I-Team: Elevator Inspection backlog

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Massachusetts requires elevators to be inspected every year. The 22News I-Team found that three elevators at the Holyoke Mall are past due for an inspection and discovers why the state isn't getting these inspections done on time.  

After that story aired about the mall's elevators, dozens of viewers have been emailing 22News expired elevator certificates to check out.  We found out why the state isn't getting around quick enough to sign off on it.

"There is a backlog of inspections", says Department of Public Safety Commissioner Thomas Gatzunis. 

That means some inspections aren't getting done on time.  Viewers emailed us pictures of expired elevator certificates in their apartment buildings and this elevator leading up to Holyoke Community College's Picknelly Adult and Family Education Center.  Commissioner Gatzunis told the 22News I-Team that eight inspectors are assigned to Western Massachusetts.

"Unfortunately we have had some illnesses and issues with individual inspectors which has created a bit of a greater backlog in the Western part of the state", says Gatzunis.

The Commissioner told the 22News I-Team that new procedures are being put into place, specifically in Western Massachusetts to make sure more elevators are inspected before their certificate expires.

"We have reallocated resources to catch up with that backlog and eliminate it", says Gatzunis. 
 
The 22News I-Team went into some city and town hall elevators.  Chicopee's certificate expired this week.  While Springfield's elevator is in compliance.  So is West Springfield's.  

If you spot a elevator with an expired inspection certificate let the building's owner know.  Gatzunis says typically inspectors can inspect four elevators a day.