ESW- 1 :- Essential Elevator Safety Tips

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Elevator, Escalator & Moving Walk

Essential Elevator Safety Tips 

Elevators are one of the safest forms of transportation, but following a few simple guidelines can make your ride even safer. It is important to know how to ride an elevator properly and what to do if it stalls. Use the guidelines below for both situations.

Before You Ride: Waiting for the Elevator

• Know your destination before you press the button.
• Press the call button once for the direction you want to go.
• Watch and listen for the signal that your car has arrived.
• Stand clear of the doors and step aside for exiting passengers.
• If the car is full, wait for the next one.
• Be aware of any health conditions that could contribute to a fall or accident.
• Never use a damaged or malfunctioning elevator. Report unusual noises, flickering lights, or jerky movement to building management.
• Do not lean on or kick the doors while waiting.
• Keep walkers, strollers, and luggage out of the way of exiting passengers.
• Be extra careful if the floor outside the elevator is wet or slippery.

In Case of Fire or Power Disruption

• Use the stairs in the event of a fire or any situation that could disrupt electrical service.
• Do not use an elevator during a fire unless firefighters or building staff tell you to. Elevators that are designated for firefighter use are the exception.
• Follow the building’s evacuation signs and instructions.
• During an earthquake or flood, do not use the elevator. Once the shaking or flooding stops, use the stairs.
• Never rely on an elevator as an escape route unless the building’s emergency plan says it is safe.

Boarding

• Watch your step. The car may not be perfectly level with the floor.
• Keep clothing and carry-on items away from the door opening.
• Hold children and pets firmly.
• Let the passengers nearest the doors move first.
• If you need to hold the doors, press and hold the DOOR OPEN button, or ask someone else to press it for you.
• Never try to stop closing doors or squeeze in between them. Wait for the next car.
• Once inside, press your floor button promptly and move to the back of the car to make room for others.
• Check the capacity sign. Do not board if the car is overloaded or if a buzzer sounds.
• Do not hold the doors open with your hand, foot, bag, or any object.
• Keep fingers away from the door edges to avoid pinching.

During the Ride

• Hold the handrail, if one is available.
• Stand next to the elevator wall, if possible.
• Pay attention to the floor indicator.
• If the doors do not open when the elevator stops, press the DOOR OPEN button.
• Do not jump, rock the car, or play with the buttons. Pressing every button wastes everyone’s time and can cause unnecessary stops.
• Do not lean against the doors.
• Do not smoke or vape in the elevator.
• Do not carry or use flammable materials in the car.
• Do not force the doors open while the car is moving, and never try to pry them apart.
• Keep your belongings, bags, and cords from catching in the doors.

Exiting

• Exit immediately when you reach your floor. Do not wait for those behind you.
• Do not push the people in front of you.
• Watch your step. The car may not be level with the floor.
• Check that the car has actually stopped and the doors are fully open before you step out.
• Keep a hand on children and pets as you exit.

Safety for Children, Seniors, and People with Disabilities

• Never let young children ride alone, and hold their hands.
• Keep children away from the door edges and do not let them play with the buttons or doors.
• Wheelchair and scooter users should board slowly and position themselves where they can reach the buttons.
• Give extra time and space to seniors and people with limited mobility.
• Use the elevator’s Braille buttons and audio announcements where available.
• Keep strollers and carts under control, and lock the wheels once inside.

Personal Safety Tips

• Stand near the control panel so you can press the ALARM or HELP button if you need to.
• If you feel uneasy about another passenger, wait for the next car.
• If someone makes you feel unsafe once inside, press the button for the next floor and get out.
• Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid using your phone while boarding and exiting.

Freight Elevators and Heavy Loads

• Do not ride in a freight elevator unless it is permitted.
• Follow the posted load limits and do not overload the car.
• Secure carts, pallets, and equipment so they cannot roll or tip.
• Let trained operators handle bulky or hazardous loads.

What to Do If the Elevator Strucks/Stalls 

If the elevator stops between floors, stay calm. There is plenty of air in the car and the hoistway, even if it feels warm. Emergency lighting will come on in the event of a power failure.

1. Press the DOOR OPEN button. If the car is near a landing, the doors may open. If they do, step out slowly and carefully, and watch for an uneven floor.
2. Stay calm and stay inside. If the doors do not open, you are still safe. Do not try to exit the car.
3. Call for help. Press the ALARM, PHONE, or HELP button, or use the intercom or telephone if there is one. The call goes to a trained party, such as the elevator company or an alarm company, and the exact location of the building and elevator is provided. Some elevators have a two-way speaker that lets you talk with building or rescue personnel.
4. Wait for trained help. Never try to climb out of or force your way out of a stalled car. It is extremely dangerous. Relax, get comfortable, and wait for professional assistance. You may be inconvenienced, but you are safe.
5. Use your mobile phone if the alarm does not work. Call the building manager or the local emergency number, and give the building address and elevator location.
6. Tell the responders how many people are in the car, and report any injury, medical condition, or panic attack right away.
7. Help others stay calm. Speak in a steady voice, reassure children, and encourage everyone to sit down if the wait is long.
8. Do not try to rescue yourself or others. Do not pry the doors, push on the ceiling hatch, or let anyone climb out, even if a rescuer is nearby and the car is close to a landing. Only trained personnel should do this.

After the Incident 

• Report the problem to building management, even if you were not hurt.
• Get medical help if you feel dizzy, injured, or very anxious afterward.
• Avoid using the elevator again until it has been inspected and cleared for use.

Tips for Building Owners and Managers

• Keep elevators inspected and maintained by licensed, qualified contractors.
• Display current inspection certificates where your local rules require.
• Keep the emergency phone, alarm button, and lighting in working order, and test them regularly.
• Post clear safety instructions, capacity signs, and emergency contact numbers in every car.
• Train security and front-desk staff on what to do when someone is trapped.