Elevator safety

DieselDucy’s Safety and Courtesy Tips

For elevators, escalators, and moving walkways

Calling and Entering the elevator:

  • In case of fire do not use elevator. Use designated exits.
  • Give priority use to disabled persons or those carrying items such as bicycles, luggage, or strollers.
  • Press the button one time and wait. Pressing over and over again will not make it come any faster.
  • When waiting for the elevator stand to the side so passengers can exit.
  • NEVER try to open the elevator door by hand. This can damage the elevator or create a very dangerous situation (if using a freight elevator or elevator with manual doors, do not attempt to open the door unless the car is there.)
  • Use caution when entering as the car may not be level with the floor.
  • Avoid Lingering in the doorway as this is considered rude and will delay the elevator.
  • Upon entering the elevator, press your floor button and move to the back or side of the car so others may board efficiently.
  • Do not overload the elevator as this can cause it to shut down.
  • NEVER try to stop the doors from closing physically. Wait for the next car or press the door open button.
  • Attempting to enter an elevator machine room or elevator shaft is VERY dangerous and should NEVER be done. You can be injured or killed in these locations as there are high voltages and moving parts.

Riding the elevator:

  • If you have balance issues hold the handrail or lean against the wall.
  • NEVER jump in or shake the elevator. This can create a malfunction.
  • Do not tamper with key switches, cabinets, or emergency communication devices
  • Use the DOOR OPEN button to hold the doors open. Do NOT use your hands or any other body part.
  • Be courteous to other riders. Keep conversations and cell phone calls to a minimum.
  • Do not smoke in the elevator. This is illegal in many jurisdictions.
  • If you are standing near the buttons, it is customary to press other people’s floors, use the door open button, and use emergency communication if necessary.
  • Be prepared to exit quickly but safely when the elevator arrives at your floor
  • Never tamper with the elevator door. This can create an unsafe situation.
  • When exiting, use caution as the car may not be level with the floor
  • If using a freight elevator or elevator with manual doors, be sure to close the door upon being done with the elevator. If you leave it open, the elevator will not be able to answer other other people that need the elevator.
  • If the elevator is not operating properly, notify the owner, manager, or security staff at the facility.

What to do if an elevator gets stuck:

  • If the stops elevator and the doors do not open, press your floor again and try the door open button.
  • If you are indeed stuck in the elevator, press the alarm button and wait for professional assistance. If there is a phone you may use that as well as the alarm to summon assistance.
  • NEVER EVER try to escape a stalled elevator without professional assistance, If you do so, you may be seriously injured or killed. DO NOT attempt to open the elevator door in any circumstances.
  • If the elevator opens and is more than 18 inches from the floor, do NOT exit the elevator. Ring the alarm and wait for assistance exiting the elevator. If the car is more than 18 inches from the floor, the hoistway may be exposed and you can fall down the shaft.
  • If the power goes off, emergency lighting should come on. The alarm also has a battery backup as well.
  • MOST IMPORTANT: KEEP CALM! Don’t Panic. Although an elevator entrapment may be scary, you are in no danger of running out of air. The elevator will not fall as that only happens in movie special effects. There are safety devices in place. Once you have assistance coming, sit back, relax and enjoy some time to yourself.

Escalators and Moving Walkways:

  • Passengers only! No strollers, carts, or other wheeled items
  • No bare feet, crocks, or high heels. Make sure to check your shoelaces and loose clothing before entering.
  • Step on carefully! Also make sure it is going the right direction! Use extreme care if wearing Bifocals.
  • Face forward and hold the handrail at all times. Make sure to take small children by the hand.
  • On moving walkways Stand right, Walk left
  • NEVER Sit or face backwards on an escalator or moving walk!
  • Escalators are extremely safe, however if you engage in horseplay you can be seriously injured, they are NOT toys.
  • If you have balance problems do NOT ride the escalator, take the elevator instead.
  • Upon exiting the escalator, Step off with care, never let your feet slide off the end. Clear the escalator quickly but safely to allow other passengers behind you to exit efficiently and safely.