Inspection Services
Stay Compliant. Avoid Penalties. Reduce Risk.
We manage and execute elevator inspections across all jurisdictions, so you don’t have to.
INSPECTION SERVICES OVERVIEW
We perform 110,000 inspections annually across the US
VDA and its family of inspection companies deliver independent inspection and Certificate Compliance Management (CCM) services across the country. Our licensed inspectors provide third-party witnessing and inspections to help building owners, managers, and authorities stay compliant, reduce risk, and support safe, reliable operation.
Backed by deep expertise in local and state code requirements, our CCM team helps streamline compliance with a consistent, efficient process from start to finish.
What we do
VDA provides independent, third-party elevator and escalator inspections to help building owners, property managers, and authorities maintain compliance with local and state safety codes.
Our inspection services give you a clear, objective understanding of your equipment’s condition, performance, and compliance—so you can reduce risk, avoid penalties, and operate with confidence.
Our Inspection Services Include:
- Code Compliance Inspections
We perform independent inspections to verify your equipment meets all applicable elevator and escalator safety codes and regulatory requirements. - Witness & Documentation of Required Testing
Our licensed inspectors witness and document code-mandated tests across all major vertical transportation equipment types and jurisdictions. - Nationwide Inspection Coverage
Through a network of licensed inspectors across the U.S., we deliver consistent, objective inspection services—whether you manage one property or a national portfolio. - Certificate of Compliance Management (CCM)
We manage the full inspection lifecycle, including scheduling, documentation review, and compliance tracking, helping you stay ahead of requirements and deadlines. - Clear Reporting & Expert Oversight
Our detailed reporting and experienced team provide the insight you need to make informed decisions, maintain compliance, and support safe, reliable operation.
In addition to proactively managing and coordinating inspections, VDA’s CCM Services include:
- Overseeing AHJ certificates are current and in compliance.
- Tracking open violations from inspection deficiencies and following up with all stakeholders to ensure correction in a timely manner.
- Completing and submitting all AHJ-required forms to receive the certificate.
- Paying any AHJ fees that allow the release of the renewed certificate from the AHJ to the property.
VDA’s proprietary software allows us to track inspection due dates, coordinate scheduling with relevant parties, submit inspection paperwork directly with the AHJ, and track violations through resolution.
This type of inspection requires coordination between the elevator contractor and third-party inspection company (VDA). VDA proactively schedules and coordinates the inspection with our client and the elevator contractor. The elevator contractor performs the mandated testing, and a VDA QEI-certified consultant “witnesses” the test being completed (where applicable). VDA reports the findings to the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Mandated testing requirements are determined by local code and include, but are not limited to, Category 1 (annual) No-Load Tests, Category 3 (every third year) Tests, Category 5 (every 5th year) Full-Load Tests, and Annual Escalator Skirt Index Tests.
“Non-witnessed” inspections are similar to those that are “witnessed” but don’t require testing to be done by the elevator company at time of review. These inspections typically require a “verification” of code compliance, not an actual test. The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) dictates verification metrics, including, but not limited to, the review of mandated documentation required onsite, code required tags, testing of elevator communication systems, testing of emergency lighting within the elevator, and whatever else is deemed code applicable. The frequency of the testing varies, depending on the local AHJ requirements.