2. Safety of existing elevators: law of July 2, 2003

To ensure the necessary safety of elevator users, the elevator regulations in force in France since the 1950s have made regular maintenance mandatory, including a monthly technical inspection to check the condition of the elevator and replace worn or defective parts.

Contrary to popular belief, this "maintenance" of the device does not improve it, but rather "maintains" it in its original state of good working order and safety, based on the regulations in force at the time of installation. In fact, the regulations introduced over the years to improve the safety of new elevators have not been made retroactive for existing elevators, except for the installation of cabin doors, made compulsory on all elevators in 1986, and for certain work on elevators located in establishments subject to the Labor Code, made compulsory by Decree no. 95-826 of June 30, 1995....