December 10, 2011
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Follow up on elevator monitoring
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Ken
In regards to ELAVATOR MONITORING. The issues involved center around ADA also. At one time just a handset on the wall and a sign were all that was needed. Now elevator phones (enforced differently in all jurisdictions I am sure) must be located 18-24: off the floor of the car, incorporate hands free communication, call location identifier, braile characters and I believe new installations require callback capability from the central station. Maybe an elevator monitor company can shed more light..
Joel Kent
FBN
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Ken
I live and work in WI and install in WI and IL. I have been in the fire alarm industry for over 30 years and have number accounts for elevator monitoring. Just a few facts.
1. Make sure each elevator car has a separate contract.
2. Be sure to include in your contract that you are providing just monitoring and include that you do not own or service any part of the elevator.
3. Make sure it is inspected by the state not the local AHJ once you have made the change over.
Most states require that only a certified elevator company work on any part of the elevator or its equipment. In this case that includes the phone but not the monitoring.
Donald Fugate
Falcon Alarms L.L.C.
Kenosha, WI
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Comment
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Ken,
Re: Elevator Telephone Monitoring, it is not as easy as it's sounds. Emergency elevator telephones are their own specialty and come with their own issues. You must understand the industry to understand how to properly respond to elevator emergency's in the right way. The liability you are suggesting the writer take on with a standard security monitoring contract is very high. The last thing a building owner wants is for the Fire Dept to respond and hack through the elevator doors costing them tens of thousands of dollars to repair. Until you have spent enough time in that industry to actually advise on the response to emergency elevator phones, I believe you yourself are holding liability suggesting that a standard security monitoring contract protect liability when it comes to emergency elevator phones.
It is like saying any attorney can write a security monitoring contract, no it takes someone who has knowledge in our industry to do it properly. I will say the same about any security company taking on the responsibility for responding to emergency elevator telephones.. If it's not your specialty stay out of it. You really don't know all the situations you could be getting your company involved in.
I know because I've been there done it, it's all good as long as nothing happens but when it does the lawyers will be asking what knowledge did you have to properly handle these situations. Elevators are not security systems and there is something happening with the elevator if the emergency phone gets used. People die all the time trying to get out when entrapped. Do you know safely how to advise a entrapped person? Are your operators trained on this as well? This is just a sampling of the many issues that arise.
Elizabeth Courtney, Vice President
Beacon Security Inc.
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Response
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The original question and my answer is below, and what I did suggest was that the Monitoring Contract could be used with modification to describe the service.
Companies installing elevator communication systems need to know the requirements for the system, and those responding to the emergency communication need to know how to respond to anticipated situations. Those issues are addressed in contract specifications and response guidelines. The essential contract provisions would be, in my opinion, essentially the same as for alarm response. I also suggested that if a specific contract was necessary it can be prepared, but your comment did not really address contract terms.
This may be a good opportunity for me to point out that the Standard Form Contracts that I offer are just that, standard forms. They are suitable for the systems and services referred to in the contracts. I get calls almost daily with inquires about whether a contract addresses the peculiar system or service that the caller provides or what's to start providing. Usually there is a Standard Form that can be used as a great starting point for a contract, but that doesn't mean that customization and revision won't be necessary. We provide that customization, or once you buy the contract you can make whatever changes you like. I am happy to review your modifications, usually without charge [unless you essentially rewrite the contract].
If the industry needs a standard elevator contract, let me know.
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Here is the original Question and Answer
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Ken,
I have and use all of your contracts. I have been presented with an opportunity to monitor several commercial elevators. I use a wholesale central station to monitor. My question is: can I use your Central Office Monitoring Contract for this purpose? Could any mention of security systems be voided out ? Should the contract be altered at all? If you feel a contract should be altered, is that something your office could do? Anon
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Answer
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The Monitoring Contract was designed to monitor electronic security systems, which would include fire and other types of alarms; not just intrusion. But, elevator monitoring is not a service specifically mentioned. I have not designed a standard contract for elevator monitoring and service.
That service, as I understand it, involves a dedicated phone or other communication line so that elevator stopage or other emergencies in the elevator can be promptly reported to summons assistance. I also suspect that many jurisdictions mandate elevator monitoring and the municipal department notified is the Fire Department for response.
The Standard Monitoring Contract is suitable for elevator monitoring with some modification which can be included in a rider. By definition you can include elevator monitoring as security, or simply provide that the monitoring service to be provided is elevator monitoring and all reference to security monitoring shall mean elevator monitoring. In the same rider you would describe how the system will work, i.e. dedicated telephone, POTS or VoIP line, how it's connected, and how it's going to be monitored and response options [i.e. call fire dept; owner; elevator response service, emergency medical response, police].
Is using the Monitoring Contract for this purpose like trying to bang a square block into a round hole? Not really. Most of the protective provisions in the Monitoring Contract are going to be applicable to the elevator monitoring service. If anyone thinks the industry needs a new contract dedicated to elevator monitoring let me know.
As far as service, you can use the Standard Service Contract. Just specify that the equipment and system to b e serviced is an elevator emergency notification system.