General statement of policy and interpretative rules

1. Purpose and scope. The purpose of these standards is the practical safeguarding of persons, buildings, and building contents from hazards arising from the use or control of conveyance equipment. It covers the mechanical and electrical installations and associated equipment necessary for safe operation of conveyance equipment. The inspection of elevators and other conveyances subject to this chapter, must comply with the requirements of this chapter and applicable industry codes and standards as incorporated herein. 2. These standards, based on the ASME codes, are the result of years of experience and research to meet the demand for uniform standards to govern conveyance equipment in North Dakota, and provide basic rules for intelligent and uniform installation and inspection. Elevators and other conveyances subject to this chapter are further defined and regulated by applicable industry codes and standards including: a. ASME A17.1-2019/CSA B44:19 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. b. ANSI/ASSP A10.4-2016 Safety Requirements for Personnel Hoists and Employee Elevators on Construction and Demolition Sites. c. ANSI/ASSP A10.5-2020 Safety Requirements for Material Hoists. d. ASME A18.1-2023 Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts. e. ASME B20.1-2024 Safety Standard for Conveyors and Related Equipment. f. ASCE/ANSI 21-21-2021 Automated People Mover Standards. The specific versions of industry codes and standards that apply to this chapter must be determined by the board and incorporated into administrative code. 3. All requirements contained herein must be given careful consideration to ensure greatest permanence, convenience, and safety. These standards do not constitute a design specification for any particular installation, or an instruction manual for untrained individuals. Skill and experience are necessary factors for a safe and adequate wiring installation. Whenever these requirements differ or are in conflict with the requirements of the board- adopted ASME edition and applicable articles in locally adopted codes or State Building Code pertaining to conveyance equipment, the more restrictive requirements are the minimum. 4. Severability. If any section, sentence or clause, or provision of this chapter or its applicability to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the remainder of this chapter and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected by it.