It’s not very often you think of an elevator as a dangerous machine that can potentially hurt you or your children. Well according to the CDC, elevator accidents occur quite often within the United States. Elevator accidents are common and it’s important to know basic safety tips for you and your family. Here, Vanguard Elevator discusses common causes of elevator accidents and basic elevator safety to keep you and your kids safe at all times.
Why Do Elevator Accidents Happen?
Elevator accidents mostly happen due to malfunctions that have not been repaired yet. When any kind of breakdown or malfunction occurs, no matter how big or small, it should be immediately repaired as it can turn into a significant problem or lead to a potential injury. Below are a few of the most common reasons elevator accidents occur.
- Faulty Wiring – Faulty wires can cause damage to the elevator and the people riding it. The wiring can cause electrical shock injuries, which can cause serious injury or death.
- Improper Speeds – Elevators should never function at high speeds as it can be dangerous to those inside. This mostly happens when the weight system of the elevator is faulty or the elevator maintenance staff fails to detect the elevator’s speed.
- Defect In Sliding Doors – Sometimes the elevator doors can malfunction and close on someone. Typically this is for older elevators without sensors but it has been known to happen. In those instances, doors either close too quickly or remain half-open during the whole ride. This is potentially dangerous, especially for people riding the elevator with small children.
- Faulty Elevator Repair – First of all, if any problems arise, immediate elevator repair should occur. Not only that, the repairs should be done correctly. Always call a professional elevator maintenance company like Vanguard Elevator.
- Lack Of Elevator Maintenance – Elevator maintenance is vital to the efficiency of the elevator system. Make sure you have routine maintenance or inspections done on your elevator system.
If you need elevator repair or maintenance, then give Vanguard Elevator a call. Our team of professional technicians will be happy to help with your residential or commercial elevators.
What Type of Injuries Do Elevator Accidents Cause?
The type of injury you sustain mainly depends upon the extent of the elevator accident. From elevator failure, having doors close improperly or even getting clothing caught up in them. Below are a few types of injuries that can happen due to the situations listed above:
- Clothing, shoe laces, or even your finger can get caught in the elevator doors. This can lead to hand or foot injuries or even cause an amputation.
- Sudden abrupt changes in elevation can cause traumatic brain injuries, fractures, skull injuries, or even lacerations. High-speed functioning elevators can cause people to be tossed around causing head, skeletal or muscular injuries.
- A malfunctioning door could lead to a person getting caught in them causing a potential injury.
Elevator Safety Tips For Parents
- Patience When Entering – Kids can get excited about elevator rides. Make sure that they know to let passengers out before entering. This way, you avoid collisions with other people or the elevator doors. Additionally, always ask your kids to enter the elevator with you in case there is any gap between the elevator and door so you can prevent anything from happening.
- Do Not Press Random Buttons – You should not allow your kids to keep pressing the elevator buttons. They might end up activating the elevator’s security alarm which would be embarrassing. Also, the random pressing of a button can cause damage to the elevator electrical system which may require elevator repairs.
- Do Not Touch The Elevator Doors – Always keep your children away from elevator doors, whether waiting for an elevator or riding an elevator. There might be a chance your kid might end up trapping his finger, toe, or limb in the doors, causing potential injuries.
- Be Mindful Of Your Clothes – Always teach your kids to be mindful of their clothes, whether riding an elevator or escalator. Most commonly, elevator accidents happen because a piece of clothing, shoe laces or scarf gets caught up in the elevator doors or crevices. This can be fatal. For example, if your kid’s scarf or shoelace gets caught in the elevator, it can end up choking them or pulling them in a terrible way.
Need Elevator Repair Or Maintenance? Call Us Today!
As we mentioned, although elevators today are designed to minimize the impact of injury, no parent should ever totally rely on the elevators. Always teach your kids the general rules and etiquette of elevator safety, so they know what caution to take when getting on one.
Vanguard Elevator is an Atlanta premium elevator maintenance and repair service company. With years of experience and a team of licensed professionals, you can be assured of premium quality service for your elevators. Give us a call today!