What should be done when someone is trapped in an elevator?
Call the designated emergency service immediately, reassure the person and never improvise a rescue.
The elevator provider’s emergency details, exact address and equipment number should be readily available. If there is immediate danger, a medical issue or no appropriate response, contact the relevant emergency services as well.
Only trained authorised people should release passengers. Afterwards, record the time, intervention and cause, obtain the report and investigate repeat faults rather than closing the incident once the lift moves again.
Sound management distinguishes routine work, a service-provider visit and an inspection reserved for an authorised professional. Each system should have a file, next due date, responsible party and open-defect status so that warranties and required work are not lost.
Three points to check
- Visible emergency number
- No improvised rescue
- Incident report and recurrence review
Official and professional sources
These links are provided for further reading. Always check the authority’s website for the latest version and instructions.