N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 12, § 8-1.37 – Car safeties.

(a) All elevators shall have a safety device of an approved type that will grip the guide rails with a gradually increasing pressure and retard and hold the car with its full load whenever the safeties are applied, or in a distance not greater than nine feet at a speed of 700 feet per minute, except that elevators having a speed of 100 feet per minute or less, safeties of the instantaneous type may be used.
Exceptions:
(1) Hydraulic plunger type evelators. (2) Platform elevators. (3) Sidewalk elevators with a rise of not over 20 feet.
(b) Safety device shall be attached to the car frame beneath the car platform.
(c) In installations made prior to April 15, 1915, crosshead safeties may be accepted after inspection and approval by the commissioner.