Updated Elevator Safety Standards for Oklahoma City

The Oklahoma Department of Labor (ODOL) is pleased to announce an important development in elevator safety for Oklahoma City. In partnership with ODOL, the City of Oklahoma City recently amended its City Charter and updated its elevator safety standards to align with the statewide safety standards adopted under the Oklahoma Elevator Safety Act.

As the statewide authority for elevator safety, ODOL is required to adopt the current nationally recognized safety standards. Cities may operate their own elevator inspection and permitting programs, provided local requirements meet or exceed these minimum standards.

Standards Effective January 1, 2026

As of January 1, 2026, the following standards will be referenced and enforced for all applicable work submitted or performed in Oklahoma City:

• ASME A17.3-2023 – Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators*
  (Exception: Ascending car overspeed and unintended car movement protection requirements are deferred until January 1, 2030.)

• ASME A90.1-2023 – Safety Standard for Belt Manlifts

Additional Standards for New Installations and Alterations

In addition, all elevator installation and alteration permits received by the City of Oklahoma City on or after July 1, 2026, must comply with the following:

• ASME A17.1-2022 – Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators

• ASME A18.1-2023 – Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts

Oklahoma City’s updates ensure compliance with state law and may include requirements that exceed the statewide minimums, while supporting continued coordination between state and municipal elevator safety programs.

Questions or Additional Information

For questions or additional information, please contact:

Neal Petersen
Chief Elevator Inspector
Oklahoma Department of Labor
Phone: (405) 763-8059
Email: Neal.Petersen@labor.ok.gov