Elevator Installation and Repair: A Comprehensive Guide to Certifications and Safety Measures

The Demanding Nature of Elevator Installation and Repair

Elevator installers and repairers are tasked with handling and transporting heavy equipment and parts, often working in confined spaces or awkward positions. This profession comes with its share of potential hazards, including falls, electrical shocks, severe muscle strains, and accidents related to handling heavy equipment. To mitigate these risks, workers are often required to wear protective gear such as hardhats, harnesses, earplugs, safety glasses, protective clothing and footwear, and sometimes, respirators. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, elevator installers and repairers have a higher rate of work-related injuries and illnesses compared to the national average.

Despite the demanding nature of the job, many elevator installers and repairers work a standard 40-hour week. However, overtime may be required when crucial equipment needs to be repaired, and some workers may be on 24-hour call. The majority of their work is conducted indoors, which means they are less likely to miss work due to inclement weather.

Training and Education for Elevator Installers and Repairers

Many elevator installers and repairers learn their trade through apprenticeship programs administered by local joint educational committees representing employers and the International Union of Elevator Constructors. In non-union shops, workers may complete training programs sponsored by independent contractors.

These apprenticeship programs typically last four years and combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction in blueprint reading, electrical and electronic theory, mathematics, physics applications, and safety. Apprentices often assist experienced elevator installers and repairers to gain practical experience, starting with tasks such as carrying supplies and bolting rails to walls, and gradually learning more complex tasks such as wiring.

Candidates for apprenticeship positions must have a high school diploma or equivalent. High school courses in electricity, mathematics, and physics provide a useful foundation. As elevators become increasingly sophisticated, workers may need to pursue further education, such as a certificate or associate degree in electronics. Those with education beyond high school often progress faster than their counterparts without a degree.

Licensing and Certification for Elevator Installers and Repairers

Many cities and states require elevator installers and repairers to pass a licensing examination, although the specific requirements can vary from one location to another. Workers who complete an apprenticeship registered by the U.S. Department of Labor receive a nationally recognized journeyman certificate. To be eligible for apprenticeship positions, candidates must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and pass a drug screening.

Employment with many companies requires union membership. To be considered fully qualified by the union, workers must have completed an apprenticeship and passed the standard test administered by the National Elevator Industry Educational Program.