Ames Elevator Accident Inspection Nearly Complete

DES MOINES – The Iowa Division of Labor released a timeline of events relating to the north elevator at 119 Stanton Avenue, Ames, previously involved in an accident and resulting fatality. Maintenance records indicate the 7th floor elevator doors, the site of the fatality, had presented a previous problem in March.

State inspection records combined with subpoenaed documents from Campustown Property Management and Schindler Elevator Corporation (SEC) were utilized to create the partial timeline of events affecting the north elevator. Records indicate the elevator received an annual state inspection on December 30, 2008 that noted three issues. The elevator was re-inspected by the State on February 27th which noted the three previous issues had been rectified. Throughout the first part of 2009, SEC and Campustown noted multiple incidences of problems with the elevator. On March 2nd, SEC noted a visit to the building because the north elevator doors were knocked off track on the seventh floor, the site of the accident. Mechanic notes state “pried door up and on”. Several other problems related to the north elevator were reported and repaired by SEC following the March 2nd incidence.

“The mechanics notes of prying the door are consistent with the damage our inspectors noted on the 7th floor safety retainer,” indicated Iowa Labor Commissioner David Neil. “This piece is critical to the safe operation of the elevator. At this time, Schindler has indicated the parts have been ordered but they will not be ready for the planned re-inspection today.”

The north elevator will remain closed until all repairs are completed. At that time, a state inspector will re-evaluate the elevator and determine if all repairs were satisfactorily completed.

A copy of the timeline is included:

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