Take Safety to New Heights!
Take Safety to new Heights!
Elevators are one of the most common forms of transportation, especially in major cities such as New York. The great news is that elevators are also one of the safest means of transportation. At Citywide Elevator Consultants safety is essential which is why we offer comprehensive reporting when elevator equipment is inefficient, non-compliant, or not performing up to industry standards. Citywide supplies property managers the ease that comes from knowing every aspect of their vertical transportation system is safe and compliant with industry code regulations. We believe it is important that passengers are educated on elevator safety in order to prevent accidents and injuries. Below are a few tips to help riders understand how to properly ride an elevator and what to do in case of an emergency.
When waiting for elevators:
- In the case of a fire/ other situations involving disruption of electrical services, take the stairs.
- If the arriving car is full, wait for the next car.
- Only push the elevator call button once.
- Listen and look for the signal announcing your car’s arrival.
- Stand clear of the elevator doors.
- Don’t attempt to maneuver in or stop closing doors.
- Be aware of health conditions that could contribute to accidents or falls.
When boarding elevators:
- Let passengers exit the elevator before entering.
- Stand clear of the doors (keep clothes and carry-ons away).
- Watch your step (the elevator car may not be perfectly aligned with the floor).
- Hold children and pets firmly.
- Never try to stop a closing door, simply wait for the next car.
- Passengers closest to the doors should move first when the car arrives.
- Push and hold the “door open button” if elevator doors need to be held open.
- Once in the elevator, press the button for your floor and make room for other passengers.
When riding elevators:
- If possible, stand next to a wall within the elevator.
- Hold the handrail, if available.
- Pay attention to what floor the car is on and when you need to depart.
- Push the door open button if the elevator doors do not open once stopped.
When exiting elevators:
- Do not push people in front of you when exiting.
- Exit immediately at your floor.
- Watch your step (the elevator car may not be perfectly level with the floor).
In the event of an elevator emergency:
- Never climb out of an elevator that has not stopped normally.
- Use the help or alarm button, the intercom, or telephone to call for assistance.
- If the elevator ever stalls between floors, do not panic, you have plenty of air in the elevator.
- Wait for qualified help to arrive.
- Emergency lighting will come on in the event of a power failure.
If you are in a stalled elevator:
- Push “door open” button.
- You can slowly and carefully step out of the elevator if it is near a landing when the doors open.
- Stay calm.
- You are still safe if the door does not open. Do not try to leave the elevator. Wait for trained emergency professionals to arrive. Though the air temperature might feel warm, there is plenty of air circulating the elevator and its hoist way.
- Press the help or alarm button, and use any available communication systems.
- Press the alarm button and wait for someone to respond to you.
- In newer elevators there will be a phone button rather than an alarm button. When pressed, it will give the exact location of the building and elevator you are in.
- Some, but not all, elevators have a two-way speaker system/ telephone. Do not panic if you cannot be heard/ hear anyone. Trained personnel should call when they arrive at the building.
- Relax, and do not try to get yourself out of the elevator.
- Exiting a stalled elevator car is extremely dangerous and should never be attempted.
- Your best plan of action is to relax, get comfortable, and wait for professional help
Even though you may be inconvenienced, you are safe.