HomeSafety Info

Elevator & Escalator Safety

Elevator Safety Rules

When waiting for an elevator:

  • Know your destination. Push elevator call button for the direction you want to go.

  • Stand aside for exiting passengers.

  • Wait for the next car, if the elevator is full.

  • Take the stairs if there is a fire.

  • Do not try to stop a closing door. Wait for the next elevator.

When you enter and leave an elevator:

  • Enter and exit carefully. Step up or down if the elevator floor and hall floor are not level.

  • Hold children and pets firmly.

  • Stand clear of the doors – keep clothes and carry-ons away from the opening.

  • Push and hold the DOOR OPEN button if the doors need to be held open, or ask someone to push the button for you.

When riding on the elevator:

  • Stand next to the elevator wall.

  • Hold the handrail if available.

  • Pay attention to the floor indications.

  • If the doors do not open when the elevator stops, push the DOOR OPEN button.

What to Do in the Event of a Delay

  • Push or pull the Alarm button to call for assistance.

  • Phone for help, if a phone is available. An intercom or hands free phone may be available. Follow instructions for their use.

  • Pry not! Do not force open the elevator doors. Do not attempt to leave the elevator.

  • Patience, please. You are safe and there is plenty of air. So relax and wait for help.

Escalator Safety

Escalators

  • Safe Moving Stairs

    There are over 35,000 escalators in the U.S. and Canada moving an estimated 90 billion passengers annually or 245 million passengers a day. Statistically, escalators are safer than stairs. The number one type of escalator accident, as with stairs, is falling.

Safety Tips & Rules

Before entering escalators:

  • No hand trucks or hand carts.

  • No freight.

  • No wheelchairs, strollers or baby buggies.

  • No walkers or wheeled vehicles.

  • No loose clothing - clogs, flip flops, soft-soled shoes or scarves.

  • Be careful when carrying hanging clothes.

  • No running or walking - stand still.

  • Don't ride barefoot or with loose shoelaces.

  • Parents supervise the conduct and activity of your children.

  • Use emergency button in emergency situations
    only.

When entering escalators:

  • Watch the direction of the moving step.

  • Step on and off with extra care. Take care if you are wearing bifocals.

  • Hold children or small packages firmly in one hand.

  • Grasp the handrail as you step promptly onto the moving step.

  • Keep loose clothing clear of steps and sides.

When riding escalators:

  • Stand toward the middle of the step – away from the sides and face forward. Don't lean against the sides.

  • Don't allow children to sit on steps.

  • Do not sit umbrellas on steps.

  • Keep a firm grip on the handrail. Reposition your hand slowly if the handrail moves ahead or behind the steps. Escalators may stop for safety precautions.

  • Don't rest your handbag or parcels or any other objects on the handrail or steps or anywhere.

  • Keep objects in hands at all times.

  • Pay attention. Don’t window-shop while riding.

When exiting escalators:

  • Don't hesitate.

  • Step off promptly

  • Immediately move clear of the escalator exit area; don't stop to talk or look around. Other passengers may be behind you.

When riding moving walks:

  • All escalator advice such as holding hand rails, avoiding sides, stepping on and off promptly also apply to moving walks.

  • Passengers should stay to the right.

  • Walking passengers should pass on the left.

 

 


 

 

Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation

For more information about elevator and escalator safety education programs, visit the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation Web site.


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