The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs is responsible for the inspection and approval of all elevators in the District.

All of the categories below (with the exceptions as noted) for existing installations require two inspections per year, one of which is an annual safety inspection performed in conjunction with the six-month inspection. All elevators must also be certified by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.

• Get a DC Certificate of Inspection for Passenger Elevator
• Get a DC Certificate of Inspection for Freight Elevator
• Get a DC Certificate of Inspection for Man Lift
• Get a DC Certificate of Inspection for Sidewalk Elevators
• Get a DC Certificate of Inspection for Escalator
• Get a DC Certificate of Inspection for Hand-Driven Elevator
• Get a DC Certificate of Inspection Dumbwaiters

New Inspection Details

• Some of the names of tests or inspections have been changed in how they are referenced in the ASME A17.1 while the scopes of work remain the same.
• The six-month inspection previously called the "routine" inspection is now called the "periodic" inspection.
• The annual safety test of the equipment previously known as the "Annual" or "Periodic" test is now called the "Category 1" or "Annual" test.
• The five year full load test for traction (or wire rope) elevators is now called the "Category 5" test.
• A Third Party Certificate of Inspection report should be attached to the Periodic and Category 1 or Category 5 inspections/test reports, if there is no punchlist of items outstanding. Any deficiencies (punch list items) for inspections or tests must have an approved re-inspection report (with a certificate of inspection).
• If you cannot obtain a third party certificate of inspection report please contact the Inspections and Compliance Administration, Elevator Inspection Branch located on the 4th floor of 1100 4th Street, SW, 9 am to 11am Monday through Friday or call (202) 481-3524.
• Man Lifts require 12 inspection reports every calendar year to receive a certification.

Inspection Checklists and Documentation

Third-party inspectors are required to use the checklists below:

• Elevator Inspection Completion Report
• Affadavit
• Inspection Checklist
• Elevator Certification and Review Form
• Third Party Inspection Information
• DCMR Chapter 30A Elevator and Conveying Systems
• Monthly Fire Service Log

Clean Hands Certification Form
Before an elevator license can be issued, DCRA requires a Clean Hand Certification from the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) at 941 N Capitol Street, NE, Second Floor.

• Clean Hands Certification Form

Elevator Safety Tips

If Doors Don't Open

• >If the doors don't open when the elevator stops, ring the alarm button and wait. Never force the doors open or try to exit.
• >Attempting to force the doors open is dangerous because the elevator could resume travel without warning and seriously injure someone. For some it will be difficult to wait but alternatives are much worse. The inside of the elevator is the safest place. There are plenty of dangers in the hoistway, which is not designed for people.
• >Only trained specialists know how to safely remove passengers or restart the elevator. Chances of the elevator falling are extremely rare as any one of the many required cables can individually hold a fully loaded elevator in place. Even under the horrifying conditions of the World Trade Center bombing, hundreds trapped in elevators were rescued by elevator industry specialists and firemen, many in minutes.
• >Use the alarm button or stay on the phone if there is one, stay calm and most importantly stay inside. When help arrives, follow instructions for a safe exit.

Fire Emergencies

• In case of fire, never use the elevator. Use the stairs.
• Building codes require exit stairwells to provide a good measure of protection in case of fire. Stairwell doors are heavy, well lighted and designed to protect people from smoke and fire. In addition, on stairs you control the option of going up or down to avoid the fire and smoke. Elevator shafts are often not sealed and act as a chimney thereby attracting the smoke.
• Most modern elevators are programmed to automatically return to the ground floor when the alarm is triggered. They will shut down and remain available for fire fighters only, so they won't respond to calls. You may waste precious time in a fire waiting for an elevator that doesn't come. Always use the stairs.
• If those in authority determine that it is safe for the building occupants to use certain elevators, announcements will be made. Follow directions.
• A handicapped individual would be safer moving to the stairwell to await rescue or to be carried down away from the fire and smoke. Those in authority may direct otherwise and their instructions should be followed.

The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs is responsible for the inspection and approval of all elevators in the District.