TBT of the Week Safety and Courtesy Tips

for Elevators, Escalators, and Moving Walks

March 31, 2024

When you approach the elevator:

1. Stand aside for exiting passengers.
2. Wait for the next car if the elevator is full.
3. Don’t to stop a closing door with anything including hands, feet, canes, etc. Wait for the next elevator.
4. Take the stairs if there is a fire in the building.

When you enter and leave the elevator:

1. Watch your step, and enter and exit carefully.
2. Hold material firmly.
3. Stand clear of the doors, and keep clothes and carry-ons away from the opening.
4. Push and hold the Door Open button if doors need to be held open, or ask someone to push the button for you.

Riding the elevator:

1. If you have balance issues hold the handrail or lean against the wall.
2. NEVER jump in or shake the elevator. This can create a malfunction.
3. Do not tamper with key switches, cabinets, or emergency communication devices
4. Use the DOOR OPEN button to hold the doors open. Do NOT use your hands or any other body part.
5. Be courteous to other riders. Keep conversations and cell phone calls to a minimum.
6. Do not smoke in the elevator. This is illegal in many jurisdictions.
7. Be prepared to exit quickly but safely when the elevator arrives at your floor
8. Never tamper with the elevator door. This can create an unsafe situation.

What to do if an elevator gets stuck:

1. If the stops elevator and the doors do not open, press your floor again and try the door open button.
2. If you are indeed stuck in the elevator, press the alarm button and wait for professional assistance. If there
is a phone you may use that as well as the alarm to summon assistance.
3. NEVER EVER try to escape a stalled elevator without professional assistance, If you do so, you may be
seriously injured or killed. DO NOT attempt to open the elevator door in any circumstances.
4. If the elevator opens and is more than 18 inches from the floor, do NOT exit the elevator. Ring the alarm
and wait for assistance exiting the elevator. If the car is more than 18 inches from the floor, the hoistway
may be exposed and you can fall down the shaft.
5. If the power goes off, emergency lighting should come on. The alarm also has a battery backup as well.
6. MOST IMPORTANT: KEEP CALM! Don't Panic. Although an elevator entrapment may be scary, you are in no
danger of running out of air. The elevator will not fall as that only happens in movie special effects. There
are safety devices in place. Once you have assistance coming, sit back, relax and enjoy some time to
yourself.

Reminder:
1. Use the stairs if there is a fire in the building or other situation that could lead to a disruption in electrical service.
Elevator shafts are often not sealed and act as a chimney when fire is present.
2. Discourage unsafe behavior by others in and around elevators.
3. Cram into an elevator that is exceeding its capacity; actively discourage anyone else from cramming into an
elevator

The material in this document is provided for informational purposes only and not as a comprehensive or exhaustive resource on this topic. This material has been compiled from a
multitude of sources believed to be accurate. In no event does the content of this document supersede any applicable local, state or federal statutes or regulations.
KHALID TAHIR – Health, Safety & Environment Manager- 050 349 0120