Being stuck in an elevator is a stressful scenario that nobody ever wants to be in, and it makes complete sense if people have anxiety about potentially getting stuck in a lift. Here are some dos and don’ts regarding being stuck in a lift and the best course of action if that occurs.
What causes an elevator to get stuck?
Although incredibly rare, there are a few reasons why an elevator or lift may get stuck in the first place. One of the most obvious causes can be related to power outages. If a lift suffers from a power outage, it may stop between floors, making it incredibly difficult and hazardous to remove yourself from the lift. If this occurs, wait until the power is restored or until the emergency power kicks in. Sometimes, machinery can fail, which means items such as faulty doors, old motors, or even slightly worn cables can cause your lift or elevator to perform inaccurately.
Ensuring that your elevator is serviced, or modernised, is imperative to your lift remaining in peak condition.
What you should do if you are stuck in a lift
As with many things in life, the actions you take depend on the type of circumstance you are in and how the elevator becomes stuck. These helpful tips are for general consideration and may not work in every scenario that can occur.
Stay calm
One of the most important things to do if you ever face a situation in which your lift gets stuck is to remain calm. Panicking in this type of situation will lead to additional stress and mental and physical distress. If possible, try to slow your breathing and take deep breaths. This should help calm your nerves and focus on what you need to do next, such as press an alarm or contact a loved one.
Press the alarm button
In every elevator or lift, you should be able to locate an emergency button that will alert the building staff or emergency services. This can typically be found near the control panel and should be in red or highlighted as the emergency button.After pressing the button, an alarm might be raised, but this is perfectly fine. Just place yourself safely away from the doors and await rescue.
Use the emergency phone
Most elevators or lifts will be supplied with an emergency phone or speaker that can direct you towards a help line. From here, you will be able to talk with a person who has all the information they need help you get out of the lift. These emergency phones can either be forwarded straight to the emergency services or maybe diverted to a building staff member. Either way, be sure to give them as much information as possible about yourself and the lift.
Position yourself safely
Once you have communicated with someone, be it through the emergency phone or your mobile phone, you should position yourself safely away from the doors. Typically, at the back of the elevator, in case of sudden movements, or even if the authorities are trying to access the elevator. Don’t be afraid to stand or even sit down in the lift if that is the comfier option.
Signal using your mobile phone
In the past, elevators and lifts used to be blackout spots for mobile phone signals, which is not ideal when you are stuck in an elevator. Luckily, elevators and mobile phones have developed over the years, which means they can be freely used when using a lift. If your mobile phone has power and signal, be sure to contact the emergency services about your circumstances. Don’t forget to give them the information they require such as address, contact details and even what floor you may be on. Be sure to contact as many people as possible, including loved ones and anyone who may know where you are, such as co-workers.
What you should NOT do if you are stuck in a lift
Being stuck in a lift can lead to being stressed and irritated. In these moments, you might think about attempting to leave the elevator or try to fix the problem yourself. This part of the article will go over the things you should NOT do when stuck in a lift.
Do not panic
It is understandable that being trapped in an elevator would make most people panic, but it is imperative that you try to remain as possible. In some scenarios, panicking can lead to impaired judgment, which could put you in an even worse position through poor decision-making. Attempt to slow your breathing and go through the helpful steps above.
Do not jump in or shake the elevator
This may sound obvious but do not attempt to jump or shake the elevator with the idea of shaking it loose. This could result in misaligning the lift or even trigger a safety mechanism that would halt the elevator entirely. Instead, just stay still and place yourself in the safest position possible.
Do not pry open the doors
Highlight the dangers of attempting to pry open the doors, which can be physically dangerous and might damage the elevator further. It can also expose you to the risk of falling down the shaft if the elevator suddenly moves. Attempting to pry the doors open can physically damage elevator doors, putting you in an even worse position. If the doors do open, you could even expose yourself to the risk of falling down the elevator shaft too. Be sure to sit and wait until the doors open automatically or by a professional.
Do not try and exit on your own
Caution against attempting to climb out of the elevator, especially if it is stopped between floors. The elevator could move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Do not tamper with the elevator
Do not use anything to tamper the elevator in any way. This includes your hands or any tools you may have on you in the scenario of a trapped elevator. Operating on internal mechanisms, such as the control panel or doors can lead to additional issues, mechanical faults or even electoral hazards. As we have said before, it is better to remain calm and await help.
How to avoid or prepare for a stuck elevator
Explain that regular maintenance checks can help avoid (link to lift servicing), and knowing your building’s emergency procedures. There are many ways you can avoid or prepare for a stuck elevator. If you are an office or building manager, enquire or book regular maintenance checks for your lifting service, this can help minimise downtime and extend the life of your lift.
If you are worried about a lift in an office building or parking garage, why not enquire about the building’s lift procedures and educate yourself on what to expect if you get stuck in a faulty lift.
Looking to upgrade your elevator?
If your elevator is constantly getting stuck, Lodige have a large range of elevators you can choose from, to ensure you get the right one for your business. You can find all the lifts that we offer listed below.
Car Lifts
Lorry Lifts
Goods Lifts
Mezzanine Good Lifts
Heavy Duty Goods Lifts
Automated Goods Lifts
Looking for lift servicing instead? Be sure to contact one of our specialists today.
