Elevators are one of the safest ways of transportation in the United States, with over 325 million daily commuters on 700,000 elevators. Despite this, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that elevator accidents kill over 25 people each year and seriously injure another 10,000.
Although dangerous elevator breakdowns are frequently depicted on television and in movies, the truth is considerably different. Elevators are supported by a network of steel cables, each of which is capable of supporting a fully laden vehicle. As a result, a screaming elevator car is more Hollywood fiction than reality.
The ASME A17.1-2019 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators underwent several amendments in early 2020. The following are significant changes:
-Door standards for private dwelling elevators and occupant evacuation elevators have been updated.
-Elevator and escalator seismic standards were clarified.
-Emergency communication regulations for an elevator have been updated to ensure contact with trapped passengers, including those who are deaf.
-In addition, regulations for increased door protection on passenger elevators were changed.
However, there are a few precautions and best practices that maintenance personnel and elevator users should take to ensure their safety when using or working on an elevator. For further information, see the elevator safety advice and resources listed below.
Tips for Elevator Safety for Employees, Employers, and Building Owners
Elevators and construction workers are the most vulnerable to elevator accidents. People working on or near elevators, such as those installing, repairing and maintaining elevators, or those working in or near elevator shafts, account for about half of all elevator-related deaths. Falls into the shaft, workers caught between moving parts or platforms, and workers injured by elevator cars or counterweights are the most prevalent events.
Employers and employees should take the following precautions to help avoid elevator-related deaths and injuries:
Ascertain that workplace safety procedures and training are adequate.
When elevators are out of operation or being repaired, de-energize and electrical lockout circuits and mechanical equipment.
Establish a confined-space program for elevator shafts that requires a permit.
When working in or near elevator shafts, be sure you have sufficient fall protection.
Create a comprehensive inspection and maintenance program.
For elevator repair and maintenance, only hire qualified businesses or individuals.
Install suitable elevator safety signs for emergency operations, freight elevators, counterweights, elevator shafts, inspection tags, and other situations.
Riders’ Elevator Safety Tips
When you’re waiting for an elevator, keep these things in mind:
Keep a safe distance from the elevator doors and make room for passengers exiting.
Wait for the next lot if the arriving one is full. Don’t be overweight.
Wait for the next one instead of attempting to maneuver in or halt closing doors.
Take the stairs if there is a fire or other scenario that could cause an interruption in electricity service.
Allow people exiting the elevator to clear before joining the elevator.
Keep an eye on your step because the elevator door might not be completely level with the ground.
Keep your garments and carry-ons out of the path of the doors by standing clear of them.
If you need to keep doors open, press and hold the DOOR OPEN button or have someone else do it for you.
When taking the elevator:
If a handrail is available, grab it.
If possible, take a seat against the elevator wall.
When given, pay attention to the floor indicators and announcements.
If the elevator doors do not open when it stops, use the DOOR OPEN button.
If you’re stranded in an elevator, keep your cool. To summon assistance, press the elevator’s alarm or emergency contact buttons. Elevator vehicles are supposed to be “safe rooms,” with the inside of the car being the safest place to be.
In the event of an elevator malfunction:
Don’t be alarmed if the elevator stops between floors; there is plenty of air in the elevator.
Assist and reassure anyone who is worried about being trapped in the elevator.
To get help, press the ALARM or HELP buttons, dial 911, or use the intercom. To use them, follow the provided instructions.
Don’t try to pry the doors open.
A stalled elevator should never be climbed out of. Allow time for qualified assistance to come.
