Elevator Evacuation Procedures

Elevators can be found in most very tall buildings. However, like any other type of machine, an elevator can malfunction and stall out. When this happens with passengers inside, an evacuation becomes necessary. It's important that the building where the elevator is installed has a plan for these evacuations and that employees of the building are trained in the evacuation procedure.

Opening the Doors

• If an elevator stops at or near a floor landing then it may be possible to just open the doors and help people climb out. Power to the elevator should be cut, and the doors should be unlocked and then opened by hand. It may take some effort, as well as a prying tool such as a crowbar, but generally speaking opening the doors is quite doable. It's important that people climbing out keep hold of a person already on the landing though so that they don't fall or slip and injure themselves.

Out the Roof

• While not a common evacuation procedure, there is an emergency access hatch on the roof of elevators. Passengers on the inside will have to take down the grill work that covers the lights and then push the access trapdoor up. Once that's done passengers can climb out of the room of the car. This should only be done when the elevator is stuck between floors. There are ladders on the sides of elevator shafts, and these ladders will allow passengers to climb to another landing where they can safely exit the elevator shaft.

Professionals

• While building employees should be trained to execute elevator evacuation procedures, it may be a part of the evacuation procedure to call professionals so that they can handle the emergency situation. Typically building personnel should inform the fire department (or a volunteer fire department if there isn't a paid force in the area), as well as the police department. If neither of these agencies can respond then it's up to the employees on duty to evaluate the situation and to enact proper evacuation procedures.