Tag: Elevator Testing and Inspections

What is Elevator Modernization?

If you are responsible for the upkeep of a commercial or residential building, you know that the elevator is one of the most important components.

When elevator systems begin to break down, it can cause major disruptions for tenants, employees, and visitors. That’s why elevator modernization is so important.

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of investing in elevator modernization services.

Elevator Modernization Checklist:

1. Cost-effective solution: Investing in elevator modernization services is a cost-effective way to keep your elevators running smoothly. By replacing outdated components and upgrading to new technology, you can avoid costly repairs down the line. 

2. Increased safety: Modernizing your elevators will also help to increase safety for everyone who uses them. Newer elevators are equipped with the latest safety features, which can help to prevent accidents and injuries. 

3. Improved reliability: When you invest in elevator modernization services, you can also expect an improvement in the overall reliability of your elevators. With updated components and new technology, your elevators will be less likely to experience unexpected breakdowns. 

4. Enhanced aesthetic: If you are looking for a way to enhance the aesthetic of your building, elevator modernization is a great option. By updating the look of your elevators, you can give your whole building a fresh, modern look. 

5. Greater customer satisfaction: In the end, investing in elevator modernization services is all about providing a better experience for your customers or tenants. With updated elevators, they won’t have to deal with disruptions or delays caused by breakdowns. This can lead to increased satisfaction and loyalty from your customers or tenants.

How Elevator Modernization Can Benefit Your Business

Elevator modernization services offer a wide range of benefits for commercial and residential buildings alike. 

From improved safety and reliability to enhanced aesthetics and greater customer satisfaction, there are many good reasons to invest in this type of service. 

If you are responsible for the upkeep of a commercial or residential building, be sure to keep these benefits in mind when making decisions about elevator maintenance and repair

Why Should You Modernize Your Elevator?

There are a number of reasons why you should consider modernizing your elevator, such as: 

-Improved safety: Modern elevators come equipped with the latest safety features, such as automatic doors and emergency brakes. 

– Increased efficiency: A modernized elevator system will run more efficiently, resulting in lower energy costs. 

– Enhanced functionality: You can add features to your elevator, like voice-activated controls or heating and cooling, that will make it more user-friendly. 

– Improved aesthetics: A modernized elevator will give your business a more professional appearance. 

The Benefits of Elevator Modernization Services

There are a number of reasons why you should consider investing in elevator modernization services. First and foremost, it can help to improve the safety of your employees and customers.

By modernizing your elevators, you can help to ensure that they are up to code and meet all current safety standards. Additionally, elevator modernization can help to reduce the amount of downtime your business experiences.

By investing in elevator modernization services, you can help to ensure that your elevators are properly maintained and have a reduced chance of breaking down. Finally, elevator modernization services can also help to improve the efficiency of your business operations.  

If you are looking for ways to improve the efficiency and safety of your business, then you should consider investing in elevator modernization services.

By investing in these services, you can help to ensure that your elevators are up to code and meet all current safety standards.

Additionally, elevator modernization can help to reduce the amount of downtime your business experiences. Finally, by investing in elevator modernization services, you can also help to improve the efficiency of your business operations.

Elevator Modernization Services for Improved Efficiency and Safety

 For any business, the goal is to increase efficiency and safety while reducing downtime. One key area that is often overlooked is elevator modernization. Investing in elevator modernization services can have a number of benefits for your business, including increased safety, reduced downtime, and improved efficiency.

If you’re looking for ways to improve the efficiency and appearance of your business, look no further than elevator modernization. With so many benefits, there’s no reason not to give it a try. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you take your business to the next level.

Island Elevator is Ready to Help!

Island Elevator is here to help you understand all facets of your Elevator Repair, Maintenance, & Modernization costs in the new year.  Our team is here to help ensure your home and business vertical transportation equipment receive the regularly scheduled maintenance necessary to help you avoid a major catastrophe, reduce the possibility of a costly repair, and ensure the safety of your passengers, tenants, and family.

Call For Your Free Estimate Today! 631-491-3392

Click Here For More Information On Home Elevators

Did you know that there are 1.03 million elevators in the United States and each elevator carries 20,000 people per year? You’ve probably ridden in an elevator in the past week alone.

But all this experience riding up and down in elevators doesn’t mean that all Americans are following proper elevator safety procedures at all. That’s why we have created this guide for you, so you can up your elevator compliance and eliminate as many injuries as possible. 

1. Don’t Horse Around in an Elevator

Even though most of us are used to using an elevator as if it were an everyday affair, you are still riding in a complex piece of equipment that should be treated with respect. There’s no point playing with your life here.

You can horse around after you’ve gotten off the elevator. But during your elevator ride, act civilized and composed, and stay alert.

Don’t push your friends or family around against the wall or the door. It could result in the elevator doors opening unintentionally or some sensorial mechanism jamming. It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry in such situations.

2. Always Sanitize Your Hands After Touching the Elevator Buttons

Considering that each elevator carries 20,000 people per year, which amounts to around 55 people per day, that’s a lot of germs you could be partaking in if you touch the elevator buttons without sanitizing your hands after.

If you don’t want to get sick and you wish to keep your family safe and sound, especially during such turbulent times, ensure you always carry hand sanitizer with you and use it diligently, especially after being in an enclosed space such as an elevator. 

Wear a mask as well to ensure that you don’t catch someone else’s germs. If you have a cold or a cough, make sure to cough directly into your sleeve, so as not to dispel germs into the elevator to infect everyone who hops on it.

3. Ensure Proper Elevator Testing and Inspections Are Done Regularly

If you are an elevator owner, ensure that you do proper elevator testing and inspections regularly. The company you purchased the elevator from will have a schedule that they follow, especially if it’s included in your elevator maintenance plan. 

Even if it’s an extra cost, it’s worth it for you to include that in your annual budget, as it can ensure that thousands of people who use the elevators in your building are kept safe and sound. It will help you avoid exorbitant costs later on, not only in lawyer fees (if someone gets hurt in your unmaintained elevator) but also in fixing your elevator once it breaks down completely.

An elevator is a complicated mechanism just like a car and needs regular maintenance to ensure its optimal functioning. Even skipping one oil change can affect a car adversely and the same applies to an elevator. Don’t skimp on this useful cost as elevator owners.

4. Do Not Use the Elevator in a Fire or Other Emergency Situation

This is something that gets drummed into every elevator user, but most of us will forget this when it comes to an emergency. Of course, the ideal thing would be to switch off all elevators automatically once an emergency has been declared. 

But doing regular emergency drills in your building will also help fix this idea for elevator users. Do not ever use an elevator in an emergency – it’s unsafe not only due to fire concerns, but it could also result in you getting stuck in an elevator in between floors due to electrical or power failure issues. 

Use the stairs to protect yourself and also get in an additional workout. It’s a win-win situation.

5. Don’t Rush Into an Elevator – Allow Other Passengers To Disembark First

Even if you are beyond late to an important meeting, it’s not worth risking your or other people’s lives for this. Take a deep breath, stand back, and allow the passengers inside the elevator to disembark first. 

This way you are not only being polite and civilized, but you are also ensuring that there isn’t a bottleneck at the elevator door, causing further delays to your schedule.

6. Ensure Your Children and Pets Are Held Under Tight Rein

Children and pets are always fascinated by these moving boxes called elevators. They will want to play with and around it. 

That’s why you need to keep a tight hold on both children and pets (and any grocery bags or equipment you might be carrying) so that they don’t interfere with the proper functioning of an elevator.

You don’t want them standing at the elevator door stopping the door from closing. Or coming in and out of an elevator, pressing all elevator buttons, and causing delays for other waiting passengers.

It’s your responsibility to ensure your children and pets follow proper elevator etiquette (more on this below). It’s also good training for your young children for when they are older and using elevators on their own.

7. Don’t Stand Next to the Door, but Next to the Walls

If you are carrying an umbrella or other long equipment, ensure that you carry these close to your body, to avoid them getting caught in elevator doors and jamming the sensors. This can all be avoided if you avoid standing next to the doors. Stand as close to the back or side walls as possible.

This will also help new passengers embark onto the elevator easier as they don’t have to pass by or squeeze past you.

8. Do These Particular Things When the Elevator Stops in Between Floors

The worst nightmare of most people has to be getting stuck in a dark elevator due to an electrical or systems failure. Thankfully, elevators nowadays have lots of emergency mechanisms built in that allow stuck passengers to stay safe and sound.

Follow the principles mentioned below if stuck in an elevator in between floors:

• Do not panic and don’t try to climb out – the inside of an elevator is the safest place to be when an elevator is stopped
• Don’t try to pry open the elevator doors 
• Remember there is enough air in elevators for you to breathe for a long time to come and emergency mechanisms ensure that an elevator will not fall to the bottom of the shaft even if there is a power failure
• Press the emergency alarm or contact button on the elevator panel (or use your telephone) and wait for someone to answer you
• Tell them calmly exactly what happened and allow them to understand the situation properly – wait for safety instructions and any necessary elevator repair to be conducted
• If there are children in an elevator with you or other people who are panicking, explain the situation to them calmly and help them relax through some deep breathing techniques
• Stay quiet, don’t start screaming for help (that won’t help your adrenaline levels)

Modern elevators get built for all sorts of emergencies and are safer than you imagine. Don’t let doomsday scenarios in movies make you believe otherwise.

9. Follow Elevator Etiquette – Hold the Door Open for Any Incoming People

Don’t be rude. Even if you have somewhere to be, do the right thing and hold the door open for any incoming passengers. Also, hold the door open for any disembarking passengers, especially if they have a lot of equipment or baggage to transport. 

A little bit of decency and kindness can go a long way especially when it comes to crowded places like elevators.

10. Don’t Get On in an Overcrowded Elevator

You don’t know what the weight limits of a particular elevator are, so if the elevator already has lots of people on it, don’t get on it. You can wait a few seconds and get on the next one – it will delay you a bit, but that’s better than getting stuck in an overcrowded elevator that stops midway. Also, considering that viruses are spreading like crazy nowadays, it’s better to avoid any situation where you will be in close contact with other humans for an extended period. Modern elevators are so fast (the fastest one in the world in 2017 was the Shanghai Tower elevator that reached speeds of 67 feet per second) that you will be on another one in a matter of minutes.

Elevator Safety Is All About Slowing Down

Too many of us are rushing around from one place to another without taking a pause or a breath. But when it comes to using a complicated device like an elevator, everyone needs to slow down and take elevator safety measures seriously. 

The elevator tips mentioned above should be inculcated into your daily habits to ensure that you are using all elevators you encounter as safely as possible. It’s as important as the safety measures you use when driving or when embarking on an airplane. 

A comprehensive elevator maintenance checklist is essential.

You need to have a fully functioning and safely operating elevator. Elevator compliance is not a difficult thing to meet when you have the right people and tools. 

Elevator testing and inspections ensure that you are on top of any necessary elevator repair. It keeps your costs lower and your passengers happy. 

When you need elevator repair and maintenance, contact us for a free estimate.  

Island Elevator is Ready to Help!

Island Elevator is here to help you understand all facets of your Elevator Repair, Maintenance, & Modernization costs in the new year.  Our team is here to help ensure your home and business vertical transportation equipment receive the regularly scheduled maintenance necessary to help you avoid a major catastrophe, reduce the possibility of a costly repair, and ensure the safety of your passengers, tenants, and family.

Call For Your Free Estimate Today! 631-491-3392

Click Here For More Information On Home Elevators

Every year around thirty people die by elevator in some way. One of the easiest ways to keep people safe on elevators is by performing regular elevator testing and inspections.

Elevator repair is relatively easy and inexpensive when issues get caught early. Creating a thorough elevator maintenance checklist is free, and it allows you to track its condition.

Meeting elevator compliance keeps you safe from disastrous accidents and expensive consequences. 

Keep reading to find out what you should include on your checklist so you can avoid unsafe elevator operations. 

Why Do I Need an Elevator Maintenance Checklist?

Buying an elevator for your building is a major investment. That investment needs maintenance to continue adding value to your property. An elevator that is poorly cared for is a safety hazard and a liability. 

Maintaining an elevator involves finding and fixing any issues that could cause an elevator to malfunction. Service technicians and elevator contractors have the training to keep your system safe and in working order. 

A good elevator maintenance plan keeps the elevator running smoothly and reduces the risk of an accident occurring. The best plan will include elevator testing and inspections as well as some elevator repair as needed. 

Elevator compliance is not optional. You must meet state requirements and follow applicable codes. Keeping your passengers safe and avoiding expensive repairs should be your goal.

Inside the Car

Inside the car, there are five items you need to be able to check off your list. First, the doors should open and close without any obstructions. Check that they are not bouncing or slamming when they shut. 

Second, look for any damage to the interior of the elevator. You may find damage to the handrails, ceiling, floors, walls, or buttons. 

Third, replace any burnt-out light bulbs within the car. These are often located overhead and in the panel behind the buttons. 

Fourth, ensure that the emergency stop feature is fully functional. You might consider checking it at the beginning of your inspection and the end. 

Fifth and finally, make sure that the emergency phone connects to the local police or fire stations. If the phone does not connect quickly enough, you may have a problem on your hands. 

Checking off each of these five interior maintenance tasks will allow your passengers a comfortable and safe ride. The mechanics outside and inside of the car need to work to ensure elevator safety. 

Outside the Car

Maintaining the outside of the elevator is just as important as the inside of it. There are three things you must do before moving on. 

First, make sure all the lights on each floor are lit and working properly. Unlit elevator buttons can confuse the passengers. You will need to replace any bulbs that are burnt out. 

Second, inspect the door panels for any damage or dents. The doors should open fully on each floor properly. 

Third, test the smoke alarm and fire detectors on each floor. 

Much of the inside and outside inspections of the car need to be done daily by you or other staff. Keeping track of visible damage and functions to report to your elevator maintenance person is a way to make sure nothing is missed. 

On Top of the Car

Some advise that only professionals carry out your maintenance checklist on top of the car. There are five items they must check off their list before moving onto the next area of the elevator. 

First, ensure that the emergency exit is easily accessible to passengers. It is important for fires and motionless elevators. An emergency exit that is difficult to open or blocked is useless in an emergency. 

Second, find the brakes and make sure that they are in good working order. Inspecting the braking mechanism is essential to completing a full examination of the elevator. 

Third, check the cables for any signs of damage or wear. Inspect their connections to be sure that their attachment is correct and safe. 

Fourth, look for signs of vandalism or rodents along the hoistway. You may also need to clear debris from the top of the car to see more clearly. 

Fifth, inspect all visible elements. This includes leveling devices, rollers, and guide rails for wear, damage, and vandalism.

Any wear or damage found on any part above the car must be dealt with as soon as possible. The longer you wait to address an issue, the more likely your elevator repair costs will rise, and you risk passengers’ safety. 

In the Machine Room

In the machine room, five things should go through an assessment. Nearly all machine rooms are on the ground floor of the building, but occasionally they are above the shaft. They are always near the elevator itself. 

Start by addressing anything in the room that does not belong. Anything unrelated to the elevator needs immediate removal. 

Second, check all components for wear, leaks, damage, and unusual vibration. If you find signs of any of this, it should be corrected immediately. 

Third, look for overheating or failure in the electrical components. The electrical wiring may have fraying or defects, which you can see. 

Fourth, inspect the oil levels and make sure that all the systems are lubricated properly. It should not be necessary to refill every time you perform elevator testing and inspections.

Fifth, ensure there is adequate headroom for technicians to work. Make any adjustments necessary for the machine room within your ability. Then, schedule a follow-up service with your elevator repair person.  

In the Pit

There are six elevator maintenance tips associated with the pit. The pit is located below the ground floor. It is the core of your elevator’s foundation. When your elevator’s pit is not in proper condition, your elevator is not safe. 

First, ensure that there is proper access to the pit. There should be a pit access door that shuts and locks itself for safety. If this door is broken, missing, or unable to be opened, that is the first thing you should address.

Second, examine the pit to make sure it has the necessary clearance to work inside. Without easy access, you can not perform the rest of your duties within the area. 

Third, find the lights, GFI outlet, and stop switch. Check that they are in working order before you continue. 

Fourth, clean the pit of any debris or dirt. Then check for any leaks that may have sprung since your last check-up. 

Fifth, inspect all the spring buffers for any alignment issues, damage, or corrosion. Spring buffers are used to cushion the elevator and must be in good condition. 

Sixth, look over other visible components. This includes the rollers, switches, safeties, and guide rails. Any damage must be reported. 

How to Carry Out Elevator Testing and Inspections

Carrying out full elevator testing and inspections is necessary for elevator compliance. Yet, they can be simple when you have the right checklist and the right people to go through with it. 

You must follow the four following steps to finish your elevator inspection thoroughly. 

• Perform maintenance on a regular schedule
• Identify problems and address them right away
• Ensure that each area of the elevator is in proper condition
• Adhere to a complete checklist to know your elevator units are working

Once the entire inspection finishes, a maintenance report needs to be created. It will summarize everything that was checked off the list and address all issues found on the elevator. 

Elevator Maintenance and Servicing Requirements

There are some elevator maintenance requirements set by The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and The American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Elevator contractors and owners must follow them.

• The requirements include the following points. 
• Periodic inspections and preventative maintenance
• Maintaining all components that operate the elevator
• Testing electrical equipment 
• Maintaining safety equipment 

Always be sure to prepare before beginning maintenance or service. You must communicate with others in the building, audit the tools, and have protection from electrical or falling risks. 

When Elevator Repair for Elevator Compliance Is Necessary

A comprehensive elevator maintenance checklist is essential. You need to have a fully functioning and safely operating elevator. Elevator compliance is not a difficult thing to meet when you have the right people and tools. 

Elevator testing and inspections ensure that you are on top of any necessary elevator repair. It keeps your costs lower and your passengers happy. 

When you need elevator repair and maintenance, contact us for a free estimate.  

Island Elevator is Ready to Help!

Island Elevator is here to help you understand all facets of your Elevator Repair, Maintenance, & Modernization costs in the new year.  Our team is here to help ensure your home and business vertical transportation equipment receive the regularly scheduled maintenance necessary to help you avoid a major catastrophe, reduce the possibility of a costly repair, and ensure the safety of your passengers, tenants, and family.

Call For Your Free Estimate Today! 631-491-3392

Click Here For More Information On Home Elevators