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Safely Using Elevators (Lifts) and Escalators!
Safety for Elevators (Lifts)
Let others exit before you enter an elevator
Let people with disabilities and seniors board first.
It is illegal and unsanitary to use the elevator as a restroom.
Enter and exit carefully! Watch your step!
Make sure your child and stroller are clear of closing elevator doors.
Keep clothing, bags, and other personal items clear of closing doors.
Wait for the next car if the elevator is full.
Avoid using anything to keep an elevator door from closing – that includes hands, feet, canes, suitcases, strollers, or baby carriages, etc.
Hold children by the hand and make sure they stay clear of the elevator doors.
If an elevator does not move after pressing the destination button, push the “door open” button and exit. Use the intercom located outside the elevator to report the problem to then operating personnel immediately.
If there is an emergency while inside the elevator, press the “Call” button to contact the operating personnel for assistance.
When using the elevator intercom for help, describe the problem to the operating personnel and include the following information: the landing (floor) you are on, the elevator’s direction (going up or down), how many people are inside the elevator, and if the elevator doors are open or closed.
Children on Elevators (Lifts)
The rules for riding elevators are about the same for children as they are for adults.
It is a good idea for children to be especially careful around the doors
Children should never put their hands or feet into the area between the moving door and the adjacent door jamb
Children should never to try to stop a closing door by putting their hand or foot in its path
Children under five years of age are not well developed in the strength, coordination, balance, and protective reflexes required to avoid an elevator-related injury so should always be accompanied by adults and the younger ones carried.
If You Find Yourself Stuck in an Elevator (Lift)
Stay calm, use the emergency button or phone to call for help, and wait patiently for assistance to arrive. Do not attempt to open the doors yourself or climb out.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of what to do:
Stay Calm
Elevator entrapments can be stressful, but panicking won't help. Take deep breaths and try to assess the situation.
Use the Emergency Button/Phone
Most elevators have an emergency button or a phone inside. Use these to contact building management or emergency services.
If the Phone/Button Doesn't Work
If you can't get through, try to get someone's attention by yelling or banging on the elevator door.
Avoid Self-Extrication
Do not attempt to open the doors yourself or climb out of the elevator, as this could be dangerous.
Wait Patiently!
Once you've alerted someone, wait for help to arrive. Do not try to move the elevator yourself.
Do not touch any electrical equipment or wiring if you can safely exit the elevator
Safety for Escalators
Observe the moving steps as you board/leave the escalator.
Face forward and hold the handrail.
Never sit on escalator steps.
Do not lean or sit on escalator rails.
Keep packages, purses, and other personal belongings off escalator handrails and steps.
Children should hold an adult’s hand, not the handrail, at all times.
Never run on escalators.
Step on and off, and proceed promptly; don’t block the landing.
Keep clothing and shoes away from the sides; laces, sandals, and scarves can get caught.
Be especially careful when wearing narrow high heels or soft sole shoes such as sandals that can get caught in the step grooves.
Keep to the right.
Do not bring walkers, wheelchairs, hand trucks, shopping carts, open strollers or baby carriages onto escalators.
Children on Escalators
Ensure children follow all safety tips stated above while riding the escalators.
When riding with a small child, hold his or her hand, or carry the child in one arm while holding the handrail with the other. Help children step onto and off of the escalator.
Do not allow children to sit on escalator steps - clothing or fingers can get caught.
Never let children ride on or play with the handrail.
Don't allow children to use an escalator unattended.
Don't allow children to walk or run up the "down" escalator or down the "up" escalator.
Don't let children drag their feet along an escalator's sides. No matter how tempting it is to make that distinctive "squeaky noise," a child's foot can become caught between the step and the side panel, causing serious injury.
Never take a stroller on an escalator. Use the elevator (lift) instead.