May 3, 2022

Most frequent elevator accidents

Although the elevator is a machine made with all the safety protocols in its manufacture, installation and maintenance, it is still a piece of equipment in which some kind of incident may occur. For this reason, it is good to know the most frequent accidents in an elevator since this way you will be able to prevent them in your equipment and space.

Most frequent elevator accidents

According to the studies that have been carried out on these accidents that have occurred in elevators, in the great majority of the cases they could have been avoided. It is important that those who use elevators use them responsibly. In addition to carrying out the pertinent revisions of each one of its parts by specialized and authorized companies to give it its due maintenance.

In addition, users have the obligation to implement preventive measures and maintain appropriate civic behavior in order to avoid any unpleasant or even risky circumstances. The most frequent elevator accidents can be grouped into two groups according to their cause. They can be

Deficiency in installation or maintenance.
Misuse by irresponsible users.

Frequent technical accidents in elevators

Elevator stop between two floor levels. In the event that the doors open, never try to get out. Rather, you should give a warning to prevent the elevator from dropping unexpectedly.
Parts begin to fail because they have not been serviced. Any elevator that has not been supervised for a considerable period of time usually gives problems because its parts and systems are not in proper condition.
The elevator takes a certain accelerated speed due to lack of regulation by the elevator technician to the system. The speed must be adequate and not produce losses of balance or sudden movements.
Falls into the pit. Of the less frequent but possible elevator accidents. Due to a detachment of the cable there can be a fall into the elevator shaft. Inspections and replacement of deteriorated parts are indispensable.

Frequent accidents in elevators due to misuse

Every elevator has a maximum weight limit. When the recommended weight is exceeded and the weight limits indicated by the system are not respected, the operation and the life of the users are put at risk.
A child should never travel alone in an elevator as adult supervision is necessary. Due to their naivety and innocence, they may behave irresponsibly and this can have serious consequences.
It should never be used in case of fire. It is one of the most frequent mistakes that many people make due to nerves and tension in the midst of the chaos that can occur at such moments.
The elevator can become unbalanced by jumping inside. If you start to jump, move excessively or make abrupt movements, you lose control and the elevator becomes unbalanced and can become blocked.
When doors open or close by themselves. This can happen and it is best not to force them, even if there is some enclosure.

Causes of frequent accidents in elevators

Poor elevator maintenance

When an elevator is not maintained, it is much more prone to deterioration or an accident with possible damage to the users. The maintenance work consists of checking very well all the safety systems that warn of the detachment of the cabs. Every elevator is composed of parachutes, emergency brakes and various safety systems that act if the cables that support the cabin suffer any damage. This helps to avoid elevator accidents.

Non-professional maintenance

In the world of elevators, there are companies that operate without offering real guarantees of quality. They still authorize maintenance reports without carrying out the necessary checks. Regardless of the reasons for this, it is a great risk. It endangers the lives of the people who use it, and it is usually a large number belonging to communities that agree with companies that claim to be specialists when they are not. The maintenance service should be performed by a company that is recognized in the market and that can have verifiable quality certifications.

Inappropriate use

If the facilities where you live have modern elevatorsIf the facilities where you live have modern elevators, they have a lifting system that does not allow them to be used if the weight is exceeded. Unlike the old elevators, which do not have a scale or weight do not have a system that can give notice and thus prevent the deterioration of the equipment. As the whole installation is seriously affected when more people than allowed are lifted, an additional effort is generated in the whole elevation system. This inappropriate use of old equipment can end up in elevator accidents.

Tips to avoid accidents in elevators

The measurements established in the cabin must be respected. They determine the number of occupants and the maximum weight. This measure has its technical reason and also applies for preventive measures.
The entrance should not be breached when a sudden door closure occurs.
Elevators are not allowed to be used in case of fire, earthquakes or thunderstorms.
Smoking is prohibited inside, to avoid accidents in this reduced space.
When entering the elevator with baby carriages, pet carriages or heavy loads, special attention should be paid to the elements inside the elevator so that they do not cause a collision with the doors.
To avoid accidents in an elevator, fingers should never be inserted into the door and car entrance openings. Not even to try to prevent unwanted closing of the doors.
It is very common to hit the car walls when the elevator stops, but this should be avoided at all costs.
Under no circumstances should you press the buttons or the control panel frantically, even if they do not respond as expected.

What to do in case of elevator accidents?

In those cases where the doors fail and close, it is completely innate to press the open button. But, you should do your best to try to remain calm, even if the doors do not open. Then press the alarm button and wait for help from qualified personnel. It is not advisable to leave the elevator on your own as it puts all users at risk.

If while using the elevator you detect the slightest defect or anomaly in its performance, it is essential that you inform another owner or the neighborhood board of your appreciation so that they can take measures in time and thus avoid an accident in the elevator.

If any detachment occurs, the elevator gets stuck in the middle of the floor or any other serious situation, it is better not to react individually. Wait for the guidance of the appropriate safety equipment, in case of making any false move, it can be a fatal action for the elevator as such.