Safety Tips for using Elevators(Lifts)

Elevator safety is very important if you live in a building with  elevator/elevators.Though elevators are one of the safest forms of transportation, following simple guidelines can help further improve passenger safety.It’s important to not only know how to properly use elevators, but also what to do and not to do ,if the elevator becomes stalled. Please read the guidelines below for more information on both situations. 


Elevator Safety Tips 
a) When waiting for elevators:
Dos

• Push the elevator call button once for the direction you want to go in. Pushing the button repeatedly or pushing both buttons at once slows the service to your floor.
• Look and listen for the signal announcing your car’s arrival.
• Be aware of health conditions that could contribute to falls or accidents.
• Stand clear of the elevator doors and stand aside for exiting passengers.
• If the arriving car is full, wait for the next car.
• In the event of a fire or other situation that could lead to a disruption in electrical services, take the stairs.
• Extra carefulness is required...
  If you use a cane,walker or wheel chair.
  If you wear bifocals or prescription glasses that you are not used to yet.

Donts

•  Don’t attempt to maneuver in or stop closing doors, wait for the next car.
•  Don't go alone if you are under medication that makes you drowsy, or affects your vision or mobility..

b)When boarding elevators:

Dos

• Watch your step – the elevator car may not be perfectly level with the floor.
• Stand clear of the doors – keep clothes and carry-ons away from the opening.
• Hold children and pets firmly.
• Passengers nearest to the doors should move first when the car arrives.
• Push and hold the DOOR OPEN button if doors need to be held open, or ask someone to push the button for you.
• Once on board, quickly press the button for your floor and move to the back of the car to make room for other passengers.

Donts 

• Never try to stop a closing door, wait for the next car.

c) When riding elevators:

Dos

• Hold the handrail, if available.
• Stand next to the elevator wall, if available.
• Pay attention to the floor indications.
• If the doors do not open when the elevator stops, push the DOOR OPEN button.

d) When exiting elevators:

Dos

• Exit immediately at your floor. 
• Watch your step – the elevator car may not be perfectly level with the floor.

Donts  

• Do not wait for others behind you..
• Do not push the people in front of you when exiting.

e) In the event of an elevator emergency:

• If the elevator should ever stop between floors, do not panic. There is plenty of air in the elevator.
• Never climb out of a stalled elevator.
• Use the ALARM or HELP button, the telephone or the intercom to call for assistance.
• Above all, wait for qualified help to arrive and never try to leave an elevator that has not stopped normally.
• Emergency lighting will come on in the event of a power failure.

What to Do if you are Stalled in an Elevator 
1. Push the "Door Open"  Button 

• If you are near the landing the door will open. You can slowly and carefully step out of the elevator. Be sure to watch your step as the elevator floor may, or may not, be level with the landing.

2. Remain Calm 

• If the door does not open, you are still safe.  Take deep breaths and keep your mind off PANIC. Do not try to exit the elevator. Wait for trained emergency personnel to arrive. Even if the air temperature feels warm, there is plenty of air circulating in the elevator and its shaftway.

3.  DO NOT Try to Extract Yourself from the Elevator 

• Your best course of action is to relax, get comfortable, and wait for professional assistance.
• You may be inconvenienced but you are SAFE.
• NEVER try to exit a stalled elevator car. It is extremely dangerous. ALWAYS wait for trained emergency personnel.
• If the elevator doors have opened between floors,never try to get out,even if somebody wants to assist you.

4. Press the Alarm or Help Button, and Use Any Available Communication Systems 

• Push the alarm button  and wait for someone to respond to you.
• In newer elevators, there will be a "PHONE" or "HELP" button  instead of an alarm button  this will place a call to a party that is trained to take action (i.e. elevator company, alarm company, etc.). It will give the exact location of the building and elevator you are in. Trained emergency personnel will answer the call for service within several minutes.
• Some elevators have a two-way speaker system or telephone  that will allow for communication between you and the building or rescue personnel. Do not be alarmed if you cannot be heard or if the phone does not work. Some phones are designed to only receive calls. Trained personnel should call when they arrive at the building.