Preface
This is the fourth edition of ASME A17.1HB/CSA B44HB, Handbook on Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. It has been created to augment the ASME A17.1-2019/CSA B44:19 safety standard which addresses elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, moving walks and material lifts.
This Handbook contains rationale for ASME A17.1/CSA B44 requirements along with explanations, examples and illustrations of their implementation. In addition, it contains excerpts from other national recognized standards, which are referenced by the Code. The goal of the Handbook is to convey the end result of Code requirements as applied to equipment installed today where the original intent cannot found.
The Handbook is designed to provide users with a better understanding of, and appreciation for, the A17.1 requirements. Commentary from this handbook was compiled from ASME A17 Committee minutes, correspondence and interpretations, as well as conversations with past and present ASME A17 and CSA B44 committee members.
The Handbook is organized by topic with a table of contents at the beginning. Starting out with electric elevators, hydraulic elevators and elevators with other types of driving machines. In addition, special application elevators, escalators and moving walks, dumbwaiters and material lifts are also discussed. At the end, the Handbook lists the general requirements for new and existing equipment.