Elevator Emergencies
Elevators are very safe but because they are mechanical there is always the chance something could interfere with smooth operation. In some cases, their operation can also be affected by weather and blackouts. Regardless of the situation, elevators are still safe even if they stop unexpectedly or get stuck. Remember that, if encounter an elevator emergency to make sure you don’t endanger yourself or other passengers. Follow these emergency do’s and don’ts:
The Elevator Emergency Do’s:
- Do stay calm, you are safe and someone will come to help soon
- Do help keep others calm
- Do try to push the door open button and if the doors open, look to see where you are and if you can safely exit the elevator
- Do push the emergency button or use the intercom or phone provided to contact the emergency service, who will let you know what to do and can find you safely and quickly
- Do wait for help if it is not safe to exit
- Do make yourself comfortable and relaxed, as help is on the way
The Elevator Emergency Don’ts:
- Don’t panic if the elevator stops between floors or gets stuck
- Don’t try to climb out of the stalled elevator unless the doors open, and you can see you are safe to do so
- Don’t panic that you will run out of air because it is circulating and will not run out
- Don’t panic if you do not hear someone responding to your emergency call via the elevator system because there are some communication systems that only allow you to speak but cannot respond
Everyday Elevator Safety Rules
Always be attentive of your ambience and considerate for fellow pupil you can make travel on an elevator is safe for each and every one. Pupil should follow some safety measures:
The Do’s:
- Be careful to the call button to ensure that you are headed to the right direction
- Do stay calm if you are headed to the mistaken direction.
- Do take extra attention if you use a walking device to avoid felt down
- Trying to get on or off the elevator, take care of others using a walking device do note o that.
- Do use common kindness when getting on and off an elevator to ensure no one is pushed or injured due to your rushing
- Do be gentle and allow people to completely leave the elevator before you try to step in
- Do ensure you are holding small children and pets, so they don’t get crushed
- Do press the door open button if someone is taking longer to get on or off the elevator.
The Don’ts:
- Don’t use an elevator if a fire alarm has gone off; always take the stairs to be safe
- Don’t stand near the doors if the elevator is empty to allow other people to board more easily
- Don’t push your way into a crowded elevator, just wait for the next one as the elevator is probably at its maximum capacity
- Don’t lean on the doors or push someone into the doors
- Don’t put your hand in the doorway to stop the doors from closing
- Don’t use the close door button to avoid shutting the doors on someone accidentally
- Don’t forget to push your floor button so you don’t miss your stop
Do Remain Calm
Being stuck in an elevator can be nerve-wracking. Depending on the number of people in the elevator, it will begin to get warm if everyone is breathing heavily in a state of panic, only increasing discomfort and nervousness. Do your best to remain calm and try to keep the others in the elevator calm.
Do Ring the Alarm
Press the alarm button in the car and wait for someone to respond to you. Some buttons have an alarm bell image, while others have a phone image. Someone who is equipped to handle the situation will answer and give you further instructions.
Do Use Other Means to Communicate if Possible
If you or anyone else in the elevator has a cell phone that is receiving a signal, alert emergency services of your situation.
Do Move to the Rear of the Elevator
After you have contacted the elevator or alarm company, move toward the rear of the car and face forward. When the elevator company or emergency services attempts to open the door it is best to be toward the back of the car and out of their way.
Don’t Jump Up and Down
When the elevator is malfunctioning, some may think jumping up and down will give it a jumpstart to run again. This could affect the car’s stabilizer system and make it more difficult to be rescued.
Don’t Attempt to Pry the Doors Open
When you are stuck in the elevator, certain instincts will kick in that might make you want to pry the door open. If the elevator starts to move while the doors are open, people are prone to falling out of the car, and face increased danger.
Don’t Try to Exit
Even if the doors are slightly open and there is room for you to exit the car, wait for emergency personnel. They will ensure the elevator is shut off properly before helping you exit. If you attempt to climb out of the car on your own, the elevator may start moving again while you are stuck in the doors, which of courses is very dangerous.
Focus on the Task at Hand
Try not to panic. Keeping yourself and the others in the car calm will help everyone get out of the car faster. Being level-headed and focusing on the instructions given to you from emergency personnel will ensure you get out of the car safely.
To reduce the chances of elevator entrapment, it is best to modernize your equipment & perform regular elevator maintenance. For solutions to possible elevator issues, installations, repairs, maintenance, and more, contact Liberty Elevator today to see how we can help.
Reference
1. https://www.chicagotribune.com
2. https://people.howstuffworks.com
3. http://www.sterlingelevatorcons.com
4. http://www.neii.org/safety_elevator.cfm
5. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com