Elevators ordered shut down

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) - The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training ordered a number of elevators shut down in four buildings Wednesday because the buildings' owners had failed to meet inspection requirements for more than 12 months. The DLT said the lack of compliance with the law posed a public safety risk.

As of Wednesday afternoon, three of the elevators had been shut down:

• 548 Roosevelt Ave., Central Falls
• 32 Meeting St., Cumberland
• 32 Branch Ave., Providence

The elevator at one location, 80 Globe St., Providence, was being re-inspected as of 2 p.m. Wednesday. Three other elevators are back in service after becoming compliant, at 624 Washington St., Coventry; 80 Fountain St., Pawtucket; and 255 Main St., Pawtucket.

The DLT's director, Charles Fogarty, said in a news release, "Safety is a top priority for the department and the Chafee administration, and we are committed to taking the steps necessary to ensure that the elevators in Rhode Island are safe for public use."

The DLT started getting involved back in August, during a review of the state's workforce regulation and safety policies and procedures -- and looking into where customer service could be improved.