An inspection is to be made whenever the Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators or Safety Standards for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts require one. Currently, an inspection is required when a device is first installed as new before it can be released for public use; when any alteration/modernization work is performed as outlined in the Code; when the safety inspection is required per the Code and when a device has been reactivated after being taken out of service for an extended period of time.Most elevators require an inspection every six months, while the Elevator Compliance and Operation Certificates are issued annually.
Elevators in residential single-family dwellings that are not accessible to the public shall be inspected upon completion of installation prior to being placed in service, or after alterations prior to being returned to service. Residential single-family dwellings will only be issued an Elevator Compliance and Operation Certificate by New Castle County in the instances defined above – they are not subject to the annual certification process.