Elevators & Escalators Safety Tips Everyone Must Know

Elevators are designed carefully and undergo rigorous testing to ensure they are incredibly safe. They come equipped with sensors, safe mechanisms, and backup systems, all contributing to their remarkable reliability. Regular elevator maintenance and strict adherence to safety standards only add to the elevator's well-earned reputation as one of the best ways to move vertically.

In our paced society, these vertical transportation systems have seamlessly become a part of our everyday lives, effortlessly transporting us between floors and levels. Statista reports, over the past few years, the overall number of elevators and escalators in operation worldwide has been increasing continuously, and in 2022, over 20 million elevators were built around the world to make people’s lives easier.

However, amid the convenience and efficiency they offer, it's crucial to prioritize safety above all else. In this blog, we will delve into the essential aspects of escalator and elevator safety and provide crucial elevator safety tips.

KONE works closely with its customers to provide the help they need whenever there’s a chance of malfunction regarding their escalators or elevators. However, there are multiple safety measures and solutions that KONE makes sure to achieve through policies, processes, and guidelines.

Equipment Use

In encouraging the safe use of elevators, escalators, and automatic building doors, KONE assists clients and building owners. We often discuss passenger lift safety with our clients and users of the equipment. To ensure the safety of equipment users, we plan events across the globe and offer training and instructional materials to our clients and the general public.

Power Loss Safety – Automatic Floor Access

In the event of a power failure, KONE’s elevators are designed to prioritize passenger safety by automatically moving to the nearest floor. This intelligent functionality allows elevator doors to open at the nearest floor, ensuring that passengers can exit safely and without delay. This emergency feature is invaluable, particularly in critical situations, as it helps avoid the dangers of being stranded between floors and facilitates easy access for emergency personnel if needed. By implementing such proactive safety measures, KONE reinforces its commitment to end-user safety and continuous innovation.

Modernization Solutions

KONE creates modernization solutions that can be used to upgrade or replace outdated equipment with new ones that meet or exceed the most recent elevator safety standards, thereby enhancing equipment dependability and user safety. Professional experts install products according to precise procedures.

An example of these solutions is KONE 24/7 Connected Services, which utilizes real-time data and predictive analytics to monitor elevator and escalator systems. This proactive approach helps identify potential issues before they become safety concerns, ensuring timely maintenance and minimizing disruptions.

Installation Processes

While enabling product quality and reliability, KONE's procedures and certified installation methods are made to increase the safety of installers and other parties. By utilizing a continuous improvement methodology, for instance, we continuously enhance the safety, quality, and effectiveness of its installation processes. We oversee site safety via ongoing training, installation safety and method passports, site audits, and risk-assessed procedures.

Maintenance

KONE uses preventive maintenance techniques to keep automatic doors, escalators, and elevators safe. Our maintenance specialists ensure that our customers can keep people moving safely, even in demanding settings, including hospitals.

Riding elevators and escalators with safety in mind should be everyone’s top priority. If you’re looking for a smooth and safe experience, here are 8 essential escalator and elevator safety rules, do's, and don'ts to keep in mind:

Do’s

• Pay Attention to Directional Signs: Follow directional signs and floor markings to ensure you're entering the correct elevator or escalator and going in the intended direction.
• Stand Clear of Doors: Allow people to exit before you enter an elevator. Stand a safe distance away from the doors and wait for them to fully open before stepping inside.
• Face Forward: For escalator safety, stand facing forward and hold the handrail for balance. Keep a firm grip on the handrail to prevent slips or trips.
• Step On and Off Carefully: When getting on or off an escalator, one of the most important escalator safety rules is to step on or off promptly and be aware of the moving steps. Lift your feet clear of the escalator's edge.
• In Case of Emergency: Learn where elevator emergency stop buttons and alarms are located. Use these to notify staff or stop the elevator or escalator in the event of an emergency. As previously stated, in the case of a power failure, KONE's elevators are also set up to automatically go to the nearest floor, enabling a swift and secure exit, and this function adds an additional degree of protection by guaranteeing that passengers are not left stranded and are able to evacuate effectively.
• Observe Capacity Limits: If there are posted capacity limits for elevators, follow them to maintain a comfortable and safe environment for all passengers.

Don’ts

• Don't Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowded elevators or escalators. Follow the recommended capacity limits and wait for the next ride if necessary.
• Don't Block Doors: Refrain from holding doors open or squeezing into an elevator that's already closing. Allow the doors to fully close before attempting to enter.
• Don't Push or Shove: Be patient and wait for your turn to enter an elevator or escalator. Avoid pushing, shoving, or engaging in unsafe behavior.
• Don't Let Loose Clothing or Items Dangle: Ensure that personal items like dangling clothing or scarves are secure and won't get caught in moving parts.

By following these do's and don'ts, you'll contribute to a safer and more comfortable elevator and escalator experience for everyone.