Category Archives for "2009"

NEII Educates Industry, Enforces Safety Through Online Webinar Series

Highlights

  • National Elevator Industry, Inc. announces third Performance Based Code for Elevator Safety webinar on October 13
  • Open to all interested parties, the webinar will present requirements of ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 elevator safety code
  • NAESA International certified inspectors can obtain .1 continuing education units

SALEM, N.Y. (June 11, 2009) – The National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII) has announced it will continue its series of webinars on the Performance Based Code for Elevator Safety with a third installment to be held live on October 13, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. EDT

Co-sponsored by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities International (NAESA International), the webinar will educate government officials and legislators at all levels, media, NEII members, and any interested parties on the requirements and components of the recently implemented ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 code.

“We received a tremendously positive response from the industry on the first two PBC webinar presentations,” said Ed Donoghue, managing director, NEII. “While our members have clearly benefited from the webinars, we’re pleased to open this forum to a wider audience and provide more people with a fuller understanding of the elevator safety code and its benefits.”

The October webinar will allow participants to learn from leading experts in the field about the aims and advantages of the PBC code, as well as the facets of its implementation. Published in 2007, the PBC is a companion code to the existing safety code that provides a structured and uniform method for approving new elevator technology while ensuring elevator safety. By doing so, the code allows a more efficient approval process for both manufacturers and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and helps advance elevator transport throughout North America. This event will also count as .1 CEU towards maintenance of qualification for NAESA International certified inspectors.

Says Donoghue, “This is an open invitation for those interested in the PBC to increase their understanding of the code and have their questions addressed in real time by experts. The webinar is an invaluable means for presenting the elements of the new code step by step, and we hope many people will take advantage of this learning opportunity.”

Lou Bialy, director of codes & standards for Otis Elevator and chair of NEII’s Central Code Committee, and Ed Donoghue, NEII Administrator and author of the ASME A17.1/CSA B44 Handbook will lead this free webinar. For more information on the PBC webinar, or to register for the event, visit the NEII web site at www.neii.org.

About NEII
The National Elevator Industry, Inc. is a national trade association that represents the interests of corporations, firms or companies that, as part of their regular business, manufacture elevators, escalators, or moving walks (including parts and components); or install, repair and maintain related equipment. Trust membership is available to those corporations, firms, or companies who, as part of their regular business, employ members of the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) and contribute to the benefit trusts (Trusts) established by agreements between the IUEC and NEII. NEII promotes safe building transportation and works with various organizations on the formation, adoption and enforcement of the latest codes and standards. For more information about NEII, log on to www.neii.org.

NEII Announces New 2009 Board of Directors and Trust Commmittee

Highlights

  • New board to further mission of association; promotion of safety and codes in building transportation a chief objective.
  • Trust Committee will continue to administer the rights and obligations of organization with regard to benefit plan trusts.

SALEM, N.Y. – (April 15, 2009) — The National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII) announced today the election of its new Board of Directors, including officers and Trust Committee members. These elections became effective April 7, 2009, and were made in conjunction with NEII’s annual meeting held in Simsbury, Conn. The newly elected Board of Directors and officers include:

  • Randy Wilcox, President – Wilcox currently holds the position of president, North and South America Area (NSAA) for Otis Elevator Company, where he is responsible for all business operations in these regions. He has more than 25 years of industry experience and is entering his second term on the NEII board.
  • Vance Tang, Vice President – Tang is the North American Area director for KONE Corporation and president and chief executive officer for KONE Inc. He is responsible for the elevator and escalator business as well as the door service business being developed in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
  • Stephen D. Patton, Treasurer – Patton is the assistant controller, North and South America for Otis Elevator Company. He has more than 23 years of industry experience and is entering his second term on the NEII board.
  • Edward Donoghue, Secretary – Donoghue is the spokesperson and managing director for NEII. He has served NEII for over 30 years, acted as chair of numerous industry organizations and is one of the foremost authorities on elevator codes and safety, formerly serving as NEII’s Codes and Safety Consultant.
  • Michael Corbo, Mitsubishi Elevator – Corbo is general manager/senior vice president of Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics, USA’s elevator and escalator division. Corbo has more than 20 years of industry experience and has been involved with NEII for seven years; including serving as NEII’s board president from 2005 to 2007.
  • Barry Pletch, ThyssenKrupp Elevator Company – Pletch serves as chief executive officer of ThyssenKrupp Elevator’s Americas Business Unit, where he is responsible for all business operations in North and South America.
  • Kenny Yamashiro, Fujitec America, Inc. – Yamashiro is chief operating officer for all Fujitec America operations. He has 24 years of experience and has served with the company in Japan, Asia and Europe.
  • Jakob Züger, Schindler Elevator Corporation – Züger serves as chief operating officer of Schindler Elevator Corporation, with responsibility for North, Central and South America. He previously served as chief executive officer of Schindler Elevator Ltd., Ebikon/Switzerland.

The NEII Board of Directors is responsible for managing and directing the affairs of the association as it pertains to its mission statement, which includes driving the formation of codes and standards, providing and supporting educational activities and acting as a conduit for communicating industry information.

Trust Committee
The Trust Committee is solely responsible for administering the rights and obligations of NEII with regards to the NEII Benefits and Educational Trusts. The newly-elected Trust Committee includes:

  • Timothy Grace, Chairman, Schindler Elevator Corporation – Grace is a member of the Schindler Management Committee and is responsible for human resources initiatives across the United States and Canada.
  • Gregory Garger, Vice Chairman, Otis Elevator Company – Garger is vice president of human resources, North and South America Area (NSAA), Otis Elevator Company.
  • Bruce Brenizer, Mitsubishi Elevator – Brenizer serves as senior vice president of human resources, Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics U.S.A., Inc.
  • Charles Moore, KONE, Inc. – Moore holds the position of senior vice president of human resources, KONE, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of KONE Corporation.
  • J. Patrick Heaney, ThyssenKrupp Elevator Company – Heaney serves as vice president of labor relations for the U.S. field operations of ThyssenKrupp Elevator Corporation.

“NEII’s ongoing success can be attributed to the collective experience of its board members and Trust Committee,” says Randy Wilcox, president, NEII Board of Directors. “I’m looking forward to another successful year working with the talented individuals in our industry to advance NEII’s objectives in the areas of codes and safety.”

About NEII
The National Elevator Industry, Inc. is a national trade association that represents the interests of corporations, firms or companies that, as part of their regular business, manufacture elevators, escalators, or moving walks (including parts and components); or install, repair and maintain related equipment. Trust membership is available to those corporations, firms, or companies who, as part of their regular business, employ members of the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) and contribute to the benefit trusts (Trusts) established by agreements between the IUEC and NEII. NEII promotes safe building transportation and works with various organizations on the formation, adoption and enforcement of the latest codes and standards. For more information about NEII, log on to www.neii.org.

National Elevator Industry, Inc. Celebrates 75th Anniversary

Highlights

  • National Elevator Industry, Inc. has 75-year track record of positive impact.
  • Organization is a leading proponent of safe building transportation for new and existing products and technologies.

SALEM, N.Y. (March 31, 2009) – The National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII) is celebrating a 75-year milestone. Though incorporated on March 9, 1934, NEII’s origins can be traced back to the first joint meeting of elevator contractors that took place in 1914.

NEII, formerly the National Elevator Manufacturing Industry, Inc., was formed by elevator contractors to create standard guidelines that promote safe building transportation. The association focuses on new and existing elevator products and technologies, as well as promoting the adoption of codes and specifications by local government agencies. As early as the 1930’s, the organization was instrumental in its negotiation of the Standard Agreement with the International Union of Elevator Contractors (IUEC) and later established the National Elevator Industry Health, Pension and Education plans.

“NEII members are incredibly proud to celebrate the 75th anniversary, reflecting on how the organization has evolved over the years and recognizing the vital role that NEII still plays in the industry,� said Ed Donoghue, Managing Director of NEII. “The need for an organization that focuses on safety and codes is especially necessary as the building transportation industry continues to progress with new technologies and advanced systems.�

History of Positive Impact
The first meeting on record between elevator contractors took place on May 25, 1914. The outcome of the meeting was the formation of a sub-committee, which would be known as the Elevator Manufacturers’ Association (EMA) and its purpose was to prepare the first constitution and set of bylaws for the overall organization. The inaugural EMA convention was held later that year, in October, where papers were presented on several issues, amongst them “Code of Elevator Regulations,� “Patent Situation,� “Elevator Specifications� and “Standard Forms.�

In 1934, the EMA became the National Elevator Manufacturing Industry, Inc. which it remained until 1969, when it reorganized once again—becoming the current National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII).

In 2002, NEII again reorganized, forming two different membership categories: Regular Members and Trust Members. NEII Regular Members focus on code, standards, safety, communications and government affairs, whereas the Trust Committee (elected by Trust members) is responsible for administering NEII rights and obligations regarding the National Elevator Industry benefit plan and educational programs.

Over the years, NEII has continuously found ways to improve its services to make them as efficient and beneficial as possible for its members. In 2006, NEII developed a local code regulation database, CodeFinder, available on the NEII Web site to full regular members. The NEII CodeFinder database is an essential resource for elevator industry professionals in North America. It serves as an online catalog of elevator industry codes, standards and regulations, as well as modifications, local interpretations and historical data. The database has made it easier than ever for professionals to access codes and stay up-to-the minute on changes in codes.

That same year, NEII was instrumental in the development of a code for new technologies with its creation of the Performance Based Code (PBC). NEII had proposed the PBC in 2002 to a joint meeting of the ASME A17 Standards and CSA B44 Technical Committee after observing challenges in the code enforcement process. The existing Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, ASME A17.1/CSA B44, contained prescriptive language to address state-of-the art technologies. Lack of a uniform process for assessing the compliance of new technologies indicated a need for a safety code that addressed these products. To this end, the PBC serves as a comprehensive method for specifying safety requirements for new elevator technologies. The PBC was approved by the ASME A17 Standards Committee in 2006. In 2007, NEII introduced a Web site dedicated to promoting the adoption of Performance Based Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, ASME A17.7/ CSA B44.7 (PBC), www.pbc-elevators.com.

About NEII
The National Elevator Industry, Inc. is a national trade association that represents the interests of corporations, firms or companies that, as part of their regular business, manufacture elevators, escalators, or moving walks (including parts and components); or install, repair and maintain related equipment. Trust membership is available to those corporations, firms, or companies who, as part of their regular business, employ members of the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) and contribute to the benefit trusts (Trusts) established by agreements between the IUEC and NEII. NEII promotes safe building transportation and works with various organizations on the formation, adoption and enforcement of the latest codes and standards. For more information about NEII, log on to www.neii.org.

ANSI Issues First Set of Accreditations under Pilot Accreditation Program for Elevator/Escalator Certification Organizations

Washington, DC, March 17, 2009: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), coordinator of the U.S. standards and conformity assessment system, today named three Accredited Elevator and Escalator Certification Organizations (AECO) that were part of the pilot program launched by ANSI in February 2008.

The following Certification Bodies are the first to be recognized under the AECO program, which operates according to requirements defined in the international standard ISO/IEC Guide 65, General Requirements for Bodies Operating Product Certification Systems, and in ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7, Performance-based safety code for elevators and escalators.

With hundreds of thousands of elevators and escalators transporting citizens in North America each day, manufacturers are eager to demonstrate the safety and reliability of their products. Through this program, AECOs are accredited by ANSI to evaluate and certify elevator and escalator systems, subsystems, components, and functions. These products are evaluated against the guidelines of ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7, a standard that was developed jointly by ASME and the CSA. Those that meet these guidelines can be certified.

“The AECO designation demonstrates that accredited organizations are competent and capable at assessing compliance to standards that help assure the safety and reliability of elevators and escalators,” said Lane Hallenbeck, ANSI vice president of accreditation services. “ANSI congratulates the three organizations that achieved accreditation under the first round of this new initiative.”

Third-party accreditation by ANSI enhances the credibility and value of the process by attesting to the competence and qualification of Certification Bodies to act as certifiers, offering them a significant distinction from their competitors in the marketplace.

ANSI values the importance of accreditation in enhancing consumer safety and international trade. The Institute’s portfolio of accreditation services includes programs for a wide variety of product certification bodies, such as AECOs, personnel certification bodies, greenhouse gas validation and verification bodies, and standards developers.

In 2007, ANSI signed a Multilateral Recognition Agreement (MLA) with the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), bringing worldwide recognition and acceptance to the Institute’s accreditation program for product certification bodies.

“Mutual recognition of product certification eliminates duplicative conformity assessment costs for importers and exporters on a global scale. It also helps reduce technical barriers to trade, assuring that evaluations of competence can cross borders,” explained Hallenbeck. “ANSI is pleased to extend the benefits of our 2007 signatory to the IAF MLA to our new Accredited Elevator and Escalator Certification Organizations.”

About ANSI
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and the American quality of life by promoting, facilitating, and safeguarding the integrity of the voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. Its membership is comprised of businesses, professional societies and trade associations, standards developers, government agencies, and consumer and labor organizations. The Institute represents the diverse interests of more than 125,000 companies and organizations and 3.5 million professionals worldwide.

The Institute is the official U.S. representative to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and, via the U.S. National Committee , the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and is a U.S. representative to the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).

NEII Opens CodeFinder Database to NAEC

SALEM, N.Y. – (January 15, 2009) — The National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII) has announced that it will give members of the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) access to its CodeFinder database. Initially developed for NEII members, NEII’s CodeFinder is a comprehensive online catalog of U.S. and Canadian elevator industry codes, standards and regulations. It is the only online industry resource that provides in-depth information on local codes including accessibility, building, electrical, new, performance and existing elevator, and life safety codes all in one place. CodeFinder also features a directory of code enforcement authorities, their referenced codes and all modifications pertaining to the referenced model code for elevators and escalators.

Since the database was launched in 2006, NEII full regular members have benefited from the easy access that CodeFinder provides to specific codes and standards relevant to the industry. Up-to-date code information is vital and CodeFinder has become an invaluable resource to many NEII member company employees, whether they are field specialists, engineers, manufacturing managers, company attorneys or senior executives.

“NAEC saw the value of a comprehensive code database and expressed interest in NEII’s CodeFinder. Since NEII and NAEC have a long-standing, cooperative relationship, NEII’s Board of Directors decided that opening CodeFinder to NAEC would not only strengthen their existing relationship, but also provide NAEC’s members with numerous benefits,” says Ed Donoghue, managing director, NEII.

NAEC’s members primarily consist of those in the industry that serve the interests of independent elevator contractors and independent suppliers. By providing NAEC members with CodeFinder access, NEII is able to share this important resource with a broader industry audience. This more widespread access to CodeFinder is of great value to NAEC’s members and helps to promote further awareness of the various codes.

Through CodeFinder, NAEC members will be able to search for a range of codes, their local interpretations and any modifications to them, as well as view historical data. CodeFinder also allows members to receive e-mail updates on code changes, helping them to stay even more informed on critical modifications. “NAEC’s membership will now be able to quickly research and reference information on the codes that affect the industry and are most relevant to their particular occupation,” says Steven DeGrenier, president, NAEC. “CodeFinder is a one-of-a-kind industry resource, and one that we look forward to fully utilizing.”

NAEC members can access CodeFinder after logging into the NAEC member area at www.naec.org. For more information on CodeFinder, please visit www.neii.org.

About NEII
The National Elevator Industry, Inc. is a national trade association that represents the interests of corporations, firms or companies that, as part of their regular business, manufacture elevators, escalators, or moving walks (including parts and components); or, install, repair and maintain related equipment. Trust membership is available to those corporations, firms, or companies who, as part of their regular business, employ members of the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) and contribute to the benefit trusts (Trusts) established by agreements between the IUEC and NEII. NEII promotes safe building transportation and works with various organizations on the formation, adoption and enforcement of the latest codes and standards. For more information about NEII, log on to www.neii.org.

About NAEC
Founded in 1950, The National Association of Elevator Contractors is an association serving primarily the interests of independent elevator contractors and independent suppliers. With more than 700 members including contractors, suppliers and professionals, NAEC seeks to promote safety and reliability in the elevator, escalator and short-range transportation industry. For more information about NAEC, log on to www.naec.org.