Recent KJA Articles
Update to Elevators and COVID transmission: a scientific review
It is now agreed by scientists and researchers that Covid-19 transmission is largely airborne rather than from contact with surfaces. This is probably even truer with Omicron, so methods to prevent the release of airborne particles and to remove them as quickly as possible are now the main defences to keep elevators safe. This confirms that ventilation is an extremely important factor while behavioural changes of elevator users, such as mask wearing, not talking, social distancing and increased testing are also key defences.
Will your elevators be up to code?
Ontario’s elevator laws and safety regulations are slated to be updated in early 2022. They affect the approximately 40,000 commercial elevators and 20,000 residential elevators in the province and are intended to improve safety, reliability, and accessibility.
Post-Pandemic Elevator Service Recommendations
Pre-COVID, elevators normally operated without restricting the number of passengers per trip, and capacity in peak hours. Now, occupancy has been reduced to respect physical distancing protocols, and if the 2 metre guideline was strictly enforced, only 1 or maybe 2 passengers can fit in most office building elevators. This results in longer wait times and larger groups of users waiting for elevator service.
New TSSA Licensing Rates
A new billing model for annual elevator licenses will be starting on May 1st 2021 in Ontario by the provincial Technical Standards and Safety Authority. The biggest change will be that previously separately invoiced fees are now billed up front which may give the impression that the fees have increased.