Elevators include a wide range of built-in safety features that work in the background every time an elevator is in use. As a result, elevator performance directly impacts passenger safety. When even one safety component malfunctions, passengers can face significant safety risks.
Learn how elevator performance impacts passenger safety, then upgrade your elevator monitoring system with ELEVATE Monitoring.
Emergency Brakes and Speed Governors Prevent Overspeeding
When elevators are performing correctly, they can only reach certain top speeds before safety mechanisms kick in. Modern elevators have speed governors that continuously monitor the elevator’s speed and detect overspeed conditions. When these conditions are detected, the emergency brakes safely bring the car to a stop.
Regular elevator inspections ensure that these essential safety features continue working as they should. When an elevator is performing optimally, the emergency brakes also perform optimally and are ready to kick in at a moment’s notice.
Object Sensors and Door Interlocks Ensure Safe Door Closing
Good elevator performance also means that the doors open and close only when it is safe to do so, and that closed doors remain closed until they can safely reopen. Door interlock systems verify that the doors are securely closed before the elevator can start moving. Meanwhile, sensors detect objects between the doors, preventing them from closing on limbs, items, or articles of clothing.
Elevator Buffers Absorb Shock in Rare Cases of Overtravel
Elevators are designed with the necessary safety mechanisms to prevent the car from traveling farther than it is supposed to during operation. But proper elevator safety performance also means having backup equipment in place in rare cases of other equipment failure.
Elevator buffers are safety devices installed in the pit below the car and the counterweight. They absorb shock to cushion the impact of the car’s overtravel below the lowest landing to minimize injuries and damage.
Backup Power Supply Enables Safe Evacuation in a Power Outage
Many modern elevators don’t depend solely on the city’s electrical supply to continue operating. They also use backup power from an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or generator.
Backup power and emergency lighting systems ensure that the elevator car remains lit and can safely travel to the nearest floor in the event of a power outage. With these features in place, the elevator won’t get stuck.
Two-Way Communication Systems Ensure a Prompt Emergency Response
While reliable elevator performance prevents safety risks, many modern elevators also use two-way communication systems to enable passengers to call for help when they need to. Passengers riding an elevator can press a button and be connected to a trained operator who can guide them through basic evacuation protocols and call for help in case of an emergency.
Enhance Your Elevator Safety With ELEVATE Monitoring
Elevator performance is important for passenger safety, but backup safety measures are just as important. ELEVATE Monitoring helps businesses upgrade their elevator technology with two-way video monitoring systems that connect passengers to trained, professional operators.
Learn how you can optimize elevator performance with ELEVATE Monitoring by calling 877-990-9191.
