TARGET / T – 1307
VAN NUYS, CA SUMMARY
The Target Store in Van Nuys California was inspected by Thomas Branham of Elevator
Consulting Services, Inc. over a three day period between April 22nd and April 25th, 2002. My
QEI number is 1339 and am certified by NAESA. NAESA is the National Association of
Elevator Safety Authorities. We have identified corrective items that in our opinion need to be
addressed by the elevator contractor. They are free to offer an explanation or dispute any
individual item within the report but we can offer a reasonable reason for each and every
negative evaluation. They are evaluated on and for the ASME 17.2 Code for Inspectors Manual
and industry standards for acceptable installation and maintenance procedures.
Overall, the complex needs a lot of attention. The current serviceman is performing normal
preventive maintenance lubrication on the escalators and vermaports. However, there are
numerous issues and repairs warranted from the initial installation on the elevators. The
problems are not related or caused by being hydraulic elevators but rather the inappropriate
software and hardware of the supervisory system.
Passenger Elevators / Store Core
These two elevators actually run satisfactorily. However, elevator two has a piston
problem. The unit has leaked at the jack head and had to have a lot of oil added. My
initial deficiency list was to repack and sand the piston due to bad splices of the
multipiece jack. Factory representatives were on site Thursday April 24th and
determined this piston was indeed warranting replacement. I understand the factory
representative ordered a new piston for elevator two.
There is also a heat problem in the machine room that warrants some additional attention
by Target. The air conditioning was being short cycled out of the room by the way the
feeder system comes into the room. I recommend the cold air duct be extended
downward along the wall or down the ceiling to get a cross flow of air. A booster fan
should also be installed into the exhaust air duct to accelerate the out flow. The natural
flow is not sufficient at this time. I temporarily redirected the louver vents of the air
intake to force cold air across the room and the room cooled down 5 degrees in a matter
of 10 minutes. The balance of the elevator equipment was fair to good. The duplex
operation of the Miprom is satisfactory for this application.
Freight Elevators
These two units are in very good condition except for housekeeping. Most of the service time is
obviously spent elsewhere. These units need some cleaning and minor lubrication. The biggest
deficiency is actually Target’s responsibility. The sill supports or thresholds are not flush with
the floor at either landing. The angle sticks up between a 1/4 and 3/8 inch. Fiberglass has been
tried to reduce the bump but has already broken up. Latex concrete filler or some other product
should be used to feather out the bump so when pallet trucks are used, product doesn’t fall off
the pallets.
Escalators
The units are getting proper lubrication and attention but needs the baskets cleaned down. One
controller needs a back support so it doesn’t tip over. This is a short coming of the installation.
A pipe held in by bent conduit straps was used as a back support but the up unit is missing and
presumed fallen into the ceiling. A permanent plate should be installed for safety on both units.
Vermaports
The up unit has a bad drive coupling. The chains are lubed but I saw links of the drive chain
with above normal wear. Several of the links had about a 1/16th between the rollers and the
links. The up unit also needs some tension adjustments.
Ramp Elevators
These need a lot of attention and repairs. Two elevators (1 & 3) leak so bad, they are being shut
down during the week and only run on weekends. The drip buckets will overflow within two
days if allowed to run. I am told the factory representative also ordered replacement pistons for
these two elevators. As in the store elevator, the splices are defective and have been since the
installation. I was also informed the warranty of the pistons not being replaced will have a
warranty extension of one year.
Three of the pump units have leaks. Two of the oil coolers leak. An excessive amount of oil
has been added to these elevators in the past based on the number of empty barrels in the
machine room. More than 25 gallons was added to elevator one on Friday just to get it to run
through the weekend.
The supervisory system is, or should be, an embarrassment to KONE and is definitely the major
problem to Target. The problem is two fold. The high contamination on the microprocessor
board may be altering voltages. Secondly, the algorithm of the supervisory is also deficient
which warrants new software. All the elevators routinely stop for a zone stop even with car
calls in the system. Elevators won’t answer a hall call when at the floor. Average response to a
hall call, when only 2 hall calls are initiated, is between 40 and 60 seconds. This is pathetic and
not due to the units being hydraulics in lieu of tractions as some have indicated. Somehow the
wrong software was installed and should be replaced, upgraded or modified to perform. If
KONE cannot solve the problem, they should install a new group system that will work. During
normal light weekday conditions, response should be under 5 to 10 seconds. There are four
elevators and the top 3 floors of the ramp weren’t even being used any of the three days I was
on site.
I have included an Elevate traffic analysis with actual job conditions as Van Nuys. The Elevate
analysis using hydraulics of identical speeds and size has a response time of 2.8 seconds. This
compares to the average 40 to 60 seconds of the KONE Miprom actually being experienced.
A major inconvenience is also the hall and car buttons. Most of the hall lights are not
functioning. Due to the fact the buttons are vandal resistant, the light is very small as well.
Basically all the pedestrian traffic voiced displeasure and irritation. The main car operating
panel of Elevator three didn’t even have the lighted button assemblies. Solid buttons were
obviously installed by mistake. They will have to be corrected to comply with code.
Another code issue is the lack of hall lanterns or car direction lanterns. The surrounding noise
level is sufficient so most or many people cannot hear the doors open on Elevators 1 and 4.
There are eight lanterns in the machine room still in the original box and protective wrapping.
I’m sure someone thought the car position indicator has a 1 up 2 down chime unit so lanterns
would not be needed. They would be wrong. These units do not meet A. D. A. requirements as
they exist. KONE should at least install CDI’s for compliance.
There are two new oil coolers in the Ramp machine room, originally intended for the freights.
The freights do not need these due to limited use. However, they should be used elsewhere
within the Target system or returned for credit. As a minimum, a credit is warranted on the
labor portion in the installation process as well.
The 2 lower tier bumper rails, for all four elevators, are also in the machine room and were
never installed. They were never installed on the one wall of the cab due to the length of the car
operating panels. However, it is a terrible waste to leave them and never get installed. They
could be installed on the one wall or at a minimum be removed from the machine room and
properly disposed of if not wanted.
The deficiency list is extensive and expensive. This job can be made a lot better, more reliable
and more dependable. It is time KONE take all the pro-active steps warranted. If you have any
questions please call me at 952-435-2429.
T- 1307 VAN NUYS, CA
PASSENGER STORE ELEVATORS 1/A & 2/B
CORRECTIVE ITEMS
The following minimum items need corrective action taken. Documentation on
completion is required. Each item should be initialed by the mechanic performing
the work and properly dated on completion. Due to the nature of the deficiencies, I
could not differentiate maintenance deficiencies from initial installation or
warranty issues without having prior visits. I assume all are from original
installation unless KONE can provide documentation to the contrary.
Elevator 1A
1. Provide an oil monitoring sheet on the tank unit or in a visible location. Monitor oil
and document readings on a regular basis. Record any loss.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
2. Provide a ground wire to the Miprom controller. Only the line starter cabinet was
grounded. The intended lug in the controller only has the board grounds. NEC,
ASME 17.5
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
3. Hook up the oil cooler. Hoses are disconnected.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
4. Coolers are also not working. The oil temperature was way over the thermostat
setting. Adjust control to work properly.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
5. Clean the machine room of all debris including garbage, boxes, empty oil containers,
barrels and clean up contaminated spill.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
6. Provide strain relief for the wires on EC9, ECO boards. Ty wrap into the duct and
reinstall covers.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
7. Tighten up the bottom mounting bolts on the relay sub-panel within the starter
cabinet. Both bottom nuts are loose.
COMPLETED PER RE INSPECTION OF 6-11-02
8. Tighten the grounding bolt to the starter cabinet.
COMPLETED PER RE INSPECTION OF 6-11-02
9. Install seals in the pressure relief valve per code. Due to missing tags, perform a no
load test first. Properly tag the valve per code and forward a copy to the store for
review.
COMPLETED PER RE INSPECTION OF 6-11-02
10. Adjust the upthrusts on the slow speed hoistway doors at all entrances.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
11. Adjust the upthrusts on the slow speed car doors on both the front and rear openings.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
12. Clean the pit.
COMPLETED PER RE INSPECTION OF 6-11-02
13. Tape the kellum grip rods to the traveling cable per safety requirements.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
Elevator 2B
1. Adjust the upthrusts on the slow speed hoistway doors at all entrances.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
2. Adjust the upthrusts on the slow speed car doors on both the front and rear openings.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
3. Provide an oil monitoring sheet on the tank unit or in a visible location. Monitor oil
and document readings on a regular basis. Record any loss.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
4. Provide a ground wire to the Miprom controller. Only the line starter cabinet was
grounded. The intended lug in the controller only has the board grounds. NEC,
ASME 17.5
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
5. Adjust the pump belts. The outside belt is taking much more tension than the rest.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
6. Coolers are also not working. The oil temperature was way over the thermostat
setting. Adjust control to work properly.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
7. Install seals in the pressure relief valve per code. Due to missing tags, perform a no
load test first. Properly tag the valve per code and forward a copy to the store for
review.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
8. Repair the auxiliary car operating panel position indicator of Elevator 2B. Floor 1
doesn’t show up.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
9. Replace the jack packing ASAP. This would be temporary repair until the new
piston is installed.
COMPLETED PER RE INSPECTION OF 6-11-02
10. Clean the pit. Put portland cement on the pit floor to soak up the oil stain to assist in
oil monitoring.
COMPLETED PER RE INSPECTION OF 6-11-02
11. Tape the kellum grip rods to the traveling cable per safety requirements.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
12. The piston has poor splices. Factory rep of KONE has indicated they will replace
the pistons. The piston has been ordered for Elevator 2B, Elevator 1A will get an
extended warranty.
COMPLETED PER RE INSPECTION OF 6-11-02
T –1307 VAN NUYS, CA
FREIGHT ELEVATOR 3C
CORRECTIVE ITEMS
The following minimum items need corrective action taken. Documentation on
completion is required.
1. Tighten the loose middle leg connection of the P relay.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
2. Check the contacts on the D relay and replace as needed. Clean up the contact
residue under the relay.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
3. Replace the missing door open Braille piece on the first floor fixture.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
4. Shorten up the safety edge cord for the gate, re-route as needed so the loop doesn’t
extend into the opening / entrance as far.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
5. Empty the pit bucket and monitor the packing. I’m not sure how long it took to get
full but suspect since January.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
6. Provide an oil monitoring sheet on the tank unit for easy access and documentation.
Document the oil level each visit.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
T –1307 VAN NUYS, CA
FREIGHT ELEVATOR 4D
CORRECTIVE ITEMS
The following minimum items need corrective action taken. Documentation on
completion is required.
1. Tighten all the loose connections on the P relay.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
2. Check the contacts on the D relay and replace as needed. Clean up the contact debris
under the relay.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
3. Tighten the mounting nuts on the line starter sub-panel in the controller.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
4. Sweep off the accumulated debris on the duct between floors.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
5. Empty the pit bucket and monitor the packing.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
6. Clean the machine room floor.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
7. Provide an oil monitoring sheet on the tank unit for easy access and documentation.
Document the oil level each visit.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
T-1307 VAN NUYS, CA
RAMP ELEVATORS 1-4
MAINTENANCE CORRECTIVE ITEMS
The following minimum items need corrective action taken. Documentation on
completion is required. Each item should be initialed by the mechanic performing
the work and properly dated on completion. Due to the nature of the deficiencies, I
could not differentiate maintenance deficiencies from initial installation or
warranty issues without having prior visits. I assume all are from original
installation unless KONE can provide documentation to the contrary.
GENERAL
1. Provide and install Phase I Fire Fighters Instructions at 1st floor per code. ( Not done
from original installation)
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
2. Replace all burned out light bulbs for the hall buttons. (Most burned out, numerous
complaints) Use LED cluster lights.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
3. Revise the software to improve the response time. The response is terrible even with
light loading factors. Cars making forced zoning calls at 2nd floor with a 1st floor car
call in down direction. The supervisory doesn’t provide a high call reversal for the
elevators. ( Not done from original installation)
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
4. Remove the empty oil drums and containers from the machine room.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
5. Clean the group supervisory Solid State boards. The contamination is excessive and
may be contributing to dispatch problems.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
6. Oil coolers in the machine room are for Elevators C and D freights of the store.
Verify and install or provide a credit for not properly providing units. ( Not done
from original installation)
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
7. Provide the store with 4 complete master sets of keys. The store has no keys at this
time. ( Not done from original installation)
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
8. The 6th floor hall button sticks in both Front and Rear side openings. Replace the
button assemblies.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
9. Tape the kellum grip rods to the traveling cable under the car per safety
requirements.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
10. Provide full wiring schematics for each elevator. ( Not done from original
installation)
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
11. Hall buttons at floors 5/up and 5/dn buttons only work if pushed on the very center
of the button. Will not initiate the call if pushed on the top half. Check the micro
switch, adjust if possible or install a better micro switch so where ever the button is
pushed, it initiates a call.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
12. Clean the car top of each elevator.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
13. Lube the roller guide bushings of each elevator.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
14. Adjust all hoistway door upthrusts on both slow and fast speed doors. Many have
excessive play creating poor door performance and the potential for doors off the
track. ( Not done from original installation)
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
15. Install car direction lanterns on each elevator to comply with prevailing codes
including the A. D. A. ( Not done from original installation)
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
16. Install the bumper rails in each elevator per specifications. ( Not done from original
installation)
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
ELEVATOR ONE
1. Replace the front car door relating cable. The cable is fraying and separating.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
2. Replace the jack packing ASAP. The new piston has been supposedly ordered but in
order to keep the elevator running, a new packing will limit loss of oil. Alternate is
to provide a scavenger pump to return oil to tank. May also warrant a jack head
modification. The oil loss involves oil coming over the lip and down the jack. The
lip should prevent this and only allow oil to go into the drip bucket. ( Not done from
original installation)
COMPLETED PER RE INSPECTION OF 6-11-02
3. Clean the pit. Use Portland cement or some other method to remove the oil residue
from the floor area to help in oil monitoring.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
4. Replace the broken clutch release roller on 3F.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
5. Adjust the door lock gap on 2R. The gap is too big and the clutch hits the release
rollers in the up direction.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
ELEVATOR TWO
1. Seal up the minor leak at the pump flange. Clean up the oil pan under the unit.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
2. Tighten the ground connections in the starter panel.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
3. Clean the controller cabinet.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
4. Adjust the spirator on floor 6F to close the door from any point of travel.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
5. Adjust the slow speed car door upthrusts.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
6. Adjust the hoistway door upthrusts at 4th Floor, left door (OLI), 3F both, 3R both
and 2F both .
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
7. Replace the 2nd floor front clutch release roller due to clutch damage. Check the
location to the clutch. The 2F hoistway doors separate from the car door in the close
operation.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
8. Lube the roller guide bushings.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
9. Vacuum out the fan exhaust grill on the car top of all fuzz and lint.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
10. Adjust the door restrictor to working order.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
11. There are two front door open Braille tactile on the main car operating panel.
Replace the wrong tactile piece in the proper panel location.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
ELEVATOR THREE
1. Seal the pressure relief stem per code. Perform a no load test, properly tag each unit
and forward a copy of the test to the store for review. ( Not done from original
installation)
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
2. Replace the controller door handle and make operational. It currently needs a tie
wire to keep the door closed.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
3. Replace the jack packing ASAP. The new piston has been supposedly ordered but in
order to keep the elevator running, a new packing will limit loss of oil. Alternate is
to provide a scavenger pump to return oil to tank. May also warrant a jack head
modification. The oil loss involves oil coming over the lip and down the jack. The
lip should prevent this and only allow oil to go into the drip bucket. ( Not done from
original installation)
4. COMPLETED PER RE INSPECTION OF 6-11-02
5. Repair the direction arrow in the main car operating panel to working order.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
6. Replace the spirator on 6R floor or adjust to close the door from any point of travel.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
7. Adjust the second floor R hoistway doors. The doors hang up on the door lock due
to no gap. The fast speed door is not plumb. Adjust for proper gap.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
8. Tape the kellum grip rods to the traveling cable under the car per a safety
requirement.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
9. Adjust the upthrusts at all floors on the slow speed and fast speed doors at 2.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
10. Adjust the down side of the valve. The transition is too long.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
11. Clean the pit. Use Portland cement or some other method to remove the oil residue
from the floor area to help in oil monitoring.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
ELEVATOR FOUR
1. Unit re-leveling frequently. Adjust the up block, check the O rings in the down side.
Check the packing and replace the valve or packing as needed.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
2. Seal up leaks at the oil cooler lines. Clean up the oil residue on and around the unit,
especially the floor.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
3. Seal the pressure relief stem per code. Perform a no load test, properly tag each unit
and forward a copy of the test to the store for review.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
4. Tighten the ground connections on the rear wall of the starter cabinet.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
5. Adjust the final stop of the valve in the up direction. The stop is very harsh.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
6. Reinstall the restrictor parts on the front side to make operational.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
7. Adjust or replace the spirator on 5F to close from any point of travel.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
8. Repair the phone door to open easily.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
9. Adjust the down side of the valve.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
10. Adjust the door close operation on the rear opening to increase the speed without
slamming to improve the response time.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
11. The main car operating panel does not have the illuminated style buttons for the car
calls. Replace the six floor buttons with the illuminated version to meet code.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
12. The front door open button doesn’t work consistently. Make operational.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
T-1307 VAN NUYS, CA
ESCALATORS 5 & 6
CORRECTIVE ITEMS
The following minimum items need corrective action taken:
ESCALATOR FIVE (DOWN)
1. Vacuum out the upper basket of all dirt and lint.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
2. Vacuum out the lower basket of all dirt and lint.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
ESCALATOR SIX (UP)
1. Replace the broken step tread or the step that has two middle treads broken.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
2. Replace the temporary yellow demarcation strips with black ones on 3 steps.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
3. Provide a permanent backing bar behind the controller so it can sit perpendicular.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
4. Vacuum out the upper basket of all dirt and lint.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
5. Vacuum out the lower basket of all dirt and lint.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
6. Adjust the lower left skirt switch.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
T- 1307 VAN NUYS, CA
VERMAPORTS 7 & 8
CORRECTIVE ITEMS
The following minimum items need corrective action taken. Documentation of
completion is required.
VERMAPORT SEVEN (UP)
1. Monitor the left hand drive coupling. It has minor movement and should be watched
carefully. The spare unit will be used on #8, a spare should be ordered as a replacement.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
VERMAPORT EIGHT (DOWN)
1. Replace the right hand drive coupling.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
2. Grease the pillow block bearings of the motor drive.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04
3. One adjustment guide on the right hand bottom sprocket has bottomed out. Adjust
the lower unit.
COMPLETED AS OF 6-1-04