CHICAGO CODE

WINDOW WASHER POWER-OPERATED PLATFORMS OF A PERMANENT TYPE (§ 18-31-020)

Permanent window washing platforms shall comply with all the

requirements of Chapter 18-31 of the Municipal Code of Chicago for elevators
which are applicable to the type of equipment used and for the purpose for
which
the equipment is installed; also all additional parts and accessories
necessary
for their full operation.

a. Plans and drawings shall be submitted for permit and shall be certified by
a
licensed architect or structural engineer, licensed to practice by the state
of
Illinois, in accordance with Section 13-40-010 of this code.

b. In cases of practical installation difficulty or new developments,

exceptions
for the literal requirements of the installation may be granted by the
building
commissioner to permit the use of other devices or methods, but only when it
is
clearly evident that equivalent protection is thereby secured.

c. Application for permit shall comply with Section 13-32-190, and shall be
inspected in accordance with Sections 13-20-100 and 13-20-140 of this code.

d. Raising or lowering of the platform shall be power-operated by overhead

machinery.

e. All wiring shall be done to conform with the requirements of the

electrical
provisions of the Chicago Electrical Code as it applied for outdoor
installation.

f.

Roof machinery
.

1. Roof machinery cars shall have a counterweight stabilizing factor of at

least
three to one when platform is at lowest point of travel.

2. There shall be removable inspection plates on the worm gear housing for
the
purpose of inspecting the worm and gear. One plate shall be mounted adjacent
to the mesh of the worm and gear, and one at the top of the gear housing.

3. All machines shall be of winding drum type, arranged so that only one
layer
of wire rope is permitted. The drums shall be of cast iron or steel and have
spiral finished U-grooves properly spaced for the cable size used. The
worms,
worm gear and spur gears shall have machine cut teeth. Cast iron for gearing
material shall not be permitted. Tight fitting keys or splines shall be used
for all connections subject to torque or tension. Only direct or geared
couplings shall be provided between the speed reduction unit and hoisting
drum.

4. A primary brake shall be provided for normal stopping and holding of the
platform. The primary brake shall be part of the driving machine assembly.

5. A governor operated secondary brake shall be installed in addition to the

primary brake. The governor operated secondary brake shall be one of the
following types:

a. Direct applied show brake either externally or internally consisting of

two
brake arms carrying pivoted brake shoes with suitable flexible brake lining
and
arranged to apply directly upon the drum or substantial integral extensions
of
the drum.

b. A self-energizing band brake, externally applied to the drum or

substantial
integral extensions of the drum. The brake shall be constructed of high
tensile steel band and lined with suitable flexible brake lining.

c. A geared brake employing mechanisms which are wholly independent of the

main
service drive. The brake shall be of the brake shoe type, the main drum gear
shall be directly attached to the drum through body fitted bolts. If an
auxiliary drum gear is used in connection with the secondary geared brake, it
shall also be directly attached to the drum through body fitted bolts. The
geared brake may be applied to the main service drum gear providing this gear
is
of heavy duty construction with the American Gear Manufacturers Association
publication A.G.M.A. 440.03 June, 1959, service factor of not less than 1.5
under conditions of maximum braking effect.

6. Both the primary and secondary brakes shall be magnetically operated and
spring set. Both brakes shall be arranged to operate on every stopping
operation. In addition, the governor shall cause the secondary brake to set
at
25 percent over speed independent of normal stopping devices. Each brake
shall
be capable of stopping and holding the rated load.

7. All parts of the primary brake and of the secondary brake are to be
readily
accessible for the inspection and adjustment and shall be completely weather
protected so that their function will be substantially the same under all
weather conditions.

8. A governor test shall be made with a capacity load on the platform to

determine whether the secondary brake will stop and hold the main drum in the
event the drum exceeds 25 percent above the rated speed.
9. The diameter of drums and sheaves shall be 40 times the diameter of the
hoisting ropes.

10. All structural members shall have a minimum factor of safety of

five. All
other components of the hoisting machinery shall have a factor of safety,
based
on the total static load, of eight for wrought iron or wrought steel and 10
for
cast iron, cast steel or other materials. Cast iron shall not be utilized in
any load carrying capacity in the design of this equipment where it can be
subjected to torsion, bending or tension.

11. Safety factor for hoisting cables shall be not less than 10.

12. The number and diameter of the cables shall be determined by using the
required factor of safety and the rated ultimate strength of the cable. The
computed load on the cables shall be the weight of the platform, plus its
rated
load, plus the weight of the hoisting cables. The minimum number of cables
used shall be four. The minimum diameter of the cables shall be not less
than
5/16 of an inch. Cables anchored to winding drums shall have not less than
two
complete turns of each cable on the winding drum when the platform has
reached
the limit of its travel.

13. Winding drum machine shall have final stopping switches on the machine.
Normal top and bottom terminal switches shall be provided.

14. On 3-phase AC installations, the stopping switches on the machine shall

be
so arranged as to open the main line circuits to the motor and brake.

15. Slack cable switches attached to the platform hitch shall be provided for
each individual cable.

g.

Suspended working platform

.

1. The suspended working platform shall be fabricated of steel or aluminum or

alloy of these basic structural metals.

2. Design of the working platform shall be of the girder or truss

construction
and shall be adequate to support its rated load with a safety factor of
eight.

3. Welding, riveting and bolting of the platform members shall be in

accordance
with accepted practices.
4. Platforms shall be suitably guided and shall be stable through its entire
operation from top or bottom or vice versa. Engaging guide rollers or guide
shoes shall be so designed to compensate for variation in building contour.
Guide shoe brackets or casting shall be of a material that will resist shear
and
tensile loading. Cast iron shall not be used.

5. All parts used in the construction or operation of the platform shall be

fabricated from material that will consistently withstand severe local
weather
extremes.

6. Platforms shall have a minimum net width of 24 inches and shall be

furnished
with permanent guard rails 36 inches high in the front (building side) and on
the sides and 42 inches high in the rear. Guard interstices shall be filled
with metallic mesh or similar material and shall reject a ball of 1 inch in
diameter. If the platform is confined in its operation to a distance not
exceeding 12 inches from the building, the mesh may be omitted on the front
side, but a 4-inch toe guard along the front side must be provided. The
platform flooring shall be of the nonskid type, open grating, which will
reject
a half-inch ball.

7. The platform shall be fastened to the cables by individual tapered

babbitted
sockets, and the cable sockets and method of socketing shall comply with the
requirements of this chapter. Each shackle shall be arranged for individual
adjustment for cable tension.

h.

Ratings
.

1. The rated speed of the platform shall not exceed 50 feet per minute in the
down direction with a fully loaded platform and shall not be less than 80
percent of the rated speed in the up direction with the same load.

2. The rated capacity of the platform shall not exceed 25 pounds per square
foot
of platform area. The area shall be measured between the protection guards or
toe guard and sides (ends) of the platform. Each platform shall bear a
manufacturer’s rating plate stating the maximum permissible net load
which
shall be the sum of the allowable load of men, tools, materials.

i.

Roof car operating devices and control equipment

. The roof car shall be rigidly constructed to withstand the

unbalanced forces to which it will be subjected, and shall move on steel
tracks
securely fastened to the building structure.

1. If the roof car is not parked in a roof garage, it shall be fully enclosed
to
protect the operating equipment placed on it from all weather extremes.

2. The roof car, when power operated, shall have a drive independent of the
driving units used for the platform.

3. The control shall include constant pressure means to move the roof car
forward or reverse, and a separate stop switch shall be available at the
operating station to prevent all motion.

4. The roof car shall not be movable unless the platform is out of its guides
and in proper position on the roof car.

5. Electric contacts or switches shall be provided and fastened to the

building
structure or roof car rails to indicate when the roof car is locked in proper
place for placing of the platform in its guide.

6. A power disconnect switch shall be permanently placed in roof car.

j.

Platform operating devices and control equipment

.

1. The control for the vertical travel of the platform shall be of the push
button type and it shall be necessary to maintain a constant pressure on the
“up” or “down” control button for operation. In addition, an emergency
stop switch shall be provided which shall be of the positive open and close
type. The control station and stop switch shall be permanently secured to
one
side guard of the platform and connected to the control panel through
suitable
rubber covered control cables.

2. Where the platform length exceeds 20 feet, an auxiliary control station

shall
be located at the opposite side guard of the platform. This control station
shall include a constant pressure type of “run” button which must be held
closed while the platform is being moved.

3. Communication equipment shall be provided for each powered platform for

use
in an emergency.

4. All platform controls shall be so designed as to operate on a nominal

voltage
of 120.
5. The controller for operation of the platform shall be installed in the
roof
car. It shall be fully enclosed for protection from the weather.

6. Automatic tension control shall be provided for control cables attached to

platforms. When the tension in the control cable exceeds a safe limit,
electrical interlocking contacts shall remove power from the vertical
traveling
hoistway machines and brakes.

(Added Coun. J. 10-7-09, p. 72419, § 21; Amend Coun. J. 11-8-12, p. 38872, §

382)
 CHICAGO CODE

ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTION OR ALTERATION (§ 13-32-190)

Before proceeding with the construction, installation, or alteration

of any elevator or mechanical equipment used for the raising or lowering of
any
curtain, stage, or orchestra floor, platform lift, dumbwaiter, escalator, or
mechanical amusement device or apparatus, application for a permit for such
construction, installation, or alteration shall be submitted to the building
commissioner either by the owner or agent of the building, or of the premises
on
which such equipment is to be installed. A permit shall be obtained for any
alteration in such elevator equipment except that this requirement shall not
apply to the replacement of existing parts with other parts which are
identical
with those which are replaced. No permit shall be issued for such work except
to
an elevator mechanic contractor duly registered under the provisions of
chapter
4-298 of the Municipal Code of Chicago.

The application for a permit shall specify the number and kind of
equipment which it is desired to install, or the nature of the alteration to
be
made and the location of the building, structure, or premises, and shall be
accompanied by such drawings and specifications as shall be necessary to
inform
said commissioner of the plan of construction, type of elevator, dumbwaiter,
escalator, platform lift, or mechanical amusement device, method of
alteration,
and the location thereof. Every application for a permit for a mechanical
riding
amusement device shall include a registration number assigned such device by
the
bureau of elevators of the department of buildings. For every new or
previously
unregistered mechanical amusement device, a detailed drawing and description
of
the construction thereof, with a certificate signed by a licensed architect
or
engineer certifying to the strength and safety of such device, must be
submitted
to the bureau of elevators for approval and assignment of a registration
number.
No permit shall be issued for a mechanical riding amusement device unless
such
device has been registered with the bureau of elevators. If such drawings and
specifications show that the equipment is to be installed or altered in
conformity withy the building provisions of this code, the building
commissioner
shall approve the same and shall issue a permit to such applicant upon the
payment of such applicant of the permit fee hereinafter named. It shall be
unlawful for any owner, agent or contractor to permit or allow the
installation
or alteration of any such equipment until a permit has been obtained, and the
permit fee paid.

(Prior code § 43-15; Amend Coun. J. 9-13-89, p. 4604; Amend Coun. J. 10-28-
97,
p. 54728; Amend Coun. J. 12-4-02, p. 99026, § 2.11; Amend Coun. J. 11-13-07,
p.
14999, Art. II, § 1)
CHICAGO CODE

ELEVATORS, ESCALATORS AND MOVEABLE PLATFORMS – INSPECTION REQUIRED (§

13-20-100)

Except with respect to elevators in single-family homes, as to which

the inspections specified in this section shall be made when necessary in the
judgment of the buildings commissioner pursuant to regulation, every
elevator,
moving walk, material lift, stairway chairlift. vertical reciprocating
conveyor,
movable stage, movable orchestra floor, platform lift, or escalator now in
operation, or which may hereafter be installed, together with the hoistway
and
all equipment thereof, shall be inspected under the authority or pursuant to
the
mandate of the building commissioner as often as deemed necessary by the
building commissioner based on a risk assessment, and in no case shall any
new
equipment be placed in operation until an initial acceptance inspection of
the
same has been made. It shall be the duty of every owner, agent, lessee,
person
responsible for the equipment within the meaning of section 18-30-005 or
occupant of any building wherein any such equipment is installed, and of the
person in charge or control of any such equipment, to permit the making of a
test and inspection of such elevator, or escalator, or other equipment set
forth
in this section and all devices used in connection therewith upon demand
being
made by the building commissioner or by his authorized elevator inspector
within
five days after such demand has been made.

(Prior code § 46-11; Amend Coun. J. 9-13-89, p. 4604; Amend Coun. J. 10-28-
97,
p. 54731; Amend Coun. J. 9-29-04, p. 32144, § 4; Amend Coun. J. 10-17-09, p.
72419, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 12-2-09, p. 78837, Art. 7, § 1)
§ 13-20-140
Elevators, escalators and movable platforms – Inspection fee
a.
The building commissioner is authorized to, and shall assess, the following
inspection fees for any annual or other periodic inspection of the following
equipment:
For an elevator, vertical reciprocating conveyor or manlift ten floors or
less $105.00
For an elevator or vertical reciprocating conveyor above ten floors but less
than 21 floors 125.00
For an elevator or vertical reciprocating conveyor over 20 but less than 31
floors 140.00
For an elevator or vertical reciprocating conveyor over 30 floors 155.00
Skip stops shall be considered as a floor of the building.
For an escalator or moving walk 75.00
Movable stage or orchestra floor 125.00
Platform lift 75.00
Hinged platform lift for trucks and loading docks 45.00
Material lifts 105.00
Platform wheel chair lifts, inclined wheel chair lifts and stairway
chairlifts 50.00
b.
Whenever the department of buildings must conduct a reinspection of a movable
stage or orchestra floor, the commissioner of buildings is authorized to
assess a reinspection fee of $100.00 against the building’s owner, agent,
lessee or occupant. Whenever the department of buildings must conduct a
reinspection of any equipment regulated under Chapter 18-30 of this Code
other than a movable stage or orchestra floor, the reinspection fee set forth
in section 18-30-415 or 18-30-420, as applicable, shall apply.
(Prior code § 46-15; Amend Coun. J. 7-9-84, p. 8218; Amend Coun. J. 3-29-89,
p. 26819; Amend Coun. J. 11-17-93, p. 42192; Amend Coun. J. 10-28-97, p.
54731; Amend Coun. J. 11-19-03, p. 14216, § 8.2; Amend Coun. J. 9-29-04, p.
32144, § 4; Amend Coun. J. 12-15-04, p. 39840, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 12-12-07,
p. 17167, § 18; Amend Coun. J. 10-17-09, p. 72419, § 10)