North Carolina Tracks More Than 32,000 Active Elevator Devices
State data underscores the importance of equipment inspections and safe operation across workplaces and public facilities.
- By Danielle Naidu
- Nov 05, 2026
North Carolina has 32,439 active elevator devices statewide, according to newly released data from the North Carolina Department of Labor, highlighting the scale of equipment subject to state safety oversight.
The department's Quarterly Elevator Index, released Oct. 30, tracks active devices and new installation permits across the state.
The department's Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau oversees the installation and safe operation of elevators, escalators, personnel hoists, dumbwaiters, moving walkways and accessibility lifts in public establishments and private workplaces.
State inspectors evaluate equipment to ensure it meets applicable safety requirements. New installations and modifications to existing equipment must undergo inspections, while companies installing elevators and related devices must obtain the necessary approvals before beginning work.
North Carolina also requires installation permits to be posted at jobsites. Equipment must comply with applicable safety standards, including ASME A17.1, which establishes requirements for elevators and escalators.
For facility managers and employers, elevator safety involves maintaining equipment in safe operating condition, coordinating inspections and addressing identified deficiencies.
The latest index shows North Carolina issued 221 new elevator device permits during the first quarter of fiscal 2026-2027, a 16.6% decrease from the 265 permits issued during the same period the previous year.
Mecklenburg County led the state with 61 new permits, followed by Wake County with 17, Guilford County with 16, Buncombe County with 12 and Alamance County with nine.
Although the report documents permitting activity and active equipment, it does not include inspection results, equipment violations or injury statistics.
The department's Elevator Safety Program provides information on inspection requirements, applicable regulations and procedures for reporting equipment safety concerns.
About the Author
Danielle Naidu is assistant editor for Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.