Are phones missing from elevators a building code violation?
I live in a disabled and elderly HUD low income apartment building. The phones have been missing from both elevators for at least over four months now. We all live in fear of getting stuck in the elevators and having no way of calling for help if our cells don't get reception in them. Maintenance leaves around three thirty in the afternoon, so any time after that, if you get stuck, there's no way of calling for help. Is it a building code violation that the phones are missing from the elevators, and if so, what type of violation. I don't know who to report it to. I can't go to the manager. She seems to make her own rules and if you ask for help on anything the answer is always no.
SolidAxle2012-10-25T10:51:06Z
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ADAAG (Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines), not only require a telephone in all elevators located in public buildings, but also require that the telephone or communication device must also contain certain components commonly known as "ADA compliant". An "ADA compliant" telephone includes features which make it hands free operational. Additionally, the telephone system must alert the user indicating the call has been dispatched, the call has been received, and that help is on the way. Proper signage, Braille and accessibility requirements must also be met. These additional elements are required for persons who may otherwise be unable to communicate the emergency.
Note that the ADA is not code, but Federal Law which is regulated and enforced by the United States Department of Justice.
For further information, go here: http://elevatorinspector.info/Phones.htm
Someone mentioned you. The investigator usually thinks the position is variety of like an brought on condominium. You must have allows pulled by licensed electricians and plumbers if you happen to did any wiring or installed any plumbing fixtures. That is a code requirement. If the garage is regarded a bedroom, it has to have 2 exits. The investigators can go in, (you must have let him in) and take pictures. What you have to do is communicate to the building inspector and notice what it is that he wants accomplished. You may also need to have an electrician/plumber are available in and pull the allow and do an inspection. The investigator can not do something if the wiring/plumbing was already there. Anyone had to have mentioned you, might be a neighbor. Get rid of the beds until the inspection is over, do not even mention people sleep there. In case you didn't install a heating method, or use a space heater best when wanted, get it out for now. The less he is aware of the simpler. However, the electrical and plumbing is a code violation. The constructing inspector must have you ever contact anybody to tug the enables and he'll come over to check up on. You won't have any issues on the grounds that you failed to add a room on to your residence. If he continues to be a dick, that you could ***** to the state's inspector. He must only be following the regulation, now not his possess cranky opinion.
Yes, in most places it is a safety regulation that mandates an intercom or phone be placed in elevators in case of emergencies.
I would suggest writing to the site manager first, and if you don't get a response, then to your local building authority (the municipal office that issues building permits), AND the local HUD administration (your caseworker should be able to give you the correct contact information). Do not just make a phone call - put this violation in writing, and keep copies. (Writing to management first, and keeping copies of all communication with them, will eliminate the excuse that they didn't know about a problem. Always write, and keep copies when dealing with safety and health issues).
HUD can refuse to pay subsidies to the owner for failure to maintain the site at a safe level. This will often get the management's attention, heheh, and motivate them to correct any violations faster than just phoning the office to complain.
Be civil and courteous in your letter, but this is a clear violation in most places, and it should not take 4 months to correct.