Virtually everyone will use an elevator or lift at some point, in an office building, a department store, and possibly in a residential setting. For those approaching one for the first time, however, or when a private lift is installed in one’s home, safety steps are crucial to prevent accidents and potential injury.
Commercial and residential elevators in Kent, Akron and across Northeast Ohio play a critical role in providing access and independence for everyone regardless of their physical ability. Yet every year some 17,000 people in the U.S. are injured using an elevator. The most common injuries are due to tripping when entering or exiting an elevator, but injuries also have occurred due to getting a bag, clothing or even a hand caught or a malfunction that causes an elevator or lift to stop or start suddenly.
Many people who know they would benefit from a lift in their home are afraid of the possibility of getting trapped due to a malfunction or power outage. The fact is, modern elevators and lifts are equipped with many safety features that protect against these incidents, and by working with an expert and taking precautions, elevator users can feel safe taking advantage of these benefits.
Statistics show that injuries occurring on elevators can usually be traced back to improper installation or a lack of awareness of safe use practices. For both commercial and residential elevators, experts emphasize that having professional installation, along with regular testing and routine maintenance, dramatically reduces the risk of elevator injuries. Following some safety precautions also helps.
Elevator safety tips
- Wait for a complete stop before entering or exiting an elevator.
- Use close supervision with children and pets.
- Use available handrails when an elevator is in motion and when entering or exiting.
- Keep bags and loose clothing away from doors.
- Load limits should be clearly posted and never enter a filled elevator.
- Do not use your hand to hold the door; use the door open button.
- In an emergency, use the call button; do not attempt to pry open the door.
Home elevator safety
Installing a home elevator or lift in Akron, Youngstown, and across Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia creates special concerns for families with children and pets as well as for loved ones who live alone. Concerns include safeguards for curious children and the fear of becoming trapped inside an elevator during a power outage.
Today’s elevators and lifts have many built-in safety features, but experts maintain that precautions are always crucial, particularly if you and your family are new to having an elevator in the home.
- Instruct children as to proper elevator use and what to do in an emergency.
- Always supervise children and pets when the elevator is in use.
- Ensure you have a working phone in the control box and keep the number of your emergency elevator service on hand.
- Discuss with your installer the emergency features that are standard on your elevator, including a door interlock system, power backup, cable safety devices, and emergency lighting.
Many modern elevators also have battery-operated emergency lowering systems and/or manual lowering by hand crank.
If you are considering installing an elevator or lift in your home or commercial building in Kent, Akron or the surrounding Ohio, Western Pennsylvania or West Virginia areas, contact Handel & Son Elevator/Lift for more information on products that will work for your application. Click here for details on all Handel & Son products.