Section 7.143. Pits and overtravel

(a) The structure at the bottom of a hoistway shall be sufficiently strong to withstand without failure the impact of the car with contract load and the impact of the counterweight, when either is descending at contract speed, or at governor-tripping speed if a governor-operated safety is used.

(b) A pit at least 2 feet in depth shall be provided at the lowest story served.

(c) At the top landings there shall be a clearance between the top of the car crosshead and machine supports, or another obstruction vertically above the car, of at least 2 feet when the counterweight rests on its fully compressed buffers and a clearance between the top of the counterweight and an obstruction vertically above it of at least 6 inches when the car rests on its fully compressed buffers. When no counterweight is provided, clearance between the top of the car crosshead and the machines, supports, or other obstruction vertically above it when the car is at its uppermost landing shall be at least 2 feet, 6 inches.