San Bernardino, CA Building Safety: Elevator Maintenance (2026)

Passenger elevators, freight elevators, escalators, moving walks, and stairway chair lifts in San Bernardino commercial buildings and multi-unit residential over three stories are regulated primarily at the state level by Cal OSHA Elevator Unit under California Labor Code 7300 through 7324 and California Code of Regulations Title 8, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6. Every conveyance requires a permit to operate renewed annually, contingent on passing a Cal OSHA inspection. The permit must be posted inside the elevator cab. Maintenance and repairs must be performed by a Certified Competent Conveyance Mechanic under Labor Code 7320. Building owners typically contract with a licensed elevator maintenance company that performs monthly preventive maintenance, prepares the conveyance for state inspection, and maintains a log available for review. Routine inspection findings commonly include worn hoist ropes, outdated phone systems that need upgrading to comply with ASME A17.1 two-way communication rules, fire service operation testing, and machine room housekeeping. Noncompliance can lead to a red tag shutdown order, after which the conveyance cannot be operated until corrections are verified. California Building Code accessibility rules also apply. Emergency communication must include a working two-way voice link to a 24-hour monitored service under the 2019 ASME A17.1 amendments. Residential elevators in single-family homes are exempt from the state permit but must comply with Building Code safety standards at installation.