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Massachusetts · Elevators

The elevator code and inspection rules in force in Massachusetts now.

524 CMR (effective Jun 1, 2018): ch. 35 adopts ASME A17.1-2013 and ch. 38 adopts ASME A18.1-2014, each with Massachusetts modifications; no ASME A17.3 adoption found. Enforced by Board of Elevator Regulations and Office of Public Safety and Inspections (Division of Occupational Licensure); state inspectors witness tests by licensed mechanics; exclusive statewide enforcement under MGL c.143. Verified on the primary source, re-checked weekly.

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Elevators in Massachusetts

Verified on the source
In force

524 CMR (effective Jun 1, 2018): ch. 35 adopts ASME A17.1-2013 and ch. 38 adopts ASME A18.1-2014, each with Massachusetts modifications; no ASME A17.3 adoption found

Elevators need inspection and safety tests at least yearly; limited-use units (e.g., wheelchair lifts, dumbwaiters) every 2 years; full-load safety test every fifth periodic inspection. Existing units follow the 524 CMR version in force when permitted.

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

Board of Elevator Regulations and Office of Public Safety and Inspections (Division of Occupational Licensure); state inspectors witness tests by licensed mechanics; exclusive statewide enforcement under MGL c.143

Statewide layer. County and city amendments sit on top; the building view resolves them from your ZIP.

What changes next

In force

In force; Board held an open-forum hearing on possible 524 CMR changes May 6, 2026 and references an October 2026 hearing; Sep 29, 2026 agenda is variances only; no ASME edition update proposed

The federal layer

There is no federal elevator inspection program; the state or city program below is the whole obligation, with ASME A17.1 and A17.3 as the referenced standards.

Questions about the elevator code and inspection rules in Massachusetts

Which elevator rules apply in Massachusetts today?

524 CMR (effective Jun 1, 2018): ch. 35 adopts ASME A17.1-2013 and ch. 38 adopts ASME A18.1-2014, each with Massachusetts modifications; no ASME A17.3 adoption found. Elevators need inspection and safety tests at least yearly; limited-use units (e.g., wheelchair lifts, dumbwaiters) every 2 years; full-load safety test every fifth periodic inspection. Existing units follow the 524 CMR version in force when permitted.

Who enforces the elevator code and inspection rules in Massachusetts?

Board of Elevator Regulations and Office of Public Safety and Inspections (Division of Occupational Licensure); state inspectors witness tests by licensed mechanics; exclusive statewide enforcement under MGL c.143.

What changes next for the elevator code and inspection rules in Massachusetts?

Nothing is scheduled. The rule above stays in force until the state adopts a newer edition or amends the program; AHJ Radar re-checks the source weekly.

Other areas in Massachusetts

Everything in force in Massachusetts
Fire code527 CMR 1.00 Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code, based on NFPA 1 (2021 edition) …Building code780 CMR Massachusetts State Building Code, 10th edition, based on 2021 IBC/IRC/IEBC/IMC/IE…BoilersMGL c.146 + 522 CMR (Board of Boiler Rules); heating-boiler rules 522 CMR 4.00 effective J…Pools and spas105 CMR 435.000 State Sanitary Code Chapter V, Minimum Standards for Swimming Pools (DPH, …Hotels and lodgingLocal innholder license (MGL c.140 s.2) + annual Certificate of Inspection for R-1 hotels/…Workplace safetyFederal OSHA for private employers; Massachusetts State Plan (DLS Workplace Safety and Hea…Retrofit and recertificationMGL c.148 s.26A½ sprinkler retrofit for buildings over 70 ft built before Jan 1, 1975; s.2…

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