The building transportation industry has had rigorous safety codes since the first model elevator code was published in 1917 by the Elevator Manufacturers Association (EMA), NEII's predecessor. This national model code served as the starting point for developing the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, ASME A17.1/CSA B44, which is used today by every jurisdiction in the the U.S. and Canada.

For over a century, NEII representatives have advanced elevator and escalator safety and innovation through actively participating in the development of ASME A17.1/CSA B44 model code and its adoption by jurisdictions across the U.S. and Canada. NEII's work in the code arena helps ensure the billions of people using elevators, escalators and moving walks can do so safely and efficiently.