Getting trapped in an elevator is a rare but unsettling experience. Whether it's caused by a power outage, equipment malfunction, or misuse, it's important to know the right actions to ensure your safety. Follow these five essential steps if you ever find yourself in a non-operational elevator:
- Stay Calm
Panicking won't help. Remain calm and don't try to force your way out. Wait for assistance from certified professionals, such as an elevator technician or the fire department. - Use Emergency Communication
Most elevators are equipped with an emergency alarm button, intercom, or phone. Press the emergency alarm button or use the available communication system to alert the building's emergency service or elevator company. - Stay Clear of the Doors
Never try to force open the doors yourself. Elevators have automatic safety mechanisms, and forcing the doors could lead to injury or worsen the situation. - Remember There's Air
Elevators are designed with air circulation, so there is no danger of running out of oxygen. Reassure yourself that you are safe and focus on staying calm while waiting. - Wait for Professional Assistance
Only trained professionals should handle elevator rescues. Stay inside the elevator until help arrives, and don't attempt to exit on your own unless directed by a technician or emergency personnel.
What Not to Do If You Witness an Elevator Stop
If you are outside the elevator and realize it has stopped, never attempt to rescue the passengers yourself. While it might seem tempting to help, only trained professionals should carry out any form of rescue to prevent accidents or damage to the elevator system.
Instead, follow these guidelines:
- Reassure the Passengers
Communicate with those inside the elevator to let them know help is on the way. Remind them that they are safe and that air is circulating within the elevator car. - Contact the Elevator Service Provider
Call your elevator company and report the situation. Elevator entrapments receive priority service, and the company will send a trained technician to resolve the issue. Be sure to provide them with your contact details for further communication. - Avoid Calling 101 Unless Necessary
Call emergency services only if there is an immediate risk to passenger's health or safety. Non-professional rescues can cause more harm than good, and emergency personnel should only be called for true emergencies.
Built-in Safety Features and National Standards
Elevator systems are designed with numerous safety features to protect both passengers and property. For instance, national elevator codes, such as IS 17900 and NBC, require hoistway doors to have an "emergency unlocking device" that can only be operated with a special key by trained individuals. This ensures that trapped passengers are only removed safely by qualified personnel.
Building staff also play a crucial role in managing elevator safety. They help direct occupants during emergencies, monitor equipment, and initiate safety protocols when necessary. Their training complements the built-in safety mechanisms of modern elevators, making the entire system more robust and reliable.
Elevators are equipped with numerous safety mechanisms to prevent injury and ensure passenger safety, even during unexpected stops. Whether you're inside the elevator or observing from the outside, the best course of action is to remain calm, avoid taking matters into your own hands, and wait for the professionals to handle the situation.
At Heelag, we prioritize elevator safety and reliability. By spreading awareness of proper safety protocols, we aim to make every elevator ride smooth, seamless, and above all, safe.
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Safety First, Every Ride