Imagine you are stuck in an elevator. Now imagine you’re not only stuck, but you also can’t communicate when you call for help, or you can’t hear the voice on the end of the emergency line. Fortunately, recent updates to the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) B44 code have significantly improved elevator communication systems, prioritizing safety and inclusivity for all passengers.

The CSA B44 standard serves as the national benchmark for elevator and escalator safety in Canada. Aligned with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) A17.1 standard, CSA B44 establishes minimum requirements across various aspects of elevator systems, including design, construction, operation, and maintenance.

The particular version (or year) of the CSA B44 code to be followed is typically adopted at a provincial level. At this time, the provinces of Alberta, Newfoundland, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Yukon and Ontario have all adopted CSA B44 2019 or 2022.

The 2019 and later revisions of CSA B44 placed particular emphasis on enhancing elevator communication for improved accessibility. The revisions apply to elevators installed in new buildings, and to elevators undergoing modernization. The code updates ensure a safer experience for all elevator passengers, especially those who may require additional assistance.

Key Advancements in Elevator Communication Systems

The updated CSA B44 standard introduces several significant improvements to elevator communication in Ontario:

• Two-way messaging: This functionality allows for text-based communication between passengers and emergency dispatchers. This is a substantial leap forward for passengers who are hearing and/or speech impaired.
• Video capability: A video camera within the elevator allows the dispatcher to see the trapped passenger(s), enabling a more comprehensive assessment of the situation. This helps determine the urgency of the call and can also prevent false alarms.
• Display message: Elevators must now be equipped with a display screen that can display messages from authorized personnel, showing help is on the way. This feature can significantly reduce anxiety for a trapped passenger.

The CSA B44 2019, Car Emergency Signaling Device update means that emergency personnel now have a nonverbal means of communication and the ability to see inside the elevator. No longer restricted by just a simple phone line, the updates mean that those responding to distress calls from elevators can more expediently deal with the emergency. This not only ensures swift response in emergency situations but also filters out false calls or issues with faulty buttons.

Importantly, the code now requires that emergency calls from passengers in an elevator must dial through to properly authorized and trained personnel. How these calls are handled can be critical to the end users’ experience. Whoever receives the distress call must be trained in the appropriate responses and know who to dispatch.

While there are many companies who offer call monitoring and answering services, elevator emergency calls are often not their primary business. Elevator communication is a specialized field which requires the ability to provide clear instructions and assurance to passengers who are trapped, and who may be experiencing anxiety.

Why Choose a Specialized Elevator Communication Provider?

Elevator communication systems play a critical role in building life safety systems. Navigating the evolving code for elevator compliance can be complex. Kings III are specialists in guiding clients and industry partners through the specific elevator code requirements applicable to Ontario’s emergency communication systems.

The CSA B44 2019 code is applicable for any new construction or significant modernization to elevators. While the updates may not be mandatory for existing elevators, upgrading all elevator communication systems is highly recommended to improve accessibility and safety for all residents.

Offering a non-proprietary, all-inclusive monitoring solution for buildings looking to upgrade their communication systems, the Kings III monitoring solution works with a range of manufacturers and can be used with any open platform system. This provides significant flexibility, ensuring a client is not locked in with any single elevator service provider.

Kings III will provide the phone, a secure data connection, 24/7 emergency monitoring and lifetime maintenance of the phone hardware. The company will also work with the elevator company or one of their many elevator fixture partners to supply the video messaging hardware. CabView Elevator Video Monitoring is ideal for compliance and features a screen display, featuring two-way text messaging and emergency response messages, as per the Canadian standards.

But Kings III offers much more than just code compliance.

Understanding that every second counts, their unmatched emergency dispatch services ensure help arrives quickly when needed most. The Kings III highly skilled team of professionals are experts in navigating elevator emergencies, providing critical assistance and assurance until help arrives.

There are also considerable time and cost saving benefits to using an elevator communications specialist. For instance, confusion as to whether the elevator company or the telecom provider are responsible for making repairs or updates is eradicated. Now, Kings III can do it all. 

How the Modern Elevator Communication System Functions

When a passenger presses the emergency call button, an encrypted connection is established directly with the Kings III dedicated Emergency Dispatch Center. A video and text message call request are automatically generated for that specific elevator, prompting a trained dispatcher to answer the call.

If there is no verbal response, the dispatcher utilizes the video feed to confirm a passenger’s presence. For passengers who are present but have not responded verbally, the dispatcher will initiate text-based communication by sending messages to the in-car display. Passengers can then respond with text or use designated buttons to provide yes or no answers to the dispatcher’s inquiries. If there is still no response after the dispatcher visually confirms a passenger’s presence, they will promptly dispatch emergency personnel.

These features, combined with Kings III’s expertise, provide peace of mind. By understanding the importance of CSA B44 and through working with Kings III, you can ensure your elevators are safe, accessible for all, and meeting code compliance.

For more information on CSA B44 and Kings III’s services, please visit www.kingsiii.com.