LARA - FAQ's

FAQ's

What is the Division's contact information?
Can I pay my invoice online/over the phone? Where should I mail my payment? Who should I make the check payable to?
What do I do if there has been an accident involving an elevator/moving walk/escaltor etc?
Where can I find information on how to contact elevator contracting companies?
Is a permit required to install an elevating device in a private residence?
What tests need to be done? How often does maintenance need to be done?
Is it required to have an elevating device inspected by a State Elevator Inspector? How often are they inspected? Why would an Inspector need to come out more than once?
What do I do with this correction order? What is my time frame for correcting the violations?
I am the new owner of a commercial property with an elevating device, is there anything I need to do?
My Certifiation of Operation is expired; what should I do?
Do I need to post the Certificate of Operation in the elevator?
My elevating device is in the City of Detroit, is that the State of Michigan's jurisdiction?
I need to send in a Freedom of Information Act request; where should I send it?

What is the Division's contact information?

LARA/BCC/Elevator Safety Division
P.O.Box 30254
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone (517) 241-9337
Fax (517) 241-6301
E-Mail: elevsafety@michigan.gov

Can I pay my invoice online/over the phone? Where should I mail my payment? Who should I make the check payable to?

We do not accept payment over the phone or online at this time. You can mail your payment to:

LARA/BCC/Elevator Safety Division
P.O. Box 30255
Lansing, MI 48909

Make your check payable to the "State of Michigan" and please include the top portion of your invoice. If this is not possible, please write the invoice number in the MEMO line to make sure your account is properly credited.

What do I do if there has been an accident involving an elevator/moving walk/escaltor etc?

Someone on site needs to fill out the Elevating Device Accident Report . Make sure that you have the correct state serial number for the device, as well as a contact name and phone number in case we have any questions. The report can be faxed to us at (517) 241-6301. State of Michigan Elevator Rules requires that all accidents involving elevating devices be reported within 48 hours. We will review the Accident Report and determine if any follow-up is necessary.

Where can I find information on how to contact elevator contracting companies?

Please refer to the Active Elevator Company List . It contains the addresses and contact information for all the companies licensed to do elevator work in the State of Michigan.

Is a permit required to install an elevating device in a private residence?

Yes, for all types of elevating devices installed in a private residence, an elevator permit is required. The permit must be taken out by an elevator contracting company licensed to do work in the State of Michigan, and the device must be installed by a licensed elevator journeyperson. Please refer to the Active Elevator Company List for a list of all the elevator contracting companies licensed to do work in the State of Michigan. A new elevator shall not be placed into service until it has been inspected by, and tested in the presence of, a general inspector, and received an elevator usage approval.

What tests need to be done? How often does maintenance need to be done?

On cable-suspended elevators with safeties, a no-load safety test must be done every twelve (12) months, as well as a rated-load safety test every five (5) years. Hydraulic elevators must have a rated-load relief valve test done every three (3) years. All elevators that have emergency or standby power must check their operation under fire and other emergency conditions every twelve (12) months.

A power elevator (such as a passenger elevator) must be serviced and examined by a licensed elevator journeyperson at least once every ninety (90) days. Dumbwaiters, one-person elevators (electric and hand-powered), platform lifts and stairway chairlifts in buildings other than private residences need to be serviced and examined by a licensed elevator journeyperson at least once every one-hundred eighty (180) days. Also, an accessible written record of all service and examination must be maintained and kept in the machine room (if there is one), or somewhere on-site.

State Elevator Inspectors do not perform testing or maintenance on any elevating devices.

Is it required to have an elevating device inspected by a State Elevator Inspector? How often are they inspected? Why would an Inspector need to come out more than once?

All elevating devices not in a single-family private residence must be inspected regularly by a State Elevator Inspector. This safety inspection is separate from the service and maintenance required to be done by your licensed elevator contracting company. Depending on the type of device, inspections are done every one (1) to two (2) years. Inspectors may come out more than once for example, if they are following up on a correction order to see if it has been complied. You will be charged for any follow-up inspections.

What do I do with this correction order? What is my time frame for correcting the violations?

If you receive a correction order, you should contact your elevator contracting company to let them know as all work done on elevating devices must be performed by a licensed elevator journeyperson. Once the work is completed, have the journeyperson sign the correction order and write their license number. Sign it under "Signature of Certifier", write the date, the name of your company and a telephone number we can reach you at if we have questions.

The inspector has written the due date on the correction order; look for the second date, listed at the top of the page, next to the words "on or before". If you need an extension on a correction order, you can call the Division and ask to leave a message for your inspector (please have the correction order nearby for reference).

I am the new owner of a commercial property with an elevating device, is there anything I need to do?

You need to contact the Division and ask to change the billing information and location name (if applicable). Please have the serial number for every device you need to change address for. The billing address is where both the invoice and the Certificate of Operation will be mailed to.

My Certification of Operation is expired; what should I do?

If you've been inspected recently, you need to wait to receive the invoice for the inspection. Once you pay the invoice, a new certificate will be printed and mailed to you. Please be advised that once your certificate(s) of operation expire for your elevator(s), the State of Michigan is aware of the situation. The inspector for your area has a list of all expired certificates. When they get to your area, they will work their way down the list of annual inspections that need to be completed. You are on the list and need only to wait for them to come to your facility. If your certificate is expired and you have an upcoming certification inspection, please contact the Division so we can let the inspector know.

Do I need to post the Certificate of Operation in the elevator?

You do not need to post the Certificate of Operation in the elevator, but you must have the certificate on site.

My elevating device is in the City of Detroit, is that the State of Michigan's jurisdiction?

No. The City of Detroit has its own elevator division that you can reach by calling (313) 224-3204. We are not affiliated with them in any way.

I need to send in a Freedom of Information Act request; where should I send it?

All FOIA requests should be e-mailed to bccfoia@michigan.gov . You must list the state serial number of the device(s) that you are requesting information for, along with the specific documents you are requesting.