ESW- 5 :- Elevator Hoistway Safety: Lighting and Safe Access to the Car Top

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Elevator, Escalator & Moving Walk

Elevator Hoistway Safety: Lighting and Safe Access to the Car Top

The hoistway is one of the most hazardous areas in a building. Moving cars and counterweights, limited space, falls, and electrical hazards all exist in one confined area. The following practices help technicians work in and around hoistways safely.

Always verify that the car is present before accessing the hoistway. Open the hoistway door no more than 15 cm (about 6 inches) and hold it there until you have visually confirmed the car is in place. Only then should you open the door fully.

Hoistway Lighting

• Service and repair projects: All field personnel must leave the elevator car lights and car top lights on at all times while working in the hoistway. Keep them on until the work is complete and the car is returned to service, including during lunch breaks and shift changes.
• Construction and modernization projects: Keep the lights illuminated at all times until the project is complete.
• Operational cars used for service on construction projects: Keep all car lights, car top lights, and pit lights on at all times.
• Check lighting before entering. Confirm that the hoistway lighting is working and adequate before you step in. If it is not, do not enter until it is fixed.
• Use only approved portable lighting. Use a safety hand lamp with a bulb guard and approved, undamaged electrical cords. Never use matches or open flames for light.
• Carry a backup light. A flashlight or headlamp helps if the main lighting fails.
• Report burnt-out or damaged lamps right away, and do not work in poorly lit areas.

Accessing the Car Top

1. Verify the car is present. Open the hoistway door no more than 15 cm and hold it there until you can see the car. Then open it fully.
2. Pull the switch first. Close the doors, place a call, and reopen the doors to confirm the car does not move.
3. Block the doors. Mechanically block the hoistway doors before stepping onto the car top.
4. Complete these checks before you step on:
   • Turn on the car’s taillight.
   • Place the car top stop switch in the STOP position, and test it to confirm it works.
   • Place the inspection switch in the INSPECT position, and test it.
   • Perform each of these tests independently, one at a time.

Before Entering the Hoistway

• Use only authorized, trained personnel, and tell your supervisor or building representative where you will be working.
• Use only the approved emergency key to open hoistway doors. Never force a door or use improvised tools.
• Make sure the car is level with the landing, or close enough that you can step on and off safely.
• Remove loose clothing and jewelry, and wear the required PPE, including a hard hat and safety shoes.
• Check for tripping hazards and for equipment that will move when the car moves.
• Keep a clear path in and out of the work area.

Working on the Car Top

• Stand upright and balanced, and hold only a stationary part of the car structure.
• Never lean on or hold guide rails, brackets, walls, ropes, or counterweights for balance.
• Keep every part of your body inside the limits of the car while it moves.
• Watch for overhead obstructions and limited headroom.
• Know where the stop switch is, and stay within reach of it at all times.
• Run the car only in inspection mode while you are on the car top, and warn your colleague before moving the car.
• Do not clean, oil, or grease any part while the car is moving.
• Never work alone in a hoistway if your procedures require a second person.

Pit Safety

• Open the pit stop switch before you enter, and verify that the car cannot move.
• Use the access ladder. Never jump into the pit.
• Turn on the pit light before starting work.
• Stay clear of the counterweight and buffers, and do not stand on the buffers.
• Do not work in a pit with standing water.
• Deactivate the stop switch only after you have exited the pit.

Falls, Falling Objects, and Barricades

• Barricade open hoistway entrances and keep them lockable so people and materials cannot fall in.
• Wear a full-body harness and tie off to an approved anchor wherever a fall hazard exists.
• Keep tools and materials secured so they cannot fall onto people below.
• Never leave landing doors open and unattended when the car is not at that floor.
• Keep the hoistway free of debris, rubbish, and loose materials.

Electrical and Energy Control

• Lock out and tag out equipment when power is not required.
• Test your meter on a known source before and after use.
• Account for and tag every jumper, and remove all jumpers before returning the elevator to service.
• Do not smoke or use open flames in the hoistway. If hot work is necessary, follow your site’s hot work and fire prevention procedures.

Communication and Emergencies

• Keep your colleagues informed of where you are and what you are doing.
• Post “Out of Service” signs at the elevator and at every landing entrance.
• If you are trapped on the car top, stay calm and call for help. Never climb on elevator parts to reach the landing door lock.
• Know the location of the emergency exits and the site’s emergency procedures.

Leaving the Hoistway

• Put the equipment back in its normal operating state, and remove all blocks and barricades you placed.
• Test the safety circuits and safeties.
• Close and secure all hoistway doors.
• Remove the “Out of Service” signs, and check out with building management.