SECTION 310:675-5-19. Elevators

  All buildings having resident's facilities (such as bedrooms, dining rooms, or recreation areas) or resident services (such as diagnostic or therapy) located on other than the main entrance floor shall have electric or electrohydraulic elevators.

(1)   Number of elevators.

(A)   At least one (1) hospital-type elevator shall be installed where one (1) to fifty-nine (59) resident beds are located on any floor other than the main entrance floor.

(B)   At least two (2), one of which shall be hospital-type, shall be installed where 60 to 200 resident beds are located on floors other than the main entrance floor, or where the major resident services are located on a floor other than those containing resident beds. (Elevator service may be reduced for those floors which provide only partial resident services).

(C)   At least three (3), one of which shall be hospital-type, shall be installed where 201 to 350 resident beds are located on floors other than the main entrance floor, or where the major resident services are located on a floor other than those containing resident beds. (Elevator service may be reduced for those floors which provide only partial resident services.)

(D)   For facilities with more than 350 resident beds, the number of elevators shall be determined from a study of the facility plan and the estimated vertical transportation requirements.

(2)   Cars and platforms. Cars of hospital-type elevators shall have inside dimensions that will accommodate a resident bed and attendants, and shall be at least 5′10″ (1.52 m.) wide by 7′6″ (2.29 m.) deep. The car door shall have a clear opening of not less than 3′8″ (1.12 m.).

(3)   Leveling. Elevators shall be equipped with an automatic leveling device of the two-way automatic maintaining type with an accuracy of 1/2″ (1.3 cm.).

(4)   Operation. Elevators, except freight elevators, shall be equipped with a two-way special service switch to permit cars to bypass all landing button calls and be dispatched directly to any floor.

(5)   Elevator controls, alarm buttons, and telephones. These shall be accessible to wheelchair occupants.

(6)   Elevator call buttons, controls, and door safety stop. These shall be of a type that will not be activated by heat or smoke.

(7)   Control buttons and signals. These shall be such as to be usable by the blind.

(8)   Field inspection and tests. These shall be made and the owner shall be furnished written certification that the installation meets the requirements set forth in this Section and all applicable safety regulations and codes. Installation shall comply with ANSI 17.1-1971.