As a building manager, elevator safety is one of your most critical responsibilities. With dozens, sometimes hundreds, of residents relying on your elevators daily, understanding safety fundamentals is not just good practice, it is essential.
Prefer to watch? Here are the 5 checks in under a minute and a half:
5 Quick Checks Every Manager Should Perform
You do not need to be a certified technician to spot potential problems. These checks take a few minutes, and each one tells you something specific about the condition of your elevator.
1. Listen for unusual sounds
Grinding, squealing or banging during a ride are early warnings of a mechanical issue. Do not wait for them to get louder: call a licensed technician.
2. Check door operation
Doors should open and close smoothly and quietly. Pay attention to:
- Noise when the doors open or close
- Slamming: door panels hitting each other hard at the end of their travel
- Jumping or bouncing as the doors move
These signs usually point to missing maintenance, or to an obstruction in the sill (the groove the doors slide along at floor level), the rollers, or the hanger track the doors hang from above the opening. Keep the sill free of debris and report any of these symptoms.
3. Test the emergency phone and the alarm bell
These are the two lifelines if someone gets trapped, so test both regularly:
- Emergency phone: press the button marked with the phone symbol. Someone should answer, ready to help, and know exactly which building and which elevator the call is coming from.
- Alarm bell: press it and confirm it is loud enough for someone outside the elevator to hear.
4. Inspect the cab interior
- Handrails: vibration loosens the screws over time. Check them and tighten them at least once a month.
- Floor: it must be flat, with no hollow or raised spots that could trip someone.
- Lighting: every light in the cab should be on. Replace burnt-out lights right away.
5. Monitor leveling accuracy
At every stop, the cab should stop flush with the floor, no more than 1/8 inch above or below the landing. A car that stops low or high is a trip hazard.
Common Safety Hazards to Watch For
Many elevator accidents are preventable. Stay vigilant for these warning signs:
- Doors that reverse too slowly or not at all when obstructed
- Excessive vibration during travel
- Inconsistent stopping positions between floors
- Flickering cab lights or intermittent display failures
- Unusual odors, especially burning smells
Emergency Preparedness Requirements
Florida requires specific emergency equipment in every elevator:
- Working emergency lighting (battery backup)
- Two-way communication device connected to 24/7 monitoring
- Current inspection certificate displayed in cab
- Emergency instructions posted clearly
Creating a Safety Culture
The best safety programs involve everyone. Train your staff to report issues immediately, educate residents about proper elevator use, and establish clear protocols for emergencies. Post signage about weight limits and remind residents not to hold doors open with their hands.
When to Call for Professional Help
If you notice any of the warning signs above, do not wait. Elevator problems rarely fix themselves and often worsen quickly. A small issue today can become an expensive repair, or worse, a safety incident, tomorrow.
At Brouss Elevators, we respond to service calls fast, 24/7, because we understand that elevator issues cannot wait. Our 40+ technicians serve all of Florida with the expertise to handle any situation.
Need a safety inspection or have concerns about your elevator? Call us at 786.308.9128, we are here to help 24/7.
