Home elevators are very safe accessibility devices, but it’s important to follow all rules of usage and understand the safety features. If you regularly use your home elevator, there is a small chance that you could experience technical issues. Knowing what action to take can help you get out of the situation.

Avoid getting stuck inside your elevator with the following tips.

ELEVATOR SAFETY FEATURES

The below safety features make your home elevator easier to use and prevent accidents from becoming emergencies:

1. THE ¾” X 4″ RULE FOR ELEVATOR LANDINGS

This safety governing code specifically for home elevators at a private residence states that only ¾ of an inch of extra space is permitted between the closed hoistway door and the edge of the landing’s threshold. In addition to this space restriction, the maximum distance allowed between the closed hoistway door and the car gate is only four inches. The ¾” X 4″ Rule is in place to ensure that pets and small children are able to safely cross between the closed door and the gate.

2. THE ALARM SYSTEM AND EMERGENCY PHONE

Your elevator comes with an alarm bell and phone, which you can usually find on the wall panel with the other buttons. These features should be easily accessible. When you use the phone, you can place a call to your local emergency department. After you contact either your local emergency department or elevator company through the phone, they can deploy personnel to help you.

3. THE DOOR OPEN BUTTON

If the elevator stalls near the landing, validate that the gate is fully closed and the run stop has not been accidentally put into the stop position. Press the ALARM push button to notify others in the house that the elevator is disabled. Do NOT have someone in the household attempt to extricate anyone from an elevator while it is disabled. If there is someone in the house who can manually lower the elevator, have them contact Residential Elevators Service Department at 800-832-2004; Option 4 or 911.

FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE AN ELEVATOR TO GET STUCK

Below are factors that might influence your elevator’s functionality:

1. USING AN INEXPERIENCED ELEVATOR CONTRACTOR

Although home elevator installation can be an expensive service, avoid hiring a contractor who does cheap work. You want to make elevator safety a high priority. Invest in a quality installation service with years of experience so your home elevator system will last.

2. IGNORING THE ELEVATOR’S NEED FOR REPAIRS

Putting off repairs is usually what causes an elevator to get stuck. If you notice that your elevator is functioning poorly or has an issue, call for a service visit as soon as possible. When you hear unusual squealing noises, feel jerky movements or notice the elevator moving very slowly, stop using the device until a technician can examine it.

Loud squeaking noises could mean that you have a loose or broken cable, pully or another failing mechanism in your elevator. Another sign that repairs are needed is the elevator looking misaligned with the floor when the door opens. The repair technician can correct these problems to ensure the elevator keeps working properly.

3.  AVOIDING REGULAR MAINTENANCE

You need to hire a technician to fix the elevator when you notice a repair may be needed, but you should also get routine maintenance. Ask your elevator installation company or contractor about how often you should conduct maintenance on your elevator. You should get regular maintenance at least once annually.

4. A LACK OF UNDERSTANDING OF THE EMERGENCY FEATURES

Home elevators are required to have emergency features in case the device does become disabled. Understanding how these features work can help you get assistance quickly. The most common feature is an emergency phone that you can use to call for help.

5. IGNORING WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS

All elevators have a weight requirement, and you should ask about the maximum before having yours installed. Some elevators are large enough to transport multiple people at once or to lift heavy furniture. Other elevators should only be used to lift a single person, including the weight of a wheelchair.

Although a commercial elevator that you would ride in a hotel can typically hold several thousand pounds, a home elevator is usually a smaller device with a much lower weight limit. If you frequently overload your elevator, it may start to have issues that will lead to repairs.

6. ENTERING OR EXITING CARELESSLY

Make sure every member of your household rides your elevator carefully and with respect. Running into and out of the elevator, jumping inside the cart or other careless behaviors can lead to accidents. Hold onto the elevator’s handrail as you move between floors, and wait for the elevator to fully reach its destination before you enter or exit.

HOME ELEVATOR FAQ

Below are frequently asked questions about what to do if you find yourself stuck inside a home elevator.

SHOULD YOU CLIMB OUT OF A STUCK ELEVATOR?

If you get stuck in an elevator, do not attempt to exit the elevator between floors. Waiting for emergency personnel is the best action you can take if you get stuck in an elevator.

CAN YOU RUN OUT OF AIR IF YOU’RE STUCK IN AN ELEVATOR?

The elevator is supplied with air from the outside, so you will always have enough air when using it. If you become stuck in your home elevator, you can wait patiently for the emergency personnel to arrive with plenty of oxygen around you. However, a panic response to becoming trapped inside your elevator can make you feel like you need more air. Try to control your breathing, and keep your heart rate down by staying calm.

DO ELEVATORS HAVE EMERGENCY EXITS?

If you see a panel in the ceiling of your elevator, this is meant for technicians only. Avoid trying to exit the elevator if you become stuck. Instead, wait for help to arrive.

SHOULD YOU CALL 911 IF YOU’RE STUCK IN THE ELEVATOR?

Use the elevator phone or your cell phone if you get stuck to call 911. The emergency services team you can contact from inside your elevator expects to handle your specific situation.

HOW LONG CAN YOU BE STUCK IN AN ELEVATOR?

Emergency personnel will arrive at your location to help get you out of the elevator. They will respond as quickly as they are able to.

HOW LIKELY IS IT TO GET STUCK IN AN ELEVATOR?

Although it is possible to get stuck in an elevator, the chance of this happening is extremely low. If the elevator stalls, this likely means the device needs to be repaired.

WORK WITH RESIDENTIAL ELEVATORS

Work with a company that focuses on elevator safety. We design custom elevators with specific features to fit your home. Register your elevator with us for additional protection or contact us to learn more about our services.