It is a model code/standard for elevator safety - it is now in the 20th edition (2013). It was first published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1921. The designator assigned by American National Standards Institute is A17.1. Starting with the 2007 edition - the Canadian and USA codes were combined. Canadian Standards Association is the sponsor in Canada. The CSA designator is B44. The CSA B44 Code was first published in 1938. You may find the histories on pages xi, xii, and xxiv of the current (2013) edition. The Open Library has many pages (references) to the A17.1/B44 Codes and all claim that these are the first publications. Almost 100 years for A17.1 and over 80 years for B44 - of improvements to elevator safety - a great accomplishment. Please correct both the CSA and ASME pages. This does not apply specifically to this code by itself but to all the A17.1/B44 pages. It is likely that you can obtain permission to publish the pages from the copyright holders (ASME & CSA). It is detailed and accurate. Many editions had addenda and supplements, too; all are listed.