Elevator accidents don’t discriminate; rich or working class, they can happen anywhere. In January 2020, the managing director of PATH India, an industrialist, died in a negligently maintained elevator that crashed from a height of 70 feet. In February this year, a lift technician was killed while repairing a residential elevator in Mumbai. Last year, a young man died in Gurugram due to faulty elevator equipment.

Although elevator deaths are rare, they are entirely possible without proper vigilance and foresight. It is disturbing to think how an absolutely useful tool for transportation can claim lives unexpectedly when not maintained and used with proper care. While mishaps cannot always be avoided, we can at least exercise appropriate caution when using elevators for our safety and that of our neighbors and loved ones.

elevator safety tips for residential use

1. Always adhere to the overload warning; overloading the lift can cause serious malfunctions.
2. Never press the stop button unless instructed by maintenance personnel.
3. Do not try to stop the door from closing by inserting your hand or any object; use the buttons provided instead.
4. Avoid allowing water to enter the lift while cleaning the shaft, interiors, or adjacent lobby, as it may cause short circuits and damage electrical components.
5. If trapped inside, do not panic. Press the emergency call button or use the emergency phone inside the panel.
6. Do not pry open the door to exit; this can be extremely dangerous. Also, avoid trying to escape through the safety hatch on top, as it is meant only for trained engineers.
7. A trained building manager or watchman should assist trapped persons or immediately call professional help. Untrained volunteers should avoid risking their own safety.
8. Report any jerky movements, unusual noises, or other suspicious elevator behavior to the maintenance team immediately.
9. Do not allow children to play inside or around the elevator.
10. Avoid using elevators during power outages (even if emergency power is available) or during fire or other emergencies.

Elevator maintenance guidelines

Safety measures aside, regular maintenance is critical to keep apartment elevators accident-free. The main reasons for lift breakdowns are improper use, intentional vandalism, poor servicing, and lack of budget for repairs and maintenance.

Elevator maintenance contracts generally come in three types: full service, partial service, and oil and greasing contracts. It is essential to ensure your maintenance contract covers repairs, preventive maintenance, breakdown assistance, and part replacements by a registered, experienced, and credentialed company with highly trained professionals.

The managing committee should provide the maintenance agency’s action checklist along with the AMC documents to the building manager, who must ensure every item on the checklist is serviced. Maintenance varies by contract but typically includes:

• Monthly to quarterly tasks: Inspect doors, alarms, buttons, pump units, relief valves, starter contacts, car guide shoes, emergency phone, switches, grease governors and pulleys, clean ropes, oil brakes, check and adjust traction ropes, door motor brushes, dust panels, indicator lamps, and voltage of rectifiers.
• Biannual to annual tasks: Includes all above plus inspection and replacement of safety circuits and gears, oil buffers, cleaning and greasing sheaves and counterweights, checking wear on guide shoes, cleaning wire connection boxes, inspecting cables for fraying, cleaning and painting the hoistway, elevator pits, machine rooms, and checking firefighter operation modes (Phase I and Phase II).

Partial maintenance contracts exclude repairs and breakdown assistance, which are billed separately. Oil and greasing contracts only cover lubrication.

After each visit, a detailed report should be provided, documenting serviced and repaired components. A contract with comprehensive preventive maintenance is ideal for long-term safety and cost savings. The managing committee should budget for elevator AMC during annual financial planning and seek General Body consensus as it is an essential safety expense, not optional.

Emergency power systems and electrical safety

Many modern elevators come equipped with emergency power systems or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) that allow limited elevator operation during power outages. While this enhances safety, it is still advisable not to use elevators during blackouts unless necessary.

Regular electrical safety audits should be conducted alongside mechanical inspections. Faulty wiring or electrical components can cause malfunctions or fires and must be promptly addressed.

Firefighter operation mode

Elevators in residential buildings are often equipped with firefighter operation modes, known as Phase I and Phase II operations, designed to facilitate safe evacuation and emergency response during fires. These modes allow firefighters to take control of the elevator, override normal functions, and prevent use by residents during emergencies.

The maintenance team should ensure these functions are tested regularly as part of biannual or annual inspections, complying with local fire safety regulations.

Training for building staff

It is crucial to provide periodic training for building managers, watchmen, and other staff members on elevator safety and emergency protocols. Trained personnel can assist trapped residents safely, coordinate with maintenance teams, and respond effectively during emergencies.

This training reduces panic and improves overall safety in elevator-related incidents.

Legal and regulatory compliance

Various state lift acts, such as the Bombay Lift Act and Delhi Lift Rule,s mandate that government-appointed Inspectors of Lifts visit buildings once or twice a year to verify that elevator operations comply with the Bureau of Indian Standards guidelines.

These inspections check maintenance records, safety systems, and ensure compliance with safety standards. The managing committee must cooperate with these inspections and keep records updated.

Selecting the right elevators for your residential building

The typical lifespan of an elevator is around 15 years, but with full maintenance and depending on the quality, it can last 10 years longer. Builders are required to install elevators according to the National Building Code of India and state Development Control Regulations, in cooperation with electricity boards.

Factors determining elevator type include building height, load capacity, energy efficiency, speed, number of stops, and shaft size. It is advisable to select reputable manufacturers with strong brand reputations to ensure safety and durability.

Modern residential elevators typically carry around 680 kg (6-8 people) and aim to provide eco-friendly, smooth transportation of residents and goods.