Definition
ASME A17.1 Inspection
The safety code for elevators and escalators that defines inspection requirements for all vertical transportation equipment.
The Full Picture
ASME A17.1 (Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators) is the comprehensive standard governing the design, construction, operation, inspection, and maintenance of elevators, escalators, and moving walks. A17.2 provides the companion inspection guide. State and city elevator inspectors use these standards to conduct periodic safety inspections, while elevator technicians use them for routine maintenance inspections. The code covers everything from door operation and car leveling to governor testing and pit conditions. Each component has specific inspection frequencies and acceptance criteria.
Why It Matters
Why field professionals need to document this
Elevator inspections are among the most heavily regulated in any trade. Failed inspections can shut down an elevator, and documentation gaps can result in significant liability. For elevator technicians, each unit in a building requires its own detailed report covering dozens of individual components. A 10-elevator building means 10 separate reports with hundreds of individual inspection items.
In a Report
How this shows up in findings
Here's how an asme a17.1 inspection finding looks in a professional field report generated by ReportWalk:
Door reopening device: 3 of 40 IR beams non-functional — repair within 30 days
Governor overspeed test overdue — last test 2023, annual test required
Pit sump pump non-operational, 2 inches standing water — immediate repair
Relevant For
Document it right
Speak your findings.
Get a professional report.
ReportWalk turns your voice notes and site photos into structured, professional reports — with the right terminology and clear documentation.
Download on the App Store