It is said by many that “the elevator industry has its ups and downs”. Hopefully,
uneventful ups and downs. In its 2003 regular session, the State Legislature added
Alabama to the growing list of states requiring an elevator safety inspection program
to help assure just that.
The legislation (Act No. 2003-349) mandates all elevators other than those located
in industrial facilities that are not accessed by the general public, be inspected
annually and that inspections be made on elevators under construction to make sure
they are properly installed and maintained. In addition to overseeing safety inspections,
the Department is also required to keep accident reports and license persons who
are engaged in construction, repair and dismantling of elevators.
Governor Bob Riley appointed the 10-member board required under the act December
24, 2003. The board is composed of professionals in elevator manufacturing, design
and repair as well as representatives of building managers, the public and the physically
handicapped. Its chairman is Arthur W. Steber, president of Bagby Elevator Company
in Birmingham.
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