STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS27230 / H0398
This legislation adopts standards necessary for effective enforcement of Chapter 86, Title 39, Idaho Code,
including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) A17.6 Standard for Elevator Suspension,
Compensation, and Governor Systems; ASME A17 .7 Performance-Based Safety Code for Elevators and
Escalators; and ASME A17.8 Standard for Wind Turbine Tower Elevators. The ASME A17.6 Standard for
Elevator Suspension, Compensation, and Governor Systems and ASME A17 .7 Performance-Based Safety
Code for Elevators and Escalators are standards that are included in IDAPA 07.04.02, but are not included in
Idaho Code section 39-8614. In 2018, the Division of Building Safety adopted the 2016 version of ASME
A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. Unlike in prior versions, the ASME did not include standards
for wind turbine tower elevators in the 2016 version of ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.
Instead, the ASME created the separate, stand-alone A17.8 Standard for Wind Turbine Tower Elevators. The
state of Idaho currently regulates over one hundred (100) wind turbine tower elevators and that number will
continue to grow. Without adoption of A17.8 Standard for Wind Turbine Tower Elevators, the state will not
have standards to use in regulating these units.
This legislation also removes the ASME A17.2 Guide for Inspection of Elevators, Escalators, and Moving
Walks and ASME Safety Requirements for Personnel Hoists and Employee Elevators for Construction and
Demolition of Operations from Idaho Code section 39-8614. Idaho Code section 39-8614 requires compliance
with the A17.2 Guide for the Inspection of Elevators, Escalators, and Moving Walks. The ASME did not design
this guide to have the force and effect of law, and the guide should instead be used as a reference document. The
guide states, "This guide is intended to assist qualified inspectors performing routine inspections and witnessing
periodic and acceptance inspections and tests. It is not intended to serve as a basis for government regulation."
The ASME Safety Requirements for Personnel Hoists and Employee Elevators for Construction and Demolition
of Operations is an obsolete standard that the Division of Building Safety does not use in enforcing Chapter 86,
Title 39, Idaho Code.
This legislation also clarifies the correct titles of several standards in Idaho Code section 39-8614 and the
definition of a qualified elevator inspector in Idaho Code section 39-8603. Idaho Code section 39-8603 defines
a "Qualified Elevator Inspector" or "QEI" as "a person who is currently certified by the National Association of
Elevator Safety Authorities International (NAESA International) accredited certifying organization as meeting
the requirements of the NAESA International QEI-1 standard." The QEI-1 standard is written by ASME and
not NAESA International.
FISCAL NOTE
This legislation will not have a fiscal impact on any general or federal funds or the Idaho Elevator Safety Fund
because this legislation only clarifies and simplifies Chapter 86, Title 39, Idaho Code, and adopts standards that
are substantially similar to those that previously applied.
Contact:
Gary Barnes
Division of Building Safety
(208) 332-8974
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 02/04/2020, 9:00 AM
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 02/04/2020, 9:00 AM


Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 39-8603, 39-8614