by Brianna Crandall — January 27, 2016—In light of recent tragic and highly publicized accidents involving stalled elevators, the National Elevator Industry Inc. (NEII) says it is important to restate the many measures the building transportation industry undertakes to provide a consistently high standard of safety.
Following a few simple guidelines can help the riding public further improve safety if an elevator stalls, says NEII. Facilities managers can pass on these guidelines to building staff, occupants and visitors to help increase elevator safety:
- Press the “Door Open” button: Always press the “Door Open” button first. If the elevator is at a landing, the door will open. Then, slowly and carefully step out of the elevator. The elevator may or may not be perfectly level with the landing floor, so it is important to watch the first step and proceed with caution.
- Use available communication: Elevators are equipped with a phone system and / or alarm button. Push the phone button and wait for a response. In newer elevators, the phone button may be labeled “HELP.” When pushed, the button places a call to an individual trained to take action. It also gives the exact location of the building and elevator involved. A verbal response and / or visual signal will indicate that help is on the way. In older buildings, there may only be a button marked “ALARM” that will sound an emergency alarm within the building. Trained personnel should make contact with elevator riders when they arrive at the building.
- Remain calm: Remember to stay calm; riders are still safe. Never attempt to open the door manually. After using the phone button or alarm button, wait for trained emergency responders to arrive. Even if the temperature feels warmer, there is plenty of air circulating in the elevator and its hoistway.
- Relax, and do not attempt to leave: DO NOT attempt to exit the elevator if the car has not returned to a landing and opened its doors on its own. Exiting a stalled elevator is extremely dangerous and requires trained emergency responders to assist passengers so they can exit in a controlled and protected manner. While an unfamiliar situation can be challenging, the best thing to do is to relax, get comfortable, and wait for assistance. Riders may be inconvenienced, but they are safe.
The industry adheres to a stringent set of codes and standards adopted by state and local jurisdictions outlining the maintenance and inspection requirements to help ensure the safety of its products and passengers. Building owners and managers must engage service providers such as the NEII member companies to perform maintenance and repairs, as well as industry inspectors who provide oversight.
While no system can ever be failsafe, the accidents that occurred recently were avoidable, says NEII; it is the collective responsibility of manufacturers, owners, managers, and inspectors to uphold this overall commitment to safety.
For more information on vertical transportation safety, visit NEII’s Elevator Safety Web page.
