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Elevators are one of the most common and convenient modes of transportation in modern multi-story buildings. Many residents and workers often use elevators to move from one floor to another because it saves a lot of time and effort. Also, elevators can help carry heavy loads without any issues. While elevators are relatively safe and reliable, passengers may still be exposed to possible risks and accidents if the system isn’t properly maintained and operated.
On 14th September 2020, Carrie O’Connor, a 38-year-old CAS French lecturer at Boston University, was crushed to death at her Boston apartment building when the elevator suddenly plummeted while she was trying to maneuver a large package. Elevator accidents often occur due to malfunctioning equipment, human negligence, manufacturing defects, inadequate maintenance, vandalism, or electrical issues. In this post, we will delve into some best practices and tips to prevent elevator accidents and improve safety in your building.
Conduct Regular Elevator Inspections and Maintenance
A vital step to prevent elevator mishaps and accidents is to perform routine elevator inspections and maintenance. Regular elevator service can help building owners detect and fix any potential issues or defects before they cause any harm or malfunction. This may require implementing a comprehensive maintenance program to ensure elevator safety. All components, including cables, brakes, doors, and controls, should be regularly examined, lubricated, adjusted, and repaired by qualified technicians. Annual load tests may also be done to identify issues under full strain and fix them immediately.
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Install and Update Elevator Safety Devices and Features
Furthermore, to prevent elevator accidents, building owners must install and update elevator safety devices and features regularly. These include emergency brakes, fire alarms, door sensors, intercoms, cameras, lighting, ventilation, and backup power. These safety devices and features can help mitigate or prevent the impact of common elevator hazards, such as falls, fires, vandalism, power outages, and entrapments. Also, you should ensure that these safety devices and features are functioning correctly and comply with the latest safety codes and regulations.
Enforce Proper Use Policies
However, many elevator accidents result from improper use of the system. As a result, building managers must clearly communicate and enforce proper and safe rider policies through posted signs and staff monitoring. Overcrowding the lift must be prohibited, as this may cause dangerous jams or malfunctions. Passengers must not obstruct closing doors. They must also avoid reckless behaviors, such as jumping into the elevator. Likewise, maintaining orderly conduct is essential when using the elevator.
Identify Potential Issues and Hazards Quickly
In addition, building owners should look and listen to the elevator while operating to observe potential trouble indicators and then investigate promptly. Machinery sounds like grinding or squealing signify emerging defects. Also, they must regularly examine the control panel lights and alerts for diagnostic codes that indicate possible issues. You may also review security footage for signs of passenger misuse or vandalism, which could compromise elevator safety. In addition, you should confirm that the elevator door opens and closes smoothly without any resistance on each floor.
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Educate and Train Your Staff and Tenants on Elevator Safety
Another step to prevent elevator accidents is by educating and training tenants, staff members, and other passengers about elevator safety. Provide them with clear and accurate instructions and detailed information on how to use and operate the elevators safely and responsibly. You can educate and train all elevator users through various methods and materials, such as posters, newsletters, videos, flyers, or workshops. Also, you can inform them of the emergency procedures and contact numbers in case of any elevator malfunctions or incidents.
Implement an Emergency Response Plan
Furthermore, planning ahead provides the best assurance of effective response during a crisis. Building owners must post detailed instructions inside the elevator to keep trapped passengers informed about what to do – or not do. Keep emergency contact information visibly listed and updated. Maintain frequent communication with stranded riders, if possible, via intercoms or call boxes. Also, you must fully report major incidents to the right authorities for a thorough investigation.
Prioritize Elevator Safety
What’s more, elevator accidents can cause serious physical and emotional harm to victims. For this reason, building owners must make elevator safety a priority to help prevent accidents. There must be enough personnel dedicated to monitoring and maintaining the elevator. Also, you should invest in necessary upgrades and repairs. Likewise, building managers should never delay vital repairs or maintenance projects due to budget constraints.
Upgrade and Modernize Your Elevator System and Equipment
Additionally, to prevent elevator accidents, building owners must upgrade and modernize all elevator systems and equipment in the building. As these elevator systems and equipment age and wear out, they become more prone to failures and breakdowns. Hence, you should consider upgrading and modernizing the system.
Common upgrades may include stronger door restrictors, interior barricades, emergency call boxes, protective carriage barriers, indicator lights, alarm systems, and door controls. Doing this would help improve their performance, reliability, and safety. Building managers can consult with professional elevator experts to identify the required upgrades.
Install Warning Signs and Enforcement Cameras
Also, building owners can mitigate elevator accidents by posting clear signs on all floors stating weight limits, conduct rules, and emergency directions. You can also install security cameras inside each elevator and at landings to prevent rule violations or identify violators through remote monitoring. Quickly review footage and address any observed misconduct or vandalism to prevent such recurrences. By holding violators accountable from time to time, other riders will adhere to all elevator rules and regulations.
Hire Qualified Elevator Companies
Finally, you can prevent elevator accidents in your building by working with only qualified elevator experts and companies. Hire a reputable company with extensive safety training, licensing, industry reputation, and modern equipment. Do not choose based on cost alone. Paying for quality maintenance and repairs can help prevent many accidents over time.
Conclusion
Elevators are complex mechanical systems that require ongoing care and maintenance to operate safely. As a building owner or manager, it is your responsibility to ensure elevators receive regular professional inspections, maintenance, and upgrades. Also, enforcing proper rider conduct and implementing an emergency response plan are essential to prevent accidents. By making elevator safety a priority and dedicating adequate resources, building managers can maximize passenger safety and avoid costly accidents.
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