Written by: George Nyborg
With the hurricane and high-temperature season on the horizon, it is crucial to take the required measures to safeguard both the public and elevator machinery. The subsequent recommendations outline essential actions to get ready for and handle possible emergencies in this period.
Key Topics Covered
Emergency System Checks
Power Outage Protocol
Passenger Safety Measures
Pit & Machine Room Maintenance
Responder Priority During Emergencies
The hurricane and high-temperature season is here again. Take precautionary measures to keep the riding public and equipment safe. First off, make sure the emergency phone and alarm are working. Also, make sure the emergency battery backup for the alarm and phone is working. If you lose power, you will be reliant upon the emergency backup for the alarm. Chances are, if you lose power, you may also lose telecommunication as well. For this reason, if your elevator is shut down and there is no power, and you are in the building, physically knock on the elevator landing doors and listen for someone inside the elevator. If there are passengers trapped in the elevator, call the fire department/emergency responders to safely remove them from the cab.
Another precautionary measure is to make sure your pit sump pump is working. I would also make sure the pit is clean so that no debris clogs the pump or float switch. Call your elevator service company to gain safe access to the pit. Avoid keeping the elevator at the lowest and uppermost landing. There are electrical components and circuitry under the elevator and on top of the elevator, so keeping the elevator away from the terminal landings can help prevent these parts from getting wet. Wind-driven rain can enter into the machine room and shaftway through vents and/or louvers. Look to temporarily keep these protected from rain. Remember to remove any temporary protection after the storm. Make sure access doors and panels are secured shut. While you are in the machine room, if it has windows or skylights, make sure there are no broken glass panes. Also, check to make sure roof drains are clear.
If there is a passenger stuck in the elevator, call the first responders right away. The elevator technician is not going to be able to get to the building as quickly as trained emergency responders. The roads are dangerous with flooding, downed power lines, excessive traffic, etc. Only emergency personnel are able to handle such conditions. Once the roads are cleared, the elevator technician can come out to the building.
Besides downed power lines, high temperatures can bring about reductions in the power supply by the power utility company. There may be low power during periods of high heat, and that can also cause your elevator to shut down. Avoid using the elevator in these conditions if you are physically able to take the stairs. Always follow the emergency instructions from the utility company and governmental authorities and agencies.
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