NYC DOB Elevator Inspection Checklist for Building Staff

Use this checklist before a Department of Buildings (DOB) elevator inspection to ensure your property meets key safety and compliance requirements.

 GENERAL ACCESS & SAFETY

Elevator machine room is locked, accessible, and code-compliant
  ➤ Elevator machine rooms in NYC are required to have self-closing and self-locking doors that can only be accessed by authorized personnel using a key, to protect against unauthorized entry and exposure to hazardous equipment.
  ➤ Recommended: Post a sign next to the door:
  “KEY TO ELEVATOR MACHINE ROOM / MOTOR ROOM / CONTROL CABINET LOCATED AT: [insert location]”

No storage or obstructions in the machine room or shaft

Pit area is clean, dry, and accessible

Adequate lighting in machine room, pit, and car top

No trip hazards near elevator thresholds

REQUIRED SIGNAGE

Jamb plate floor number signs installed on both sides of each elevator entrance

Braille and raised lettering present on all jamb plate signs

“IN CASE OF FIRE, USE STAIRS” sign posted at every elevator landing

Stair and elevator ID signs (e.g., “Stair A”, “Elevator 1”) posted where required

Inspection certificate frame installed inside the elevator with current certificate
  ➤ NYC Building Code requires this frame to be exactly 6” x 9” in size, securely mounted in the cab
  ➤ Code-compliant stainless steel frames are available at: hpdsigns.nyc

Capacity plate inside the car showing weight and passenger limit

Fire service instructions signage posted inside elevator (if applicable)

ELEVATOR ROOM SIGNAGE

Room door labeled as one of the following:
  - ELEVATOR MACHINE ROOM
  - ELEVATOR MOTOR ROOM
  - ELEVATOR MECHANICAL ROOM
  - ELEVATOR ROOM

Sign lettering is permanent and clearly visible

Recommended: Post this notice near the door:
  “KEY TO ELEVATOR MACHINE ROOM LOCATED AT [insert location]”

 ELEVATOR PIT & SHAFTWAY SIGNAGE

Sign at pit access hatch reads: “ELEVATOR PIT”

Sign near shaft way access reads: “ELEVATOR SHAFTWAY – DO NOT ENTER WITHOUT PERMISSION”

Signs are durable, permanent, and securely affixed

 RECOMMENDED ELEVATOR ETIQUETTE SIGN

“DO NOT HOLD ELEVATOR DOORS” sign posted inside the cab or near call buttons
  ➤ Helps prevent sensor damage, motor burnout, and costly shutdowns

All elevator signs can be purchase at following online stores:

 www.hpdsigns.nyc , www.elevatorsigns.nyc

MECHANICAL & SAFETY FUNCTIONALITY

Doors open and close properly at every floor

Door sensors and safety edges function correctly

Elevator levels accurately at each stop

Emergency stop switch works

Emergency phone or alarm button is operational

Car lights, fans, and ceiling panels are in good condition

No unusual noise or vibration

No oil leaks in hydraulic system (if applicable)

 FIRE & EMERGENCY SYSTEMS

Firefighter’s Phase I and II service is working

Smoke/heat detectors in elevator lobbies are operational

Fire-rated machine room door is labeled and self-closing

Fire recall activates correctly using key switch test

Recall floor and alternate floor are clearly labeled

 MAINTENANCE & DOCUMENTATION

Maintenance Control Program (MCP) is on-site and up-to-date

Monthly maintenance log is completed and available

Category 1 and 5 test reports are available for review

DOB-issued registration number matches posted certificate

Inspection certificate is clearly posted inside the elevator car (in NYC-required 6x9 frame)

 PHYSICAL CONDITION CHECK

Elevator cab is clean and free of damage

No cracked mirrors or loose panels

Flooring and handrails are secure

Machine room is clean, dry, and free of unrelated storage

Pit lights and GFCI outlets are operational

 SPECIAL CASES (IF APPLICABLE)

Freight elevators: “FREIGHT USE ONLY” sign is posted

Hydraulic elevators: Oil level is normal; no leaks

Traction elevators: Ropes, sheaves, and governor systems inspected

COMMON VIOLATIONS TO PREVENT

Missing or incorrect jamb plate signs

Expired or missing elevator inspection certificate

Broken emergency phone or alarm

No Maintenance Control Program (MCP) on-site

Blocked access to machine room, shaftway, or pit

Legal Disclaimer

Elevator Signs NYC is a small, family-owned and operated business based in Brooklyn, New York. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or connected to any city, state, or federal government agency, including but not limited to the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB), Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Fire Department of New York (FDNY), Department of Transportation (DOT), or any local or national authority. Any references to such agencies are solely for informational purposes.

The purchaser acknowledges and agrees that it is solely their responsibility to ensure that any signs purchased from Elevator Signs NYC and its affiliated companies comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, compliance with fire safety codes, housing maintenance codes, accessibility requirements, and elevator signage regulations.

Elevator Signs NYC does not provide legal advice, building code consultation, or guarantee that any product will meet specific compliance requirements of any governmental agency or code enforcement authority. It is the customer’s sole obligation to verify all compliance requirements and consult with licensed professionals or local officials prior to ordering, installing, or relying on any signage.

By purchasing from Elevator Signs NYC and its affiliated companies, the customer agrees to fully indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the company, its owners, agents, employees, and affiliates from any and all claims, fines, violations, inspections failures, legal actions, or penalties arising from the use, misplacement, interpretation, or non-compliance of signage with any code, law, or regulation.

The customer assumes full liability for:

• Ensuring proper sign placement

• Verifying content accuracy

• Complying with all applicable laws and codes

• Consulting with professionals to ensure lawful installation and use

Elevator Signs NYC shall not be held responsible for any loss, cost, damage, or consequence arising from a failed inspection, violation, or regulatory issue.

In all instances, the total liability of Elevator Signs NYC and its affiliated companies for any product or transaction shall not exceed one U.S. dollar ($1.00), regardless of the nature of the claim, including but not limited to claims of defect, negligence, or non-compliance.

By completing a purchase, the customer expressly agrees to these terms, acknowledges their responsibility, and waives any right to seek damages beyond the stated limit. These terms are binding upon purchase and supersede any conflicting verbal or written warranties or representations unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

This checklist is provided for general informational purposes only to assist building owners, superintendents, and staff in preparing for NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) elevator inspections. It is not a legal document and does not replace consultation with a licensed elevator professional or code compliance specialist.

Elevator Signs NYC and its affiliates make no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content provided. Local regulations and inspection requirements are subject to change, and the user is solely responsible for confirming compliance with current DOB codes and standards.

Nothing in this document constitutes engineering advice, a safety certification, or legal guidance. Users should not rely solely on this checklist for decision-making regarding elevator maintenance, signage, or inspection readiness.

By using this checklist, you agree to hold harmless Elevator Signs NYC, its owners, employees, and affiliates from any and all liabilities, claims, damages, or losses arising from its use. Always consult appropriate professionals for inspection preparation and legal compliance.