Inspections Are Urged By State On Residential Elevators, Trams

CITYWIDE

The state Department of Labor and Industries is urging owners of residential elevators and tramways to schedule a state inspection to avoid the kind of accident that injured five people in Medina last month.

William O'Hara, chief elevator inspector for the department, said an inspection is required at least annually for all residential elevators, including beach and bank tramways, but many owners either are unaware of the requirement or choose to ignore it.

"We're not out to come down on anybody," O'Hara said. "We just want to make these elevators safe. The lives of families are at stake. . . . If people knew how dangerous some of these elevators are, they wouldn't let their families ride them."

One woman was injured seriously when a private tram in Medina broke free and slammed into a waterfront home Dec. 21. State inspectors later found 15 elevator-code violations.

The fee for an inspection is $70, and can be waived under some circumstances. To schedule an inspection, phone 277-7281.