May 14, 2008

Mr. Kenin L. Lynes-General Manager
Otis Elevator Company
1931 Market Center Blvd, #127
Dallas, TX 75207

Re: Application for New Technology Variance - “Coated Steel Belts (CSB)” NTV-08-04

Dear Mr. Lynes:

This is to acknowledge receipt of your above referenced application dated March 28, 2008. Based on the written information previously submitted including supplemental information provided by your organization, telephone conversations with people in your organization and after consultation and review within the Department, the Department is pleased to inform you that your request for a New Technology Variance for the coated steel belt suspension means (CSB) and fabricated termination devices for the CSB suspension means has been approved contingent on the following conditions:

1. This approval is based on written information submitted for the Coated Steel Belt suspension means and fabricated terminations. Any deviation from the CSB product submitted for approval that would violate any other provision of the current or any future adopted standard would require another New Technology Variance application and approval by the Department. Changes that do not result in a violation of any current or any future adopted standard will not require another New Technology Variance application. Changes in the design of the approved CSB belt product that do not negatively impact the safety factors provided or the ultimate breaking strength or be a violation of any current or any future adopted standard will not require another New Technology Variance application, but will require notice in writing to the Department documenting said changes.

2. The requirements for which these New Technology Variances are based on the ASME A17.1b-2003 edition of the Safety Code for Elevators which is the currently adopted standard. The approvals are granted for:
a. Requirement 2.20.1 cars to be suspended by wire ropes
b. Requirement 2.20.9.3.4 un-welded cast or steel wire rope sockets

3. Until such time as the Coated Steel Belt product is fully compliant with the adopted standard in Texas, all sales contracts for equipment utilizing the CSB product will contain a clause that informs buyers that this product has been approved under the New Technology provisions of Chapter 754. As an alternative, you may provide buyers with a copy of this approval letter in lieu of a clause in the sales contract.

May 14, 2008
Mr. Kenin L. Lynes-General Manager

4. A copy of this approval letter shall be maintained in the Maintenance Control Program for the life of the equipment or until such time as the equipment meets all adopted standards in the State of Texas.

5. Until such time as the Coated Steel Belt Product is fully compliant with the adopted standard in the State of Texas, a quarterly report of the installation of the CSB product shall be provided to the Department on a quarterly basis within 10 calendar days of the end of each quarter, beginning with the quarter ending June 30, 2008. The report shall contain, at a minimum, the street address; manufacturer’s identifying number and decal number.

This approval shall apply to all Otis equipment utilizing the Coated Steel Belt product installed anywhere in the State of Texas prior to or subsequent to the effective date of this new technology variance, except the City of Houston. The City of Houston must also approve this product for installation within their jurisdiction after approval by the Department and that approval must be requested directly from the City of Houston.

This approval by the Department shall remain in effect unless revoked. A copy of this approval will be forwarded to all licensed inspectors and will be posted on the Department website. Inspectors shall be informed that the requirements covered by the above variances are not to be cited on any inspection reports. No waivers or delays will be required.

If you agree with the conditions contained in this approval letter, please so indicate by signing and dating a copy of this letter and returning it to me for our files. If we can be of any further assistance in this matter, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Lawrence Taylor
Chief Elevator Inspector
Building and Mechanical Section
Compliance Division-TDLR