors Association.

In the late 1990s NEII recognized that technological advancements in North America were lagging behind the rest of the world. In 2002, NEII, working with their member companies and the organizations listed above, made a presentation to a joint meeting of the ASME A17 and CSA B44 Committees on the need for a Performance Based Code for Elevator Safety in North America. The ASME A17 and CSA B44 Committees overwhelmingly supported the proposal and the ASME A17 New Technology Committee was established in 2003 to develop a PBC. 

This effort culminated in ASME A17.7/ CSA B44.7 – 2007 Performance Based Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators being unanimously approved by the ASME A17 Standards Committee and CSA B44 Technical Committee in May 2006. 

Current Support:

American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Since 1857, the AIA has represented the professional interests of America's architects. As AIA members, over 80,000 licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners express their commitment to excellence in design and livability in our nation's buildings and communities. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct that assures the client, the public, and colleagues of an AIA-member architect's dedication to the highest standards in professional practice.

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ASME is a 120,000-member professional organization focused on technical, educational and research issues of the engineering and technology community. ASME conducts one of the world's largest technical publishing operations, holds numerous technical conferences worldwide, and offers hundreds of professional development courses each year. ASME sets internationally recognized industrial and manufacturing codes and standards that enhance public safety.

Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA)
BOMA's 16,500-plus members own or manage more than nine billion square feet of commercial properties in North America. BOMA International is a primary source of information on office building development, leasing, building operating costs, energy consumption patterns, local and national building codes, legislation, occupancy statistics and technological developments. Throughout BOMA International's 100-year history, its goal has always focused on actively and responsibly representing and promoting the interests of the commercial real estate industry through effective leadership and advocacy, through the collection, analysis and dissemination of information, and through professional development.

Canadian Provincial Elevator Inspectors Association

Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
CSA is a not-for-profit membership-based association serving business, industry, government and consumers in Canada.  As a solutions-oriented organization, CSA works in Canada and around the world to develop standards that address needs, such as enhancing public safety and health, advancing the quality of life, helping to preserve the environment and facilitating trade.

National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC)
NAEC is an association of elevator contractors and suppliers serving primarily the interests of independent elevator contractors and independent suppliers of products and services; promoting safe and reliable elevator, escalator and short-range transportation and promoting excellence in the management of member companies.

National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities International (NAESAi)
NAESAi International is a non-profit international organization representing the interest of elevator inspection authorities with more than 2000 members which share an interest in elevator safety, code enforcement and technology.  The organization provides QEI Certification (Qualified Elevator Inspector), training and testing to qualified individuals; conducts national and regional elevator workshops throughout the United States to inform, educate and provide a forum for individuals to discuss elevator topics; and provides classroom training on a variety of topical elevator subjects.

National Elevator Escalator Association (NEEA)

National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII)
As the national trade association of the building transportation industry, NEII promotes safe building transportation for new and existing products and technologies, and the adoption of the current codes by local government agencies.