Elevators are one of the most important inventions in human history, and their power-driven vertical movements have long been integral in making building stories accessible and practical for construction. But the recent accidents involving elevators (2 killed in different incidents involving the elevator shaft, and the other, the malfunction of an elevator from a high-rise building which injured 12 ) only prove that no matter how sophisticated or safe a structure or equipment like an elevator may seem, following these simple guidelines and maintenance reminders for employers can help ensure passenger safety.
Elevator Safety Tips When waiting for elevators:
- Look and listen for the signal announcing your car's arrival
- Be aware of health conditions that could contribute to falls or accidents
- Stand clear of the elevator doors and stand aside for exiting passengers
- If the arriving car is full, wait for the next car
- Don't attempt to maneuver in or stop closing doors, wait for the next car
- In the event of a fire or other situation that could lead to a disruption in electrical services, take the stairs
When boarding elevators:
- Allow passengers exiting the elevator to clear before boarding
- Watch your step - the elevator car may not be perfectly level with the floor
- Stand clear of the doors - keep clothes and carry-ons away from the opening
- Hold children and pets firmly
- Passengers nearest to the doors should move first when the car arrives
- Push and hold the DOOR OPEN button if doors need to be held open, or ask someone to push the button for you
- Never try to stop a closing door, wait for the next car
- Once on board, quickly press the button for your floor (not required on destination dispatch elevators) and move to the back of the car to make room for other passengers
When exiting elevators:
- Exit immediately at your floor. Do not wait for others behind you
- Do not push the people in front of you when exiting
- Watch your step - the elevator car may not be perfectly level with the floor
In the event of an elevator emergency:
- If the elevator should ever stop between floors, do not panic, there is plenty of air in the elevator
- Never climb out of a stalled elevator
- Use the ALARM or HELP button, the telephone or the intercom to call for assistance
- Above all, wait for qualified help to arrive and never try to leave an elevator that has not stopped normally
- Emergency lighting will come on in the event of a power failure
If you are Stalled in an Elevator: Push the "Door Open" Button
- If you are near the landing the door will open. You can slowly and carefully step out of the elevator. Be sure to watch your step as the elevator floor may, or may not, be level with the landing.
- Remain Calm
- If the door does not open, you are still safe. Do not try to exit the elevator. Wait for trained emergency personnel to arrive. Even if the air temperature feels warm, there is plenty of air circulating in the elevator and its hoistway.
- Press the Alarm or Help Button, and Use Any Available Communication Systems
- Push the alarm button and wait for someone to respond to you.
- In newer elevators, there will be a phone button instead of an alarm button . When pushed, this will place a call to a party that is trained to take action (i.e. elevator company, alarm company, etc.). It will give the exact location of the building and elevator you are in.
- Some elevators have a two-way speaker system or telephone that will allow for communication between you and the building or rescue personnel. Do not be alarmed if you cannot be heard or if the phone does not work. Some phones are designed to only receive calls. Trained personnel should call when they arrive at the building.
- Relax, and DO NOT Try to Extract Yourself from the Elevator
- NEVER try to exit a stalled elevator car. It is extremely dangerous. ALWAYS wait for trained emergency personnel.
- Your best course of action is to relax, get comfortable, and wait for professional assistance.
- You may be inconvenienced but you are SAFE.
Elevator Maintenance Program
An elevator is a big investment that adds significant value to a building. The value you get out of that elevator is directly related to how well it is maintained throughout its useful life. A quality elevator maintenance program is designed to minimize risk for the elevator owner. These risks include liability issues, financial exposure and tenant dissatisfaction. Choosing the right elevator maintenance plan is critical to keeping your tenants happy and your building operating smooth and efficiently.
The right elevator maintenance program will ensure that your elevators:
- Operate in accordance with applicable codes
- Pass required state inspections
- Keep your passengers safe
- Avoid costly repairs
Elevator Inspection and Load Testing
This is a procedure intended to make sure that elevators are in good working conditions including the functionality of all safety devices and to ensure that it is continuously able to lift their rated (maximum) load at their rated (maximum) speed. The elevator technicians performing the load test will be looking at the car speed when it both rises and falls.During the test, elevators are loaded to their weight capacity to make sure all safety systems are properly operating. This is done with elevator test weights. For passenger elevator, 125% of the rated load is placed inside of the elevator cab. For example, if an elevator’s capacity is 2,000 lbs., the load test will require 2,500 lbs. This also ensures that the brake system is working properly. Load tests also include an assessment of how the elevator operates with no load.
The Importance Periodic Elevator Inspection
Elevator emergency. These are two words no building owner, elevator contractor, elevator maintenance professional, or passenger ever wants to hear. Fortunately, serious incidents are exceedingly rare, and, thanks to rigorous standards, elevators remain one of the safest forms of transportation. But what happens if a routine elevator inspection uncovers deficiencies?Safety Protocols Put Passengers First
To ensure public safety, every elevator must be licensed and undergo periodic inspections. It is important for building owners and personnel, as well as elevator contractors and mechanics, to realize that standards vary by locality. They need to stay current with the requirements of their governing body.That being said, many jurisdictions have adopted ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 standards. This is a “fully harmonized binational code,” that guides safety and performance of elevators in different states.
Inspectors look at the machine room, hoist way and pit, emergency power and fire service, and the elevator cab itself. Just a few of the items on their checklist:
- Fire panels are properly labeled and ready for testing.
- Cabs have a connected, operational phone that provides 24/7 emergency service.
- Emergency power is connected.
- The construction of the pit deters water accumulation.
- All entrances to the elevator are well-lit and free of tripping hazards.
Problems During Inspections
If an inspection uncovers deficiencies, authorities categorize them according to severity and assign a timeline for repair. Let’s say that an inspector discovers that the emergency brake malfunctions under testing conditions. That directly affects safe operation. The elevator can be removed from service immediately until that problem is corrected – and the elevator is reauthorized to operate.Other issues, including cosmetic deficiencies or other minor infractions, are less severe; in these cases, owners may be given 30 – 90 days to address these concerns. In the meantime, passengers remain completely safe.
If an elevator violates some aspect of the safety authority’s requirements, owners receive a post-inspection report. This written communication details exactly what the problem(s) is and what steps need to be taken to get back in compliance. The elevator maintenance contractor receives a copy, and one is entered into the elevator safety body’s database.
While the onus for safety is ultimately on the owner, contractors play a critical role. After the given remediation period, contractors are expected to notify their elevator authority that the issue has been corrected. If they fail to do so, an inspector is sent to the property again. It creates an administrative hassle for the elevator authority, and slows the process down for the owner.
If owners and contractors do not remedy the deficiencies, inspectors can assess a fine and potentially shut down elevators. Regardless of fines and penalties, though, it is in owners’ best interest to correct problems as quickly as possible; elevator downtime can cause delays, incur tenant dissatisfaction, and negatively impact the bottom line.
Self-Reporting Elevator Incidents
If passengers have complaints (i.e. incidents that do not involve injury or damage), they should contact the building owner/management. Examples include excessive noise or an expired license.By that same token, if an incident results in personal injury or damage to property, owners are required to report it to the licensing authority. The safety authority may deem an investigation necessary and assign an inspector to examine the elevator. If infractions are found, owners are given a timeframe for addressing the issues to ensure they remain in compliance.
Safety is a team effort; owners, contractors, and authorities need to work collaboratively to ensure elevators remain fully functional and safe for passengers and property. If infractions do happen, proper reporting and remediation must occur to safely re-establish and re-authorize the elevator into existence.
Resources
https://www.stanleyelevator.com
