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1. Why are contractors, mechanics, and inspectors now being required to become Licensed?

In 2022, the Kansas Legislature passed into law, HB 2005, creating the Elevator Safety Act. This Act creates safety standards for elevators, licensure requirements for elevator inspection, installation, alteration, and repair, and the duties of the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM).

2. Does the office of the state fire marshal have adopted Rules and Regulations for the Elevator Safety Act?

We are currently working through the State process on the rules and regulations.  The bill requires our office to adopt at the minimum the current version of ASME safety code for elevators and escalators.

3. When do I need to apply?

Starting Jan. 1, 2023, if you are Elevator Contractor, Elevator Inspector, or an Elevator Mechanic, you now must apply for a license with the OSFM to conduct business in the State of Kansas. This license will be valid for two years from issuance date.

4. Who must apply?

The categories are as follows:

• "Elevator contractor" means a sole proprietorship, firm, partnership, corporation, or association that is engaged in the business of erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, repairing, or maintaining elevators.
• "Elevator inspector" means an individual engaged in the business of inspecting elevators.
• "Elevator mechanic" means an individual engaged in the business of erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, repairing, or maintaining elevators under the direct supervision of an elevator contractor.

5. What database is being used?

We will be using a database called Compliance Engine from a company called Brycer for all the inspection reports and certificates of operation. Licensing of contractors, inspector, mechanics and registration of the units will be thorough the OSFM's website.

6. How much will the License Cost?

Each Licensee must pay by credit card (American Express is not accepted).  No Checks will be accepted.  Make payments to:  Elevator Payment Portal

                Elevator Contractor -      $500.00

                Elevator Inspector -        $250.00

                Elevator Mechanic -       $150.00

Each Contractor, Inspector and Mechanic must provide proof to the state fire marshal’s office of a current insurance policy issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in this state that provides general liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 for injury or death of any number of persons in any one occurrence, with coverage of at least $500,000 for property damage in any one occurrence and proof of workers compensation insurance coverage as required by Kansas law.

7. Will the OSFM have elevator Inspectors?

No, we will not have any elevator inspectors. Inspections will be done by a licensed inspector who will also collect the annual certification fee of $100 in addition to any inspection fee charged by them.  The annual certification card will be sent after the inspection is reviewed.   

Our office will have a program manager with many years of elevator experience who will do spot inspections, respond to complaints, along with any accidents or major equipment failures. That person will also mediate any disputes or disagreements that arise between anyone involved in the industry.

8. Will there be a 3rd party Inspector License?

The current Elevator Safety Act does not require a 3rd party inspection. Currently a mechanic could also hold an inspector license. Our office started accepting contractor, mechanic and inspector license applications Jan. 1, 2023 and have begun the approval process. Between now and July 1, 2023, we are allowing facilities and companies to continue their work and inspections as usual, using this time period to get everyone up to speed on the new law and how it will work. Facilities can register their units at no charge on our website, if they have no annual inspection scheduled until after July 1, 2023. When an inspection is completed, the inspector will collect the $100 certification fee and forward the inspection report and fee to our office using Compliance Engine. Our office will then approve the inspection report, and the certificate of operation will be emailed to the facility or facility contact.

9. If I own an elevator must I register it with OSFM?

Facilities can register their units at no charge on our website if they have no annual inspection scheduled until after July 1, 2023. If the annual inspection is before July1, 2023, the unit will be registered when the inspection report is submitted.   

Since the program is new and our office is currently working through implementation, there will be no administrative action for any late registration or inspections through July 1, 2023.

10. Will your office list licensed contractors, mechanics, and inspectors that have been certified?

We will have information on licensed contractors, mechanics, and inspectors on our website.   

11. Will Compliance Engine be offering training for Inspectors?

When an inspector registers with Compliance Engine, they will be able to sign up for a training webinar. Compliance Engine will offer complimentary training on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday on the Compliance Engine website. The inspector can sign up for the date/time that works best for their schedule. The training will be a live webinar, so they can ask any questions they may have. To sign up for training, click on the ‘training’ link on the main Compliance Engine website.  It will ask for some basic information and then choose a date/time. After signing up, they will receive an email with the webinar link.

12. What code will be used?

ASME A 17.1 CAS B44, ASME B20-1, Automated People Mover Standards Part 1, ASCE 21-05 2006 Addendum H1, Automate movers standards Part 2 and ASCE 21.2 08 Addendum H2.

13. What if the City or County has an Elevator program, what is the procedure?

If your city or county has an elevator program that has been approved by the OSFM, a Contractor, Mechanic, or Inspector will not be required to have a state license, as long as they do not provide service outside of that city or county.                     

License applications, installation and alteration permits, registration forms, and other information, can be found HERE.

                                                                                                                

14. How do I receive my operating certificate for my elevator?

1. Get an inspection from a state licensed inspector (of the facility’s choosing).
2. The inspector collects the $100 state certificate of operation fee, in addition to their inspection fee, and then enters the inspection report into the state database.
3. The inspection report is reviewed and approved by state elevator manager.
4. The certificate is generated and emailed out from the state database the following night after midnight to the facility and contractor.