HAR §12-229-5.1. Permits to operate

(a) The department shall issue a "permit to operate" for any elevator, kindred equipment, or amusement ride where 229-11 §12-229-5.1 the inspection and tests required by the department show that the equipment has been designed and installed in accordance with the requirements of chapter 397, HRS, and its related rules, including the payment of all required fees, and are in compliance with this part. It shall be a violation for any person, firm, association, partnership, or corporation to operate an elevator, kindred equipment, or amusement ride regulated by this part unless a permit for the operation has been issued by the department and the permit remains in effect. (b) A permit to operate an elevator or related systems shall be issued only after a qualified elevator inspector has determined that the equipment, device or apparatus meets all applicable requirements of this part. A permit to operate elevators or related systems shall be valid per the schedules in Exhibit C, titled "Inspection and Test Intervals (In Months)", dated January 1, 2017, which is made a part of this chapter and located at the end of this chapter, unless revoked sooner, and may be renewed only upon satisfactory completion of an inspection by a qualified elevator inspector. A valid permit may be extended for cause by the department if so requested in writing by the owner or contractor prior to the expiration date. (c) The owner, or the owner's duly appointed agent, shall be responsible for: (1) The safe operation and proper maintenance of elevators and related systems after the installation or alteration has been approved and an initial permit to operate has been issued; (2) Conducting all periodic or maintenance tests required by this part; (3) Arranging for inspection of closed buildings and not readily accessible elevators and related systems by qualified elevator inspectors. Elevators and kindred equipment not inspected as a result of the owner's failure to provide convenient access shall be considered removed from service and shall comply with section 12-229-7 .1 (b) (4); 229-12 §12-229-5.1 (4) Requesting and scheduling with the department all safety tests in accordance with the schedule in Exhibit C, titled ''Inspection and Test Intervals (In Months)", dated January 1, 2017, which is made a part of this chapter and located at the end of this chapter; and (5) Notifying the department within thirty calendar days of any changes to: (A) Building ownership; (B) Building address; (C) Billing address; or (D) Property management. (d) The permit to operate shall indicate the type of equipment for which it is issued. In the case of elevators and kindred equipment, the permit shall state whether it is passenger or freight, and the rated load and speed for the elevator, dumbwaiter, escalator, or moving walk. The permit to operate shall be posted conspicuously in the car of the elevator, and on or near the dumbwaiter, escalator, moving walk, or other kindred equipment, or, alternatively, the permit to operate may be posted in a secure manner under a transparent cover, or in a suitable case or cabinet and in such a way that the permit is reasonably easy to read, outside the elevator or related system, if: (1) The location is approved by the department, on-site, and available for review during normal business hours; and (2) There is a permanent sign within the elevator, conspicuously displayed, in letters not less than 1/4-inch high, that identifies the equipment by the state registration number and states where the operating permit may be viewed. (e) The department may immediately revoke any permit to operate for any equipment required to be inspected by this chapter that is found to be in an unsafe condition; or when an owner or contractor fails to comply with a department order to correct specific defects or hazards and continues to use or operate the 229-13 §12-229-5.1 equipment, device, or apparatus without abating the hazards or defects. The department shall reissue a permit to operate when a subsequent inspection by a qualified elevator inspector finds that the hazardous condition has been corrected or when the department receives documentation that the noncompliant item has been abated. (f) Exhibit C, titled "Inspection and Test Intervals (In Months)", dated January 1, 2017, which is made a part of this chapter and located at the end of this chapter, establishes the required maximum intervals for the periodic reinspection and renewal of the permits to operate. The department may require that specific equipment be re-inspected more frequently if conditions found during an inspection require closer or more frequent monitoring to ensure its safe operation. (g) The department may provide for the issuance of a temporary permit to operate while any noncomplying elevator or kindred equipment is being brought into full compliance with chapter 397, HRS. (h) The owner or contractor may petition the department for additional time to correct any discrepancy or violation by submitting a request in writing by no later than the correction due date or the expiration date of the temporary permit, whichever is applicable, and shall include: (1) Specific additional time needed; (2) Efforts made to date to effect correction; and (3) Any interim steps or actions taken to ensure the safe operation of the equipment, device or apparatus. (i) No elevator, kindred equipment, or amusement ride that is required to be inspected pursuant to chapter 397, HRS, shall be operated except as necessary to install, repair, or test the elevator, kindred equipment, or amusement ride unless a permit to operate has been issued by the department and remains valid. [Eff and comp 6/30/14; am and comp 11/10/16; am and comp 2/15/19; comp 1/31/21; am and comp JUN 1 4 2026 ] (Auth: HRS §3 97-4) (Imp: HRS §397-4) 229-14 §12-229-6.1