Though elevators are one of the safest forms of transportation available, following these simple guidelines can help ensure passenger safety. It's important to not only know how to properly ride elevators, but also what to do if the elevator becomes stalled. Please reference the elevator safety tips below for more information on both situations.
Elevator Safety Tips
When waiting for elevators:
Know your destination
Push the elevator call button once for the direction you want to go in
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
Don't attempt to maneuver in or stop closing doors, 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
When boarding elevators:
Allow passengers exiting the elevator to clear before boarding
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
Never try to stop a closing door, wait for the next car
Once on board, quickly press the button for your floor (not required on destination dispatch elevators) and move to the back of the car to make room for other passengers
When riding elevators:
Hold the handrail, if available
Stand next to the elevator wall, if available
Pay attention to the floor indications and announcements when provided
If the doors do not open when the elevator stops, push the DOOR OPEN button
When exiting elevators:
Exit immediately at your floor. Do not wait for others behind you
Do not push the people in front of you when exiting
Watch your step - the elevator car may not be perfectly level with the floor
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
If you are Stalled in an Elevator
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.
Remain Calm
If the door does not open, you are still safe. 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 hoistway.
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 button instead of an alarm button . When pushed, 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.
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.
Relax, and DO NOT Try to Extract Yourself from the Elevator
NEVER try to exit a stalled elevator car. It is extremely dangerous. ALWAYS wait for trained emergency personnel.
Your best course of action is to relax, get comfortable, and wait for professional assistance.
and wait for someone to respond to you.
instead of an alarm button 