CCI-Review - 2020/2021 - #1

Elevator Safety - by Trish Kaplan, CCI (Hons), Administrator

We live in a fast-paced world. Elevators can safely transport millions of people every day. They make it convenient and faster for us when we are going at warp speed from one place to another and especially when it is such a common occurrence in a day. They are a normal routine for many of us. The question you can ask though is: Do you even stop to consider your personal safety when stepping into an elevator? Our thoughts are already on the next stop and task that awaits us, just one on a never-ending to-do list in our day. This is unfortunately when accidents can happen. It is not uncommon for us to get back in a proper safety zone ONLY AFTER an accident occurs. Even though elevators are considered quite safe, the tips below can remind you of your precautions on elevators. When you approach the elevator:  Know your destination. Push the UP or DOWN button for the direction you want to go.  Stand aside for exiting passengers.  Wait for the next car if the elevator is full.  Do not try to stop a closing door with anything including hands, feet, canes, etc. Wait for the next elevator.  Take the stairs if there is a fire in the building. When you enter and leave the elevator:  Watch your step, and enter and exit carefully.  Hold children and pets firmly.  Stand clear of the doors, and keep clothes and carry-ons away from the opening.  Push and hold the Door Open button if doors need to be held open, or ask someone to push the button for you.

When riding on an elevator:  Stand back from the doors.  Hold onto the handrail if one is available.  Pay attention to the floor indicators.  If the doors do not open when the elevator stops, push the Door Open button. What someone should do when an elevator stops between floors:  Utilize the alarm button and wait for assistance.  If a phone is available, follow instructions to summon help.  Remain patient. There is plenty of air and the interior of the elevator is designed for passenger safety. What someone should NOT do when an elevator stops between floors:  Do not attempt to force open the doors.  Do not attempt to leave the elevator. The elevator hatch is designed for professional personnel who will provide assistance form the outside of the elevator cab. What adults should teach children know about elevators  Simple guidance on discipline and safety in the use of elevators.  Elevators are not for “play” or “joyrides”.  Shoelaces should be checked and tied before approaching the elevator.

Trish Kaplan , CCI (Hon’s) is currently the chapter’s Administrator; however, she has served as a condominium director, manager and on the CCI Board of Directors as she studied and worked in the condominium arena. She was awarded the Distinguished Service Award at the CCI National Awards event in November 2006.

Other notes:

1. Some health advisors will advise us to try to avoid elevators as much as possible. Get some exercise by taking the stairs, they might say. Others would suggest that taking the stairs can save electricity and conserve energy – both are viable

20 — 2020/2021 - 1

Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker