Elevator malfunctions can happen at any time. It is important to know what to do in these situations. If an elevator stops, press the emergency call button right away. This alerts dispatchers, who will send help quickly.
On campuses, you should report the issue to the Department of Public Safety or use an emergency call box.
Many buildings have special procedures for elevator problems during fires, earthquakes, or power outages. These rules keep everyone safe. For example, places like the AON Center have an “Emergency Call” button that contacts security staff directly.
Elevators are tested monthly to ensure their phones work if there’s a problem. Regular maintenance also helps prevent issues and keeps elevators running smoothly.
Tenant handbooks provide steps on handling elevator problems and contacting emergency services. Signing up for apps like Carolina Ready offers real-time alerts about any issues with elevators or escalators.
Knowing what actions to take during elevator emergencies helps keep everyone safe in your building…
Elevator Malfunction Emergencies
Elevator Malfunction Emergencies:
If an elevator stops, stay calm and press the emergency button. Inform building management or use your cell phone to call for help.
What to do when the elevator stops
Elevator malfunctions can be stressful. Here’s a list of steps to follow if the elevator stops:
- Stay Calm – Panicking won’t help. Take deep breaths.
- Press Emergency Button – This alerts building management or emergency services.
- Use the Intercom – Speak clearly and give your location in the building.
- Check Emergency Stop Button – Ensure it hasn’t been accidentally pressed.
- Avoid Forcing Doors Open – Never try to open elevator doors yourself.
- Call Using Cellphone – If you have a signal, call the emergency hotline number for help.
- Wait for Instructions – Follow any instructions given by emergency responders or building staff.
- Conserve Energy – If help is delayed, conserve your phone battery and energy by sitting down and relaxing as much as possible.
Safety measures must always be followed during an elevator breakdown procedure to avoid accidents or further complications.
Elevator entrapment procedures
Elevator entrapment can be scary. Knowing the right steps can improve safety and calmness.
- Stay Calm: Take deep breaths. Panicking does not help. Focus on staying calm.
- Press the Emergency Button: Use the emergency button in the elevator. This alerts building staff or emergency services.
- Use Your Phone: If there is cell service, call 911 or building management for assistance.
- Do Not Force Doors Open: Trying to pry open the doors can be dangerous. Wait for trained personnel.
- Inform Others Quickly: If you are alone, let others know your location and situation as soon as possible.
- Follow Instructions from Authorities: Listen to any instructions given by emergency services or building staff over the intercom.
Calmly follow these procedures if trapped in an elevator.
How to contact emergency services
Use the elevator’s emergency button, intercom, or phone. These tools will connect you directly to emergency services contact. Say your location and describe the situation clearly.
Call 911 for medical, fire, or law enforcement help if needed. Also, notify the Fire and Life Safety Services office about the elevator malfunction. This ensures a quick response to your location.
In emergencies, clear communication saves lives.
Preparation for Elevator Emergencies
Preparation for Elevator Emergencies:
Have a plan in place before an elevator problem happens. Knowing what to do can keep everyone safe and calm.
Tenant handbook
The tenant emergency preparedness handbook is vital for all building owners and facility executives. It includes clear steps on what to do if an elevator malfunctions or people get trapped inside.
This handbook lists who to call—like building engineers or the elevator company—and gives their contact information.
The guide also covers different emergencies, such as fires, bomb threats, severe weather, medical issues, civil disturbances, power outages, and elevator problems. Each tenant’s Emergency Response Coordinator gets specific guidelines on handling these situations effectively.
Emergency action guide
An emergency action guide for elevator malfunctions helps ensure passenger safety. Clear protocols should be in place to assist tenants. A specific plan directs everyone on what steps to follow during an elevator emergency.
These guides need regular updates and reviews. They show the best ways to safely evacuate passengers.
Emergency response plans must also include contacting help quickly. Provide easy-to-follow instructions in the tenant handbook and display them near elevators. This ensures that anyone can access essential information during panic situations…keeping calm becomes crucial, ensuring a swift response.
Sign up for emergency alerts and app downloads
Every building owner should be ready for anything. This means being prepared for elevator malfunctions.
- Carolina Ready App: Download the Carolina Ready app. It sends Elevator Outage push notifications, so you stay informed about any problems.
- Wireless Emergency Alerts: Make sure your phone can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts. These will keep you updated on serious issues quickly.
- Emergency Response Checkboxes: Use the specific notification checkboxes for Elevator/Escalator Rescue (EER) response in your systems. This helps set a clear protocol if someone gets stuck.
- Emergency Action Guide: Keep an emergency action guide handy at all times. Include step-by-step actions to take during an elevator problem.
- Staff Training: Train staff members on the emergency protocols and how to use apps and alerts effectively.
- Tenant Handbook: Update tenants with a handbook that includes instructions and resources for handling elevator emergencies.
- Sign Up Services: Encourage tenants and staff to sign up for various alert services available in your area, like citywide or campus-wide alerts.
- App Notifications Setup: Ensure all emergency-related apps are set to send notifications directly to the main contacts’ phones immediately.
- Regular Drills: Conduct regular drills focusing on elevator emergencies, ensuring everyone knows what to do when alerts go off.
- Contact Information Availability: Ensure that contact numbers for emergency services are easy to find in common areas and within the app itself.
Conclusion
Stay calm if an elevator malfunctions. Use the emergency call button and wait for help. Let AuditMate guide you through this journey with their expertise in data-driven auditing and vendor management. Ready to elevate your elevator compliance? Reach out to AuditMate today!
Visit www.auditmate.com to learn more today!
FAQs
1. What should I do first if the elevator stops working?
Stay calm and press the emergency button to call for help.
2. Is it safe to try and open the doors myself?
No, do not try to open the doors yourself; wait for professional help.
3. How long can I be stuck in an elevator before getting out?
It depends, but help usually arrives within 30 minutes to an hour.
4. Can I use my phone to call for help in a stuck elevator?
Yes, if you have a signal, use your phone to call building security or emergency services.
5. Should I panic if I’m alone in a malfunctioning elevator?
No, stay calm and remember that elevators are designed with safety features.