Elevator Shaft

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Elevators & Conveyances

Owners of elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters and other equipment covered by Iowa Code Chapter 89A have many responsibilities.

  • All covered equipment must be registered with the Iowa Division of Labor.
  • A current operating permit must be posted at all times.
  • The owner must hire a qualified elevator maintenance company to perform regular safety tests.
  • Owners of older elevators may have to upgrade their equipment by May 1, 2021, to enhance safety.

In addition the equipment must be inspected on a regular schedule. The owner may hire a qualified, private inspector. Otherwise, an inspector employed by the State of Iowa will inspect. If the equipment does not meet code, corrections will be required.

Accidents / Emergencies

Immediately notify the Labor Commissioner of an accident involving an elevator, conveyance or related equipment. Follow the accident notification requirements and submit an accident report form to the Iowa Division of Labor.

Before Installation/Alteration

Compliance with the following is required for elevator installation companies:

At least 8 weeks before an alteration or installation is scheduled to begin, submit an installation or alteration permit application. Failure to obtain a permit may result in significant extra costs and delays in the project.

  • Work cannot begin on an installation or alteration until a permit for the work has been issued by the Labor Commissioner.
  • Once the permit has been issued and received it is to be posted on the job site.
  • Equipment should not be put into use until it passes inspection by a state inspector.
  • Most businesses in the elevator industry must have a current contractor registration number issued by the Division of Labor.

To Schedule an Appointment

It may take up to two weeks to schedule an appointment for an inspection related to an installation or alteration.

Oversight

Tips for Local Government Officials:

Local government officials are often the first government officials to be aware of a project involving an elevator, escalator, or other covered conveyance. Early contact with owners, developers, engineers, and architects can be leveraged to help avoid costly delays and expensive changes. Working through apparent inconsistencies between elevator codes and fire, building, or electrical codes with the staff of the Division of Labor during the design phase is a smart move. Working with the Division of Labor staff early in the planning phases can mean that appropriate equipment is ordered and installed in a manner that complies with the applicable codes.

Online Payments

If you have received an invoice from Elevator Safety and would like to pay online, use the request below to submit the business Federal Tax ID number along with your elevator permit number(s). Instructions to pay online will be emailed after receiving the business Federal Tax ID number.

There will be a 3% service fee added to your total purchase amount or a 30 cent service fee added to your ACH (checking account) payment.

Credit card or ACH payments will not be accepted over the phone.

Elevator Safety Board

The Elevator Safety Board has authority to write rules, review inspection reports, grant waivers from rules, and more.

Accessibility Requirements

The Iowa Department of Public Safety, cities, and counties are responsible for accessibility requirements. For more information on accessibility requirements, call 515-725-6154.

Common Questions

Answers to common questions and concerns.

Hours of Operation

8:00am to 4:30pm • Monday - Friday

Contact Information

Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing
Elevator Safety
6200 Park Ave., Suite 100
Des Moines IA, 50309-1836