It is reported that Japan’s leading elevator manufacturer Fujitec Company used substandard steel in more than 12,000 elevators and that at least 560 could fall short of mandatory strength standards. Japan’s ministry of infrastructure has called on managers of buildings with Fujitec elevators installed to limit passenger numbers for each ride and carry out reinforcement work immediately.

The ministry said that Fujitec used substandard steel in 12,727 elevators and 634 escalators it manufactured since 2002. The ministry added that 560 elevators apparently did not meet mandatory strength standards set under the Building Standards Law. Some Fujitec elevators have only 66% of the legally required strength standard.

The ministry said that when operating under normal conditions, such elevators pose no problem. That is because the Building Standards Law requires elevators to be built to withstand up to three times the load they carry. But problems could arise if an elevator were to stop between floors in the event of an earthquake with an intensity of upper 6 on the Japanese scale of 7.

Substandard steel was used to reinforce the guide rail, known as rail backing, for the crosshead that supports the cage and for the safety plank at the bottom of the elevator.

JFE Shoji Kenzai Hanbai the company that supplied the steel said that Fujitec officials were aware the material was below design specifications. Fujitec's order forms designated steel known as SS400, which is used for bridges, ships and vehicles but JFE Shoji Kenzai Hanbai delivered SPHC steel, which is weaker. Mr Takakazu Uchiyama president of Fujitec and other officials said the company was convinced the steel was of the SS400 type because delivery slips and inspection certificates, as well as Fujitec's order forms all said the steel was of SS400. But officials of JFE Shoji Kenzai Hanbai, including Mr Koji Iwase president said the company delivered SPHC steel based on an agreement with Fujitec's procurement division.