Under what condition is it legal for a customer to refuse an Escape Hatch on a residential elevator?

In the context of residential elevators, the legal stipulation for a customer to refuse an Escape Hatch hinges on the presence of manual operation. The rationale behind this requirement is that manual operation ensures that, in the event of an emergency or power failure, there is still a means for safely exiting the elevator.

Having a manual operation feature allows individuals to operate the elevator without relying solely on electrical or automated systems, which can fail during power outages or other emergencies. This empowers users with a reliable method to access safety, as they can manually release the hatch or operate the elevator's mechanisms to aid in their escape.

The reason for not being able to refuse an Escape Hatch when manual operation is available lies in the underlying safety considerations. Without a manual method, customers could be put at risk if the elevator were to become inoperable due to technical issues or external factors. Thus, the presence of a manual operation system is vital for ensuring the safety and well-being of the elevator's users.