Elevator safety in commercial buildings relies on quality equipment, consistent maintenance, and proactive oversight. During the busy holiday season, with increased foot traffic and elevator use, it’s especially important for everyone to stay mindful of potential risks. Building managers, property owners, and operators play a key role in promoting safety by helping to identify and address any issues, ensuring elevators remain safe and reliable for all users.
Whether you own or manage a retail building, shopping mall, office, or apartment, elevator safety should be a top priority. Here’s an inside look at crowded elevator safety tips for the holiday season and beyond. And, if you need any upgrades, maintenance, or repairs Metro Elevator has you covered.
Why Elevator Safety Matters During Busy Seasons
If you’ve hesitated before stepping into an elevator, you’re not alone. Though unlikely, there is the potential for elevators to become stuck or malfunction. However, proactive maintenance greatly reduces elevator risk and user anxiety.
Limiting elevator occupancy to a specific number deemed safe for transport is just one way to keep elevator riders safe. Quarterly elevator maintenance, timely repairs, and eventual replacements are also essential for rider safety. It’s crucial to pay close attention to elevator functionality, maintenance, and the potential need for repairs during the busy holiday season.
Tips for Elevator Safety During High-Traffic Seasons
Schedule Regular Inspections
Elevators should be inspected at least monthly or quarterly, and at a minimum, annually. Check with your elevator service provider to understand the specific inspection requirements in your local area, as these can vary by jurisdiction. Your service provider will be knowledgeable about these regulations.
It's also important to document all elevator maintenance for future reference, as this can be crucial in the event of a personal injury or lawsuit. Lastly, review your elevator contract to ensure your maintenance provider conducts and documents all their inspections.
Clearly Post the Elevator’s Maximum Occupancy
A crowded elevator is not necessarily a dangerous one. However, an overcrowded elevator puts everyone inside at risk. Some people will crowd into a packed elevator simply because they are impatient and short on time.
The legal burden of notifying the public of the elevator’s maximum occupancy for safe riding is on the building owner and/or manager. The maximum rider occupancy of the elevator should be posted inside every elevator for everyone to see.
Install Handrails in Every Elevator Car
Every elevator car should have easily accessible handrails. These help keep riders firmly positioned when the elevator ascends or descends. There is also the potential for riders to sway toward one another while riding.
Easily accessible handrails ensure riders remain steady from the point of entry through the point of exit. Handrails are especially helpful for riders who are holding onto items.
Equip Cars with Emergency Communication Systems
An alarm button, phone, and/or intercom system should be installed in every elevator car. Such emergency communication systems are essential for communicating with building personnel in the event of a fire or other emergency.
If the elevator car gets stuck or the doors fail to open on a floor, pressing the alarm button allows riders to request help. Remember, there's no guarantee that smartphones inside the elevator will work. Ideally, each car should be equipped with an emergency phone or intercom system to ensure riders have a way to communicate during emergencies.
There are several options for emergency phone systems including analog, cellular, two-way communication, and, in some jurisdictions, video/audio monitoring is now required. If you’re unsure what type of phone system you have, or if you’re interested in upgrading, contact Metro Elevator for more information.
Consider Modernizing Your Elevator System
Elevator equipment modernization can not only save you money in the long run but also help prevent potential safety issues, such as personal injuries or lawsuits related to crowded or malfunctioning elevators. At Metro Elevator, we offer tailored modernization strategies designed to meet the unique needs of your building.
Whether you prefer a phased approach or a comprehensive system overhaul, we’ll customize the solution to fit your specific requirements. Our team works to minimize disruptions to your operations, patrons, and employees during the upgrade process.
Key Modernization Features
Elevator modernization can include upgrades to various components such as:
Control systems
Emergency phones
Locks and hangers
Hoist motors, valves, and hydraulic pumps
In some cases, piston and jack replacements
Plan Ahead for Cost-Effective Solutions
It’s essential to start the conversation with your service provider early to ensure that elevator modernization is factored into your annual budget. These upgrades are a significant investment, and many customers prefer to plan the cost over time rather than face large, unexpected expenses.
Metro Elevator will assess your current system, identify areas for improvement, and implement the necessary upgrades to ensure your elevators operate smoothly and safely. With our expertise, you’ll gain not only an upgraded system but invaluable peace of mind.
Crowded Elevator Safety: Keeping an Eye on Moving Components
Elevators and their moving parts require constant vigilance. Always be attentive to any unusual noises or irregular operations with an elevator. Door components, such as hanger rollers, pick-up rollers, and interlocks, are in constant motion and operation during the elevator's daily use. These components, despite regular maintenance, can still fail over time.
If you notice any sounds or movements that seem off, it’s crucial to contact your maintenance provider immediately. Ensure they inspect the issue during their next visit to maintain a safe and reliable elevator system. Regular checks and prompt attention to potential problems help keep your elevator running smoothly and safely.
Do Your Due Diligence Before Entrusting an Elevator Specialist
Elevator maintenance is a difficult job that requires attention to detail. The industry’s best conduct an exhaustive 100-point inspection during service checks. If replacement parts are necessary, they should be expertly engineered to meet or surpass the standards of elevator safety codes. Above all, restrict elevator inspections to service providers who employ fully certified technicians who understand the importance of handling crowded elevators with precision.
Certified technicians understand local elevator codes as established by authorities. These professionals will ensure all elevator cars and related equipment conform with the details of code requirements. Every building owner and manager should be aware that some local code authorities mandate that third-party inspectors of elevators observe yearly safety tests.
Some authorities also require third-party inspectors to observe safety tests for newly installed elevators before they can be used by the public. Trust Metro Elevator to ensure your building and elevator systems are safe for all passengers.
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Bryan Bailey leads Metro Elevator RDU as the Vice President of Operations, bringing over 14 years of elevator industry expertise. Discover more about Bryan and his team.