The association and union of apartment owners "Wohnen im Eigentum. Die Wohneigentümer e. V." (WiE) points out that by December 31, 2020, all existing passenger elevators in residential complexes must be equipped with a remote emergency call system, a so-called two-way communication system. Based on the amended Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV), this requirement will apply from January 1, 2021; both for new passenger elevators and for elevators in existing properties.
Elevators that either transport persons or platform elevators as well as travel systems with a travel height of more than three meters are subject to monitoring if persons are enclosed in them. The requirements for the remote emergency call system are listed in the Technical Rules for Operational Safety (TRBS) 3121 in paragraph 3.4.3 "Operation of elevator systems". Since this paragraph lists "employers" as being responsible for equipping or retrofitting passenger elevators with the two-way communication system, WiE expressly notes that this term must not be defined too narrowly. Apartment owners and condominium owners' associations (WEG) also fall within the scope of responsibility.
According to WiE and TÜV-Süd, retrofitting can be done with fairly simple means. An intercom system or a permanently installed telephone is sufficient to guarantee a 24-hour voice connection to an emergency call center or an emergency service in the event of an emergency. The emergency service must initiate rescue from the elevator within 30 minutes. In addition, for elevators that are already intact, TÜV can check whether the existing elevator emergency call already meets the new two-way communication system requirements. WiE also recommends concluding the contracts for maintenance and the remote emergency call with a provider so that there are no discrepancies in responsibilities afterwards, for example, if there is damage to the elevator.
Source: WiE
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