President’s Message

Dear Chapter Members,

Can you believe that we are already in the final quarter of 2021 and soon heading into 2022?! What a fantastic year this has been, despite the trials of navigating through what I hope is the tail end of the pandemic. Although my time as Chapter President is drawing near, and this being my final President’s message, I must take the moment to share how proud I am of our progress, not only this year, but in the full three years that I have been on the Board. When I started out on this adventure, I never dreamed of how far we would push the Chapter and essentially turn it into what it is today. As a result of everyone’s efforts and hard work, we have the most, and in my opinion the best, business partner involvement; a multitude of homeowner Board members and Community Managers who are attending more and more events to further their knowledge of association living and leadership; and not only did we reach the goal of 1,200 members by the end of 2021, but we have exceeded it before the year has even ended. (As I write this message, we currently sit at 1,218 members, and it’s still growing!) I continue to hear how much our Chapter is loved and valued for our continued efforts at bringing some of the best educational and social events to our members, and I fully anticipate that to continue into future years.

Being given the opportunity to serve as President has allowed me to be involved with so many more aspects of the operations of the Chapter and I have witnessed so much hard work that is given by all our committee members, Chairs, Vice Chairs, sponsors, staff, and the Board. This Chapter would truly not be where it is today without the valiant, tireless, and selfless efforts that everyone gives day-in and day-out. When they say, “it takes a village”, they are so right, and we are working with some of the best “villagers” that I know. The relationships that are built, the connections made; all are what make this chapter the best one to be part of.

The Expo was a great success, and it was fabulous being amongst all the members again to see their bright and smiling faces, share stories, laugh, and engage. The educational seminars were conducted brilliantly, and some could hear those laughs emanating from the rooms throughout the hallways. Many thanks, as always, to our entire chapter staff who worked incredibly hard to ensure everything ran smoothly. The way they all work together is complete magic.

Looking ahead, we still have a few events coming up that I believe are going to be a great way to end the year. Although we have decided to cancel the Gala, the final breakfast seminar has been moved to December and will include our Annual Meeting. Don’t forget to wear your ugly sweater and encourage others to attend and make this last breakfast seminar the biggest of the year. Additionally, the results of the election will soon be known, and your 2022 Board members will be aligned to carry the chapter into more growth and success under the guidance of the 2022 President, Ms. Susan Rappaport. I know I am leaving the chapter in great hands with not just Susan and the returning members of the Board, but also with any new members that may be added. The foundation is strong, and now is the time to keep building up! “I know not what the future holds, but I know who holds the future” and that gives me great relief and pride.

Regards, Gail Windisch, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Chesapeake Region Chapter CAI President

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WHAT’S CHANGING

Currently as part of the TPQEI inspection, the inspector verifies (reviews the paperwork) for annual safety tests performed by the elevator maintenance company, (if applicable) the fire alarm company, and (if applicable) the generator company/authorized personnel that tested the emergency power operation; therefore, it has not been necessary for any other vendor to be onsite during an annual periodic inspection. After the inspection is completed, your TPQEI sends in their inspection report to Maryland. The state then processes the inspection report and if the inspection passed, sends a renewed certificate to the building owner. The date of inspection becomes the new certificate renewal date going forward. Example: Inspection done on August 1, 2021, means property receives certificate expiring August 1, 2022.

New state requirements as of October 1, 2021, will require all privately owned elevators, handicap lifts, and dumbwaiters to have their annual safety test, also known as CAT1 test, performed in the physical presence of a TPQEI. Your TPQEI will then perform the inspection after witnessing the annual safety test performed by the elevator maintenance company. The equipment that will require the witnessed CAT1 testing as of Oct. 1 will be traction elevators, handicap lifts, roped hydraulic elevators, hydraulic elevators with a rupture valve, and hydraulic elevators with a plunger gripper*. Any properties with dumbwaiters will also fall into this category. The same rules will apply to direct-acting hydraulic elevators as of October 1, 2022.

THAT’S NOT IT FOLKS… THERE IS MORE!

The annual smoke/fire alarm initiating device (FAID) test performed by the fire alarm company must be witnessed by a TPQEI, and a Licensed Elevator Mechanic must be onsite too. This also applies to the annual generator test performed by the generator company or authorized building personnel along with the Licensed Elevator Mechanic. The annual testing on these smoke detector devices and generator testing is the same but now must be witnessed by the TPQEI. In the past, code did not require TPQEI to witness these tests, but rather review the respective paperwork left in the elevator machine room and confirm compliance. This verification of paperwork will not suffice after Oct. 1 for any equipment that is not a direct acting hydraulic elevator.

Please keep in mind that CAT1 testing performed by your elevator maintenance company, the smoke testing performed by your fire alarm company, and the standby generator testing are good for one (1) year. If these tests were completed before 10/1/2021, then TPQEI can come out and do their normal inspection without having to witness that test until the next test is due.

VENDOR COORDINATION

Now, it is not just the owners and property managers having to take on all these changes. The Maryland Department of Labor is requiring much more from the 3rd Party inspection companies. Before the change, TPQEI would fill out the original state inspection forms and send them to the state to be processed. Several more forms are now required for submission to the state in addition to the standard form we are all used to. For example, the TPQEI must fill out an Inspection Requirement Form. This new form is to be filled out at inspection and again if re-inspection is necessary. This form has over 140 rows of requirements to be inspected and documented. Along with this, there are new/ updated annual safety test forms, fire service forms, and generator forms. The TPQEI will be required to submit copies of all these annual test forms along with all the inspection paperwork. In the past, the TPQEI could have submitted only one form for your inspection, but in the future, they may have to submit up to 6 forms per unit per visit! Coordination between all these vendors will be especially important. When witnessing the elevator maintenance company perform a CAT1, it is now a requirement for the TPQEI to alert the State of Maryland 60 days before the date of the test of the test date of the name of elevator maintenance company and the name of elevator inspector. If any of this information changes, the TPQEI must inform the state.

STATE FINE UPDATES

One thing that properties want to avoid at all costs are state fines. Due to the recent pandemic, the state put a hold on issuing fines for any properties with overdue certificates as part of a “State of Emergency.” This State of Emergency was lifted as of June 30, 2021, which gives properties 30 days to get certificates current. Starting August 1, 2021, if your property has an overdue certificate, you will receive a $750 fine per unit. If not taken care of, it could eventually lead up to a $5,000 citation, posting of unsafe equipment notice, and even a $1,000 per day citation! Please make sure you are actively trying to get all of your certificates current to avoid possible fines.

Written by: Cory Peimer Account Manager, Allsafe Elevator Inspections 410-661-0623

*If you are unsure what type of equipment you have, we suggest that you confirm with your elevator maintenance company.