YOUR ELEVATOR HAS BEEN RED-TAGGED. THE CLOCK IS RUNNING. FOLLOW THESE STEPS IN ORDER.

Red Tag Response Kit

Your elevator was shut down by an inspector. This is not optional and it is not going away on its own. Below is the exact sequence of actions you need to take, starting right now, to restore service and avoid escalating penalties. Select your state for jurisdiction-specific deadlines and requirements.

SELECT YOUR STATE FOR SPECIFIC DEADLINES AND PENALTIES

STEP-BY-STEP ACTION PLAN

SECURE THE ELEVATOR IMMEDIATELY

IMMEDIATEWithin 1 hour

A.Physically lock out the elevator at the machine room. Use the mainline disconnect switch and apply a lockout/tagout device.

B.Post signage on every floor landing door: "ELEVATOR OUT OF SERVICE BY ORDER OF [AHJ]. DO NOT USE." Use the exact AHJ name from the red tag.

C.Barricade the elevator entrance on every floor with physical barriers -- not just signage. Tape is not sufficient.

D.Notify building occupants immediately via email, posted notice in lobby, and direct communication to tenants requiring ADA accommodations.

E.If the building has only one elevator and occupants require vertical access, contact your AHJ about temporary variance for stairway assistance or temporary lift equipment.

F.Secure the machine room. Only licensed elevator mechanics should access it from this point forward.

WARNING:Operating a red-tagged elevator is a criminal offense in most states. Do not attempt to "just run it one more time" for any reason.

WARNING:Your liability insurance may be voided the moment you operate a red-tagged unit. If someone is injured, you are personally exposed.

DOCUMENT THE VIOLATION THOROUGHLY

IMMEDIATEWithin 4 hours

CONTACT YOUR MAINTENANCE COMPANY

URGENTWithin 24 hours

FILE YOUR RESPONSE WITH THE AHJ

URGENTBefore state deadline

GET REMEDIATION QUOTES

REQUIREDWithin 5 business days

SCHEDULE RE-INSPECTION

REQUIREDAfter remediation is complete

RESTORE SERVICE AND UPDATE CERTIFICATE

REQUIREDUpon passing re-inspection

COMPLIANCE TRACKER

Check off each item as you complete it. This is your audit trail. If the AHJ asks what you have done and when, this list is your answer.

PROGRESS: 0 OF 24 COMPLETE0%

Elevator physically locked out and disconnect switch off

"Out of Service" signage posted on every floor landing

Physical barriers placed at all elevator entrances

Building occupants notified of shutdown

Red tag photographed (front and back)

Full inspection report obtained from AHJ

All cited deficiencies photographed

Maintenance contract reviewed for coverage gaps

Documentation folder created with timestamps

Maintenance company contacted by phone

Emergency site visit scheduled within 48 hours

Written assessment requested from contractor

Formal response drafted addressing each violation

Response filed with AHJ before deadline

Proof of submission retained

Minimum two remediation quotes obtained

Contractor licenses verified with AHJ

Remediation work scheduled and underway

All remediation work completed and signed off by contractor

Re-inspection scheduled with AHJ

Contractor on-site during re-inspection confirmed

Updated operating certificate obtained and posted

Elevator returned to service after written clearance

30-day follow-up maintenance visit scheduled

FIND INSPECTION COMPANIES NEAR YOU

NEED A LICENSED ELEVATOR COMPANY NOW?

Search our directory of licensed, insured elevator inspection and repair companies. Filter by state, service type, and emergency availability. Every company listed holds a current state elevator contractor license.

SEARCH ELEVATOR COMPANIES