Richelle McCaskill-Diaz, CEI Elevator & Escalator Expert

Elevator Investigations

Investigates elevator safety incidents and claims involving the service, repair, construction and modernization of equipment. Specific incidents include mis-leveling or re-leveling of the elevator car; sudden stops, drops, or jolts; over speed events; erratic door operation; entrapments; hoistway injuries; and maintenance worker injuries.

Elevators equipment and systems experience include: passenger, freight, and residential, construction systems. Rack and Pinon systems. Relay logic, solid state, SCR DC and VVVF AC drive controller systems. Geared, gearless, MRL and PM/AC traction hoist machines. Pneumatic elevator systems. Traction hoist and governor cables. Holed and hole less hydraulic elevator passenger, freight and residential applications. Hydraulic jack, pump, tank, pressure piping and valve assemblies. Hydraulic jack and cylinder operation and protection. Elevator door operating systems: cab and hoistway systems include door detection devices and gate reversal edges. Metal tape, reflective sensor and magnetic vane hoistway leveling systems. Chain and cable driven electromechanical table selector and leveling systems. Car sling, platform and cab construction; standard, corner post and cantilever applications. Governors, Type A, B and C safeties and activation. Hall and cab signal fixture installation and operation. Car and hoistway door equipment including door panels, door gibs, operators and door detection devices. Hoist machines and machine brakes including overspeed protection and unintended motion devices. Elevator Cab finishes including interior wall panels and drop ceilings. Emergency Operation and Signaling Devices. Firefighter Emergency Operation. Emergency or Standby Power systems; transfer and operation. Code required inspections and testing.

Escalator Investigations

Investigates escalator safety incidents and claims involving the installation, repair, and modernization of equipment. Specific incidents include sudden stops, clothing and appendage entrapments, direction reversals, over-speed conditions, brake failures, and maintenance worker injuries.

Escalator equipment and systems experience include: solid state and VVVF AC drive controllers. Remote and in truss machine rooms. Single and modular multi drive motor applications. Single and multi-brake applications. Drive assemblies. Steps, tracks and step chains. Comb plates and floor plates. Handrails and handrail drives. Safety devices, safety switches; location and application. Balustrades, skirts and decking. Steps, step treads, step risers and demarcation lighting; Comb plates, comb impact switches; Handrails, handrail speed switch and broken handrail switch; Anti-slide devices; Floor surfaces; Signage, Sleep mode operation. Code required inspections and testing.

Wheelchair/Assistive Lift Investigations

Investigates safety incidents and claims involving electric and hydraulic powered lifts. Specific incidents include mis-leveled platforms, sudden drops or jolts, failed safety stops, and maintenance worker injuries.

Wheelchair/Assistive lifts equipment and systems experience include: Stairlifts, Inclined Platform lifts, LULA lifts. Electric, hydraulic, screw type and vacuum driven units.

Code and Safety References: ASME A17.1 Code for Elevators and Escalators; ASME A17.3 Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Elevators; ANSI A17.2 Guide for Inspection of Elevators and Escalators; ANSI A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities; ASME A18.1 Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts; National Elevator Industry Field Employee Safety Handbook; OSHA; National Electrical Code; AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) local codes.

Professional Experience

Provide technical investigations, analysis, reports, and testimony toward the resolution of commercial and personal injury litigation involving elevators, escalators, moving walks and related equipment. Investigations include modernization, maintenance, repair, inspection analysis and causations, standards, codes, and regulations.

• Explained diagnostic finding to customers and outline repair or service options
• Troubleshoot and diagnose problems, repairing, and restoring machines to peak performance
• Inspected equipment to diagnose operational issues
• Adhered to safety protocols and policies to reduce workplace hazards
• Effectively communicated technical information to non-technical customers to ensure proper understanding and use of equipment features

• Requisitioned materials and supplies such as tools, equipment, and replacement parts
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify areas of improvement in the overall repair process, resulting in minimized delays
• Diagnosed mechanical failures to determine and delegate corrective actions
• Provided technical expertise to junior mechanics enhancing their skills and boosting overall team capabilities
• Assisted sales representatives with cost analysis to bid jobs
• Assured and verified compliance with the written contracts as written
• Serviced and repaired vertical transportation to assure code compliance

• Provided consultation during elevator installations or modernizations to ensure compliance with safety standards from inception to completion
• Identified areas for improvement in existing elevators through regular inspections leading to enhanced user experience and satisfaction
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of changing laws, codes, and guidelines within the elevator inspection industry
• Ensured expedited resolution of identified issues by maintaining clear and effective communication with clients, service providers, and regulatory bodies
• Reduced the occurrence of accidents by promptly addressing safety concerns identified during inspections

Operations Manager - Member IUEC Local 19 2019-2022

• Supervised operations staff and ensure employees were compliant with company policies and procedures
• Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them
• Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and correct delivery of goods and services
• Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management
• Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices

Elevator Category 1 Testing Mechanic  2016-2019

• Performed annual testing on elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, and wheelchair lifts as per ASME, state, and city code and regulations
• Identified problems with vertical transportation equipment and collaborated with my team to address any repairs or replacements
• Worked with local elevator inspectors to ensure the safety of the vertical transportation equipment
• Maintained accurate records of completed work orders, ensuring transparency for customers and management
• Provided and maintained accurate MCP records on the job so that elevator personnel could verify that work had been performed

Service Operations Manager – Seattle, WA, and San Diego, CA 2009-2016

• Resolved customer disputes promptly, maintained open communication with customers, and provided high-quality service
• Controlled and maintained operating budget and increased profits
• Improved safety procedures to support safe working conditions for employees

Elevator Apprentice and Mechanic - Member IUEC Local 19 1996-2009

• Developed strong troubleshooting skills by repairing various types of elevator and escalator issues
• Aided with modernization projects by removing and replacing outdated components
• Stayed current with industry trends, technologies, and advancements in the field
• Collaborated with senior technicians to troubleshoot complex issues and implement effective solutions
• Responded to emergency service calls and resolving issues

Professional Credentials

• Certified Mechanic through IUEC, National Elevator Industry Education Program 2006 #29699 (no expiration)
• NAESA QEI Certified Elevator Inspector- ASME A 17.1 QEI- C-6970, 2022
• Department of Labor & Industries State of Washington- Certified General Elevator Mechanic License MCCASR*845LO
• Transportation Workers Identification Certificate (TWIC)

Professional Memberships

National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities

International Union of Elevator Constructors Member local 19, Seattle WA (2016-2022, 2024-2025)

Continuing Education

• NAESA International Western Region Spring Workshop, April 17-18, 2026
  • Seismic Design and Operation for Elevators
  • Inspector Training in Escalators
  • Noncircular Elastomer Coats Steel Suspension Members
  • NAESA 2026 Code Update Parts 1, 2, and 3
  • ASME A17.1-5.4 Private Residence Inclined Elevators
  • Kinetic Energy
  • AC Elevator Drives: Technology, Application, Hardware and Code Requirements
• NAESA International Western Region Spring Workshop, April 11-12, 2025
  • Internet Connectivity for Elevators
  • Emergency Elevator Communications-Introduction to Voice and Video
  • Unintended/Ascending Code Review on the Hydrosafe Brake Product
  • Pit Ladder Code Updates
  • Major Changes to the Field Employee Safety Handbook
  • 2024 Escalator Inspection Findings
  • Alternative Testing is Advanced CAT5 Testing-Process of Change
  • Department of Defense-DoD Elevator Criteria for New Construction and Inspections
  • 2022/2025 ASME A17.1/CSA B44 Code Updates
  • Occupant Evacuation Operation- Code Requirements and Case Study
• NAESA International 10 Hour Code Update, FL #0006326, FL#000040, May 8-9, 2024
  • 2020 Elevator Industry Field Employee Safety Handbook
  • NEC/NFPA 70-2023 Code Update
  • ASME A17.6-2022
  • QEI -Renewal Requirement Section 2.3
  • ASME A17.1-8.11.4, Periodic Inspections of Elevators
  • NFPA 13 and 72-2022
• NAESA- State of Washington QEI Certification Training, May 23-24, 2023
• NAESA- QEI Certification Completion – September 30,2022
• NAESA 2 Day Code Update Seminar, Seattle, May 4-5, 2022
• EIWPF PACE Program – 8-hour Elevator Continuing Education Training Certificate, March 24, 2012
• NAESA 2010 Western Region Spring Workshop #WA2010-108, March 26,2010
  • Elevator Hoistway Pressurization in Seattle
  • Firefighter Emergency Operations
  • Rack and Pinon Elevators
  • Selected ASME A18.1 Code Updates
  • 5 Year Safety Tests (Category 5)
  • Elevator Rope Performance & Strategies for Maximum Life

v. 05/11/26