 November and December are arguably the busiest months of the
year for traveling and shopping. Millions of people descend on the
nation's airports and shopping centers, looking to create that
perfect holiday memory. With all the excitement surrounding this
time of year, the last thing Americans should worry about is
escalator and elevator safety while navigating through the crowds.
But while you may be more focused on your holiday to-do's, you need
to remember some important safety tips about the elevators and
escalators you are using.Safety innovations have come a long way
in the last few decades, and today's elevators and escalators are
safer than ever before. The National Elevator Industry Inc. is the
expert in building transportation safety. NEII works to develop and
promote updated safety codes, encourage the adaptation of the latest
safety technologies, and ensure passengers are informed on the
safest riding procedures for elevators and escalators.
However, even with all the advancements in safety technology,
it's worth keeping in mind that most accidents can be easily
prevented by following simple elevator and escalator safety tips.
Below are key guidelines proven to keep riders safe during the
holiday season and anytime throughout the year:
When boarding and riding elevators:
-
Allow passengers
exiting the elevator to clear before boarding.
-
Watch your step.
The elevator car may not be perfectly level with the floor.
-
Stand clear of the
doors. Keep clothes and carry-ons away from the opening.
-
Hold children and
pets firmly.
-
Leashed pets
should be on the same side of the door as the passenger to
prevent the door from closing on the leash.
-
Passengers nearest
to the doors should enter first when the car arrives.
-
Push and hold the
"door open" button if doors need to be held open, or ask someone
to push the button for you.
-
Never try to stop
a closing door; wait for the next car.
-
Once on board,
quickly press the button for your floor and move to the back of
the car to make room for other passengers.
-
Hold the rail or
stand against the wall, if available.
-
Pay attention to
the floor indications and announcements when provided.
-
If the doors do not open when the
elevator stops, push the "door open" button.
If there is ever an emergency,
remember that all elevators have several safety devices, one of
which is brakes that will stop the car if it is not operating
properly. If the elevator should ever stop between floors, follow
these guidelines:
-
Use the "alarm" or
"help" button, the telephone, or the intercom to call for
assistance.
-
Do not panic.
There is plenty of air in the elevator.
-
Never climb out of
a stalled elevator.
-
Above all, wait
for qualified help to arrive, and never try to leave an elevator
that has not stopped normally.
-
Emergency lighting will come on in the
event of a power failure.
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When entering escalators:
-
Watch the
direction of the moving step, and step on and off with extra
care.
-
Hold children
firmly with one arm or hold a child's free hand.
-
Hold small
packages firmly in one hand, but always leave one hand available
to hold the handrail.
-
Grasp the handle
as you step onto the moving step.
-
Do not step onto
an escalator going in the opposite direction.
-
Do not take wheelchairs, electric
scooters, strollers, hand carts, luggage carts or similar items
on the escalator.
When riding and exiting escalators:
-
Keep loose
clothing clear of steps and sides.
-
Wear closed-toed,
hard-soled shoes, and avoid wearing footwear made of soft resin
or other rubbery materials.
-
Stand clear and
keep feet clear of the sides of the escalator.
-
Face forward and
keep a firm grip on the handrail.
-
Reposition your
hand slowly if the handrail moves ahead or behind the steps.
-
Don't climb onto
or ride the handrail.
-
Do not let
children sit on steps or stand too close to the sides.
-
Don't hesitate;
step off promptly.
-
Make sure to step
over the comb fingers; don't let your feet slide off the end of
the escalator.
-
Immediately move clear of the escalator
exit area. Don't stop to talk or look around, since other
passengers may be behind you.
Always remember, if there is an emergency, simply push one of the
"stop" buttons near the handrail or floor level at the top or bottom
landings of the escalator.
For more detailed information about elevator and escalator
safety, visit the NEII website at
www.neii.org.
[Brandpoint]
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