Architects & Contractors

Temporary Use Elevators

Section 5.10 of the B44 Elevator Code applies to elevators temporarily used during construction to transport construction personnel, tools and materials only. The TSSA is now strictly enforcing “Temporary Use Elevators,” which will impact future installations.

Regulatory Requirements

The TSSA requires that every Temporary Use Elevator have a separate Design Submission registered either at the same time as the full submission or later when it is realized that a Temporary Use elevator is needed. In addition to the initial inspection, a subsequent inspection is required at the time when the Temporary Use Elevator is re-licensed as a Passenger Elevator. There are further TSSA fees associated with the separate submission and inspection and additional costs for Delta Elevator’s Engineering Department.

The B44 Elevator Code also requires that all elevators be maintained by a registered elevator contractor. For Temporary Use Elevators, Delta Elevator requires that a monthly Interim Maintenance Agreement be signed prior to turnover. There are two contract options available: LOG (Labour, Oil & Grease with chargeable call-backs) or FMX (Full Maintenance Extended). In addition, a Temporary Use Elevator must have its license renewed every six months.

Operational Use

During temporary use, the elevator’s interior finished surfaces must be protected with fire-rated plywood supplied and installed by the General Contractor. In addition, the exterior of every entrance frame must be provided with protection supplied and installed by the General Contractor. Also, many General Contractors choose to provide an operator to limit access to the elevator to trained personnel and to limit vandalism / abuse to the unit.

Elevator Loading Requirements

Every elevator has a loading classification pertaining to its capacity and to the nature of the loading method. It is important that the loading classification matches the intended use of the elevator in order to ensure safe operation.

In this respect, the intended use of the elevator for construction must be taken into account during the project design phase to make certain that the loading requirements are adequate. For additional details, see our Elevator Loading Requirements page.

Return to Like-New Condition

Delta Elevator requires the refurbishment of the Temporary Use Elevator to “like new condition” at the end of its use for construction purposes. This is to ensure that the wear and tear on the elevator during temporary use does not adversely affect the Warranty Maintenance Period and long term lifecycle of the equipment. Additional costs are associated with the refurbishment pertaining to labour and replacement parts.

General Contractor Requirements

Prior to scheduling the initial TSSA inspection for the Temporary Use Elevator, the General Contractor must ensure the following are in place:

Completed Pre-Installation Checklist.
Hoarded elevator walls and ceiling with fire rated plywood.
Protected Hall Entrance Jambs.
Dedicated phone line.
Finished floor or fire rated plywood floor with no tripping hazard (i.e. less than 6 mm).
Ramped hall door sills to prevent a tripping hazard (i.e. less than 6 mm).
Connected (i.e. to a live panel) temporary lighting at each elevator entrance.

It is critical to review and understand the Pre-Inspection Checklist in advance to ensure that time frame expectations are not missed due to outstanding items that prevent the TSSA inspection from being scheduled.

Note: It is the General Contractor’s responsibility to complete and submit the checklist to the elevator contractor before both the initial and the subsequent inspection. The TSSA will not schedule an inspection without the completed and signed checklist.

Delta Elevator’s Approach

Delta Elevator can accommodate requests for a Temporary Use Elevator provided the following documents are in place:

A Cab Acceptance Form signed by the General Contractor confirming the condition of the elevator prior to the start of its use as a Temporary Use Elevator.
A Hall Entrance Acceptance Form signed by the General Contractor confirming the condition of the hall entrances prior to the start of its use as a Temporary Use Elevator.
An Interim Maintenance Agreement signed by the General Contractor outlining Delta Elevator’s maintenance responsibilities and setting the General Contractor’s monthly fee.
A Contemplated Change Notice for the Temporary Use Elevator approved by the General Contractor detailing the restoration work to be done and the contract amount payable to Delta Elevator.

It is important that discussion regarding a Temporary Use Elevator take place early in the building planning process to ensure that there is no misunderstanding later in the project.

Please Contact Delta Elevator if you have questions or if you would like pricing for a Temporary Use Elevator for your building project.