By Graham Reid

In November, the Collegian reported on expired elevator certificates affixed to many of the elevators across campus. As of press time, those certificates are still out-of-date. So, what’s the danger of these elevators suddenly succumbing to mechanical failure?
Probably pretty low.

All 22 of the College’s elevators have up-to-date certificates of operation, though many of the elevators still bear expired certificates. The outdated papers serve as a knock against the College’s complete compliance, administrators say there is no material risk to faculty, staff or students.

The state elevator inspector is ultimately the “authority having jurisdiction,” according to Greg Widener, director of facility operations. The current inspector has an interpretation of Ohio state regulations which require certificates to be posted in elevators. For previous inspectors, a “blanket statement” stating that that the up-to-date certificate for an elevator is on file was sufficient — a fairly common practice nationally.

Widener says he hopes Maintenance workers will have time to check and update certificates across campus as extremely cold weather makes outdoor work impossible.

Despite the likelihood that up-to-date papers exist somewhere, those who eschew the stairs may still want reassurance the elevators they ride are on the up and up; interested parties can also see the status of inspection certificates on the Ohio Department of Commerce website.