5 Causes of Elevator Accidents

Elevator Accidents

There are thousands of elevators in each city depending on where you live. Many of them are generally safe. However, elevator accidents do happen, and people end up getting injured. Many of these accidents are preventable through inspections, repairs, and other safeguards. Here are the most common causes of elevator accidents and how to prevent them.

Misleveling

Misleveling is common in older elevators that have not undergone thorough checks. They happen when the elevator does not stop at the correct level. This can leave the elevator an inch or two above or below the step or even leave a gap between the elevator and the floor. These misalignments and spaces are very dangerous, especially for kids and the elderly, as they are a major cause of falls and trips when embarking and disembarking.

Excessive Speed

Although this is a problem that has largely been eliminated, excessive speed is still a problem in some buildings. Excessive speed or jerking when the elevator starts moving can cause falls, crashing into the car’s walls or bumping into others. All elevators must be inspected to ensure they are traveling at an appropriate speed and that their movements are smooth without jerking.

Lack of Proper Maintenance and Safety Inspections

Depending on where your business is located, all your elevators and escalators have to be inspected a few times a year. Regular inspections help catch any potential issues with elevators or escalators and can help ensure the necessary repairs are done before the elevator or escalator malfunctions. Such malfunctions can lead to injuries or even death and leave your business liable.

To ensure the elevators are properly inspected and repaired if there is a need means it is important to get in touch with companies that have lots of experience in elevator servicing, maintenance, and management. Companies like ATIS Elevator help businesses ensure their conveyance systems are safe and compliant with local laws. They also do due diligence inspections so businesses that buy real estate know the state of the conveyance systems in these properties and can get them repaired if it is required.

Defective Doors and Sensors

One of the best modern developments is built-in door sensors. These sensors detect when there is something or someone blocking the door and stop the doors from closing. They also ensure doors open and close slowly. 

These sensors can malfunction for a number of reasons. When this happens, the doors can close faster than they are supposed to, trapping someone in the door or crushing a limb.

Falling Into Shafts

Once the elevator car stops at the top or bottom, the shaft is left empty. If the system malfunctions and the doors open on any floor, some people might not realize the elevator car has not arrived, step in, and fall into the elevator shaft. These types of accidents are often caused by defective door sensors and interlocks, malfunctioning computer systems, and other issues. These systems must also be checked periodically to ensure they keep functioning as expected.

Elevator accidents are not as common as they once were, but they still happen. Proper inspections, regular maintenance, and proper care when using elevators can all help prevent these accidents from happening.