Lift breakdowns, although rare, can be stressful and even a little frightening, especially when someone is trapped inside. Whether you find yourself on the outside trying to help, or on the inside awaiting assistance, knowing the right steps to take can make a world of difference. In this guide, we'll outline the actions to take from both perspectives, and we’ll also explore how regular lift maintenance with a reliable service provider, like Eternal Elevators, can prevent such incidents. Let's make sure you’re prepared for any lift-related situation!
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
For Those Inside the Lift:
If you’re trapped in a lift, staying calm is the best thing you can do first. Lifts have safety features that prevent them from free-falling, so you’re safe even if the doors aren’t moving.
● Don’t force the doors open: Attempting to pry open lift doors can lead to injury and might even damage the lift. If they don’t open on their own, it’s best to keep them closed.
● Use the emergency button or phone: Modern lifts are equipped with an emergency button, intercom or phone that connects directly to a lift maintenance team or building security. Press it to alert someone to your presence inside.
For Those Outside the Lift:
If you’re outside a broken lift and know someone is trapped inside, you should also make sure to stay composed and do the following:
● Establish communication: Speak calmly to those inside, reassuring them that help is on the way.
● Do not attempt to open doors manually: Forcing the doors open from the outside may result in injury and worsen the problem. Instead, follow standard emergency protocols to make sure they stay safe.
Step 2: Call for Professional Assistance
For Lift Passengers:
The moment the emergency button or intercom connects you to a support team, they’ll help assess the situation and send for maintenance support. In most cases, they will contact the designated lift servicing provider.
If you’re asked for information such as lift location or the floor you’re on, try to provide it clearly. If you’re unsure, it’s alright; trained technicians are skilled at locating the problem swiftly.
For Building Managers or Security:
If you're responsible for building maintenance or security, contact your lift servicing company directly. Eternal Elevators provides 24/7 support, meaning help is always at hand. Keep the area around the lift clear to allow technicians easy access, meaning they can resolve the issue efficiently and with minimal disruption.
Step 3: What Happens During Lift Rescue?
When the lift maintenance team arrives, they’ll start by carefully diagnosing the problem. If Eternal Elevators is your service provider, their technicians will conduct a systematic examination to safely resolve the issue. Here’s a brief overview of what might happen:
● Assessment of Lift Mechanics: Technicians will assess whether the problem is electrical, mechanical or sensor-related. They may manually move the lift car to a position that makes it easier to assist anyone inside.
● Opening of Lift Doors Safely: Once the lift car is in a safe position, the team will carefully release the doors so that passengers can exit securely.
● Thorough Safety Check: After everyone is out, Eternal Elevators’ technicians will conduct a thorough inspection to pinpoint the issue. The lift will be repaired on the spot or temporarily decommissioned until full servicing is completed, if necessary.
Why Lift Maintenance Matters: Preventing Future Breakdowns
Regular maintenance is critical in preventing lift breakdowns and upholding passenger safety. When lifts are maintained with a high standard of care, like the lift servicing offered by Eternal Elevators, breakdowns become far less likely. Here’s why regular servicing is crucial:
Safety Assurance
A lift that’s well-maintained will have up-to-date safety features, reducing the risk of malfunctions and passengers getting trapped.
Consistent Performance
Regular checks and servicing keep lifts operating smoothly. This reduces the frequency of issues such as stuck doors, sensor malfunctions and other glitches that may result in somebody getting trapped or harmed.
Longer Lifespan
Proper maintenance extends the life of the lift, meaning it’ll provide more of a reliable service over time and that parts are replaced or serviced before they cause a problem.
Eternal Elevators’ maintenance plans are custom-designed to meet building requirements. From commercial buildings to residential blocks, we tailor our servicing schedules to suit your lift usage and make certain that every mechanism is functioning optimally.
What to Do if You’re a Lift Manager or Building Owner
If you oversee lift operations in a building, regular maintenance and timely servicing should be your priority. Here’s how you can stay ahead of any lift breakdowns:
● Partner with a Trusted Lift Servicing Company: Choosing the right service provider is key to preventing lift malfunctions. Eternal Elevators offers comprehensive service packages, so you can rest assured your lifts are always in top condition.
● Create an Emergency Action Plan: Train staff to follow emergency protocols and make sure that they know how to assist if someone is trapped. Include steps on contacting the lift servicing team and reassure them that they don’t need to attempt repairs themselves.
● Schedule Regular Inspections: Work with Eternal Elevators to set up a schedule for inspections, so minor issues are detected early before they lead to breakdowns.
Choosing Eternal Elevators for Peace of Mind
With Eternal Elevators, you get more than just lift servicing; you receive peace of mind that you’re reducing the risk of passengers getting trapped. Our team of skilled technicians has extensive experience handling various lift brands and models, meaning that they’re fully equipped to diagnose and address issues quickly and efficiently. We take pride in offering:
● Rapid Response: Our 24/7 emergency response means that we can be there whenever a lift breakdown occurs, minimising downtime and disruptions.
● Preventive Maintenance Packages: We offer customised maintenance plans that proactively address potential issues, so you’re never caught off guard.
● Trusted Expertise: With a focus on lift repair, maintenance and servicing throughout Scotland, we’ve built a reputation for reliability and excellence with clients across the country.
Trust Eternal Elevators for Safe and Reliable Lift Servicing
At Eternal Elevators, we’re committed to ensuring lifts throughout Scotland operate safely, smoothly and reliably. Whether you’re dealing with an urgent lift breakdown or want to prevent issues through regular maintenance, we have you covered.
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