The Bureau of Elevator Safety adopted a disciplinary guidelines rule describing the normal range of administrative penalties imposed for violations of Chapter 399, Florida Statutes. The new rule provides minimum and maximum penalties for specified violations that increase in severity for repeat offenses. Penalty options include fines ranging from $250 up to $1,000, suspension, and revocation. The rule also describes aggravating factors that may result in higher than normal penalties and mitigating factors that may reduce the penalties imposed. The guidelines take effect on February 27, 2013, and apply to all elevator licensees, certificate holders, and registrants. Rule 61C-5.020, Florida Administrative Code, is available from the Department of State and H&R’s Statutes and Rules page.
Effective July 5, 2012, any elevator containing hydraulic supply shut off valves, also known as “knock-style valves”, are in violation of the Florida Elevator Safety Code. Certified elevator inspectors must cite the violation and the violation must be corrected to obtain a current satisfactory inspection. In order to comply with the safety requirements adopted by the division, the only acceptable method of correction is to replace the valve.
The Bureau of Elevator Safety previously published Industry Bulletin 2010-01 on January 11, 2010, regarding the dangers of hydraulic supply shutoff valves.
