Disclosed is an elevator machine including: a plurality of stationary structures, including a proximate stationary structure and a distal stationary structure, a brake support that comprises the proximate stationary structure, a brake disc rotably supported in the brake support intermediate the plurality of stationary structures, the plurality of stationary structures and the brake disc each including a respective one of a plurality of orifices, and the plurality of orifices being mutually aligned and offset from a rotational axis of the brake disc to removably receive an elongated bar, wherein when the bar is positioned in the plurality of orifices, the brake disc is prevented from rotating, thereby preventing vertical movement of an elevator car in an elevator hoistway.