Elevator Brochure (Word document, 894KB, download Word viewer for free)

BE A SAFE RIDER!
GET CARRIED AWAY WITH ELEVATOR SAFETY!

Objective: To educate the public on the safe and proper use of elevators.

ELEVATOR SAFETY TIPS

It is very important to pay attention to the level of the floor when entering and exiting an elevator. On occasion, the hall floor may not be exactly even with the elevator floor. Paying attention will prevent passengers from tripping. Step over the gap.

Although many elevators doors are provided with protective edges designed to reopen when touched, they should be treated like any moving equipment. Contact should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. It is also important to enter and exit quickly. Press or ask another passenger to press the door open button (reversing the doors) to allow a slow mover the time to enter or exit. Stand clear, let the doors close and keep both yours and your children's hands and clothing away from the doors.

Elevators safely transport millions of people every day. The State of Maryland makes every effort to ensure your safety and is proud of its Elevator Safety record. YOU can help make that safety record even better by following these few simple rules.

• Don't overload an elevator.
• Don't try to leave a moving elevator.
• Don't try to force elevator doors open.
• In an emergency, remain calm and use the in-car emergency devices (telephone, alarm bell).
• In case of fire, do not use an elevator.
• Watch your step getting on and off an elevator.
• Don't interfere with opening or closing doors.

WHEN YOU APPROACH THE ELEVATOR:

• Know your destination. Push the Up or Down button for the direction you want to go.
• Stand aside for exiting passengers.
• Wait for the next car if the elevator is full.
• Don't try to stop a closing door with anything including hands, feet or canes. Wait for the next elevator.

WHEN YOU ENTER AND LEAVE THE ELEVATOR:

• Enter and exit carefully. Watch your step.
• Hold children firmly.
• Stand clear of the doors - keep clothes and carry-ons away from the opening.
• Push and hold the Door Open button if doors need to be held open, or ask someone to push the Door Open button for you.

WHEN RIDING ON THE ELEVATOR:

• Stand back from the doors.
• 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.
• If there is an emergency-use the provided phone or emergency device.
• Be considerate. Keep elevator clean for passenger comfort.

Elevators provide safe and convenient access in our rapid moving society, but it is important to remember that they are unattended machines without conscience. Every effort is made by the State of Maryland to ensure their safe operation. Each year Maryland State Inspectors conduct routine inspections on over 20,000 elevators, escalators, moving walks, and other types of lift equipment used by the Maryland public.

It is through these inspections where deficiencies are identified that can cause harm to users. Laws are in place to prevent the operation of dangerous lift equipment, and re-inspections are required in many cases to ensure the safety of the public.

Report suspected unsafe equipment to the Safety Inspection Unit of the Division of Labor and Industry.

We are here for your protection.

For additional information, contact:
Division of Labor and Industry
Elevator and Escalator Safety
1100 N. Eutaw Street - Room 601
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 767-2350
e-mail:  safe4u@dllr.state.md.us