What does PBC stand for?
PBC is the abbreviation for the Performance Based Code for Elevator Safety, also known as the Performance Based Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7.  The PBC will complement the existing prescriptive code ASME A17.1/CSA B44 by providing a framework for the certification, maintenance, and inspection of new technology and materials.

What is a “performance” code?
A performance code describes a level of accepted performance to which assembly or construction must conform without specifically outlining how materials are to be assembled.  This concept allows new technologies and materials to be assessed for safety, even if they were not contemplated during the last update to the prescriptive code.

How does the PBC differ from a prescriptive code?
When adopted across United States and Canada, the PBC will provide a comprehensive framework for the application of new elevator technology while maintaining or exceeding the safety requirements under the prescriptive sections of ASME A17.1/CSA B44.  Instead of listing specific structural requirements like the current prescriptive code, the PBC will require all elevator designs meet Global Essential Safety Requirements.  Manufacturers will have flexibility to determine how those requirements are met, but all new technology applications will be independently certified.

Does this code put a greater burden on regulators?
No, the opposite is true.  Under pre-2007 versions of ASME 17.1/CSA B44 code section 1.2, new technologies not contemplated by the code may be permitted so long as they can be shown to be as safe as technologies already permitted by the code.  The PBC acts as an extension of section 1.2, providing regulating authorities with an objective and structured method for approving new technology while ensuring continued elevator safety.  Safeguards must be provided and documentation must be presented that designs and products are equivalent or superior to the current standards.  This structured method also provides a consistent means of demonstrating safety of designs and products which will be helpful to the regulating authorities.

Does ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 replace the A17.1/CSA B44 code?
No.  To the contrary, ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 supplements ASME A17.1/CSA B44.  ASME A17.1/CSA B44 will continue to be updated and it is anticipated that the technologies certified pursuant to ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 will be included in ASME A17.1/CSA B44 over time.  Additionally, assessments made using ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 will often depend on assessing portions of new technologies using ASME A17.1/CSA B44 standards.

How does the PBC affect the use of the American Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines or other codes and standards currently referenced in A17.1?
The PBC can only be used as an alternative to the ASME A17.1/CSA B44 code.  The PBC cannot be used as an alternative to the ADA, ITC ANSI 117, the National Electrical Code, or building code requirements.

Have any other countries adopted performance based codes?
While a similar Performance Based Code for Elevator Safety has been utilized in Europe for nearly a decade, ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 was developed in North America specifically for use in the United States and Canada.  The European Union adopted its performance based Lifts Directive 95/16/EC in 1995 and it has been fully in force since 1999.  This directive has ensured a high level of safety for elevator users throughout the European Union nations while permitting elevator manufacturers the freedom to circulate and install elevators using the latest technology in all of the EU countries.  ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 works in concert with the existing ASME A17.1/CSA B44 prescriptive code to capture the benefits of the European directive, while providing a new, comprehensive method of assuring the safety of new technologies.

Who certifies that a new technology is safe?
To further aid regulating authorities, the PBC requires all new technologies and materials to be approved by Accredited Elevator/Escalator Certification Organizations (AECOs).  An AECO is an independent organization concerned with product safety evaluation which evaluates and awards certificates of conformance with the PBC based on the manufacturers' documented design, risk assessments, and Code Compliance Document.  AECOs must be accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) and certified as compliant with the ISO Guide 65 program.

What does the AECO certify?
AECOs certify the application of new technology in elevator components, sub-systems, or entire elevators as safe in accordance with A17.7/CSA B44.7.  The AECO issues a certificate of conformance based on a specific scope to assure that Global Essential Safety Requirements are met.  Components and sub-systems will be certified for use in specific applications, while entire elevator systems will be certified based on precise manufacturing specifications and replacement parts.  The Code Compliance Document will be developed as part of the AECO certification process and will include maintenance, repair, and inspection directions for the component, sub-system, or elevator being certified. 

If an AHJ does not agree with the manner in which a risk assessment is done, can the AHJ request additional testing by the AECO?
As the end product’s safety is the purview of the AHJ, the AHJ makes the final decision whether the elevator is safe or not.  If there is a disagreement over something in the risk assessment, there will be discussions, the proper documentation will be invoked, and the issue will be examined.  A problem with the risk assessment or anything else should be corrected.  One would not want anything in the field that is not correct.  In general, in going through the process it is unlikely that there would be something wrong with the risk assessment, as it has gone through a lot of expertise to get to that point. 

What are “Global Essential Safety Requirements”?
The process established by the PBC for determining elevator safety is based on a structured application of Global Essential Safety Requirements (GESRs). The PBC provides regulating authorities with the ability to use GESRs, which identify the safety objective but provide flexibility to accomplish that objective.  The intent of GESRs is to provide safety requirements for elevators without specific design constraints such as those that are specified in current elevator standards.  While international standards were used as a starting point for the GESRs, all of these requirements were developed specifically to address the North American market.  No international or European certifications, like the “CE” mark, are incorporated in the new code.

What happens if there is an approved system that fails and results in a fatality?
Whether one follows the PBC or another code, there is always recourse in the event of a failure of any kind.  In the case of the PBC, one would examine the risk assessment contained in the Code Compliance Document and see if the issue was covered and, if not, why it was not covered.  The risk assessment process is very proactive in nature in that it uncovers hazards which might not be obvious by following a prescriptive type of code.  The process forces one to be very conservative to assess all events, including residual risks which might occur as a result of mitigating something else.  As a result, the chances of something escaping through a properly conducted risk assessment are very small.

How are AECOs compensated?
AECOs are compensated by manufacturers based on the amount of time spent by the AECO to certify the manufacturer’s technology.  The AECO will be paid the same whether it certifies a new technology or not, so there is no incentive on the part of the AECO to approve the technology unless it is safe.

What incentive do the AECOs have to honestly assess new technologies?
In addition to the lack of a financial incentive to do otherwise, AECOs must maintain their certification by ANSI or the SCC.  Only organizations certified in accordance with ASME A17.7.1/CSA B44.7.1 which is based on ISO Guide 65 will be permitted to serve as AECOs.  Finally, AECOs will operate and compete based largely on their reputation and, like equivalent organizations in other industries, AECOs will have competition.  Failures to honestly assess products in a timely fashion will force them from the market. 

Can an AECO that does not have elevator expertise outsource the expertise?
An AECO is required to have, as part of its team, individuals with elevator expertise as well as North American elevator code expertise.  That individual does not have to be employed by the AECO; however, the expertise needs to be identified, documented, and demonstrated to both the American National Standards Institute and Standards Council of Canada in the accreditation process.

Where can I find an AECO?
AECOs will be listed on the American National Standards Institute website, www.ansi.org.  AECOs accredited in Canada will be listed on the Standards Council of Canada website, www.scc.ca.  AECOs must be accredited by one of these two organizations.  Several firms have applied and will be accredited in the near future.

Where can I read the text of ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7?
ASME A17.7/ CSA B44.7 - 2007 Performance Based Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators has been published and is available for purchase through the ASME product catalog or the CSA online store.

Does this code take power or responsibility away from regulators?
No.  Final approval of all elevator systems remains the responsibility of the appropriate Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for each location in which the elevator is being proposed for installation.  The PBC does not require the AHJ to accept the certificate of conformance from the AECO, and allows the AHJ to review all documentation from the AECO review process, including the Code Compliance Document for the elevator design.