Elevators are a source of anxiety for many people. This is largely due to common elevator myths that have circulated for decades. Patrons often believe elevators to be more dangerous than they are, sparking fear and panic responses when minor malfunctions do occur.
Many of these beliefs are outright false, and understanding the truth can give you peace of mind about your business’s elevator system. You can also improve the safety of your elevators with the right elevator monitoring service on your side.
You Can Escape an Elevator Through an Emergency Exit Hatch
Many elevators contain an emergency exit hatch, but it is usually not accessible from inside the elevator. Instead, emergency response crews must open the hatch from the outside to help stuck patrons escape.
Attempting to open this hatch from the inside and exit through it without assistance can cause injuries. Instead, patrons should call for help and await further instructions.
There Is Overload Danger When Elevators Exceed the Weight Capacity
Elevators state their maximum weight capacity on a plaque near the doors. Although elevators have a maximum weight capacity at which they can operate, exceeding this weight limit won’t cause the cable to snap and the elevator to enter free fall.
Most elevators have fail-safe mechanisms that prevent them from operating when the conditions are not right. For example, an elevator won’t run if something is blocking the doors from closing. If the number of patrons in the elevator car exceeds the weight limit, the overload sensors will activate, preventing the car from running.
Elevators Are Held Up by a Single Cable, Which Can Snap
During an elevator malfunction, patrons may picture the cable snapping and the elevator dropping hundreds of feet before it crashes to the ground. Contrary to this common elevator myth, elevators are not held up by a single cable. The system consists of several strong steel cables, each capable of supporting the elevator car by itself if necessary.
One cable breaking is very unusual, but all cables snapping while the elevator is in use is even rarer. In most cases, the free-fall risk in an elevator is extremely minimal. Elevator safety mechanisms kick in long before the car can begin falling. Even if a car does somehow fall, the speed acceleration likely won’t be enough to cause serious injuries.
If Stuck in an Elevator Long Enough, You Can Run Out of Air
Many patrons fear suffocation when they are trapped in an elevator. They wonder how soon the car will run out of oxygen. The answer is never.
Elevator cars are not airtight. Even if the ventilation system fails, a small amount of air will still be able to enter and exit the car — more than enough to avoid suffocation.
Enhance Elevator Safety With ELEVATE Monitoring
ELEVATE Monitoring is here to help you improve elevator safety with real-time monitoring and reliable equipment. We can debunk common elevator myths and ensure the safe operation of your elevator system. Contact us today to learn more, then discover the realistic chances of getting stuck in an elevator.
