How to Use: Look from outside—never step on escalators or open elevator being serviced. While inspecting use a flashlight to check gaps and lights. Ride if safe, note any shakes or stops. Ask the building manager: “Last safety check? Emergency phone work?” Mark High (doors not closing right, no phone), Medium (dim lights, old tags), or Low (smooth ride, current tags) risk. Elevators and escalators cause about 17,000 injuries and 30 deaths each year in the United States (Consumer Product Safety Commission 2025); most from falls or caught fingers. Costs: $50 million+ in claims yearly. Prevent with American Society of Mechanical Engineers A17.1 safety code and Consumer Product Safety Commission rules.
THE BASICS: HOW ELEVATORS AND ESCALATORS WORK
Elevators are boxes that move up and down in a shaft using cables or hydraulics to carry people or things. Escalators are moving stairs with steps on a loop belt for going up or down floors.
Simple Types:
- Cable Elevator: Pulled by steel ropes over a wheel—common in tall buildings.
- Hydraulic Elevator: Pushed by oil in a cylinder—like a car jack for lower floors.
- Escalator: Steps move on tracks with handrails that match speed.
Key Parts:
- Doors: Slide open/close with sensors to stop if blocked.
- Emergency Phone: Connects to help in case of stuck ride.
- Brakes and Safety Stops: Catch if speed too fast or cable breaks.
Why Inspect: Doors can trap fingers, stops fail from wear, lights cause trips—most problems from poor upkeep.
Easy Fact: Elevators carry 1 billion rides daily in the US; escalators move 105 billion passengers yearly (National Elevator Industry Inc. 2025). Safe when checked, risky if ignored.
INSPECTION CHECKLIST
DOORS & SENSORS
- Doors close smooth, no gaps wider than 1 inch Why: Big gaps trap clothes or fingers.
- Sensors stop doors if hand blocks them Why: Prevents crushing injuries.
- No rust or dents on door edges Why: Damage makes doors stick.
INSIDE THE CAB
- Lights bright, no flickers or dark spots Why: Dim light causes trips when stepping in.
- Floor level even with hall, no more than 1/2 inch off Why: Uneven stop trips people.
- Emergency phone rings and connects to help Why: Needed if stuck inside.
ESCALATOR STEPS & HANDRAILS
- Steps clean, no missing teeth at edges Why: Gaps catch shoes or toes.
- Handrails move same speed as steps Why: Mismatch pulls people off balance.
- Emergency stop buttons work at top/bottom Why: Quick stop for falls or jams.
SAFETY TAGS & RECORDS
- Annual safety tag current from certified inspector Why: Proves full check passed.
- Maintenance log shows monthly visits Why: Catches small issues early.
- Load limit sign posted and clear Why: Stops overload that strains parts.
GENERAL CONDITION
- No water leaks or oil spots near shaft Why: Slippery floors cause falls.
- Brakes and cables no visible wear Why: Worn parts lead to drops.
- Pit under elevator clean, no trash Why: Debris blocks safety switches.
QUESTIONS TO ASK MANAGER
- “When was the last full safety check? Can I see the tag?”
- “Any stuck rides or door problems last year?”
- “Emergency phone—who does it call? Tested lately?”
- “Maintenance team—who and how often?”
- “Load tests done? Any overload alarms?”
RISK LEVELS
- High = Doors not sensing, poor leveling, no phone → Suggest attention immediately, fix now
- Medium = Dim lights, old tag → Fix within 30 days
- Low = Smooth, tagged, logged → Best practice
LCA Certified Inspector “Check it. Test it. Secure it
Resources:
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers A17.1 Safety Code
- Consumer Product Safety Commission Elevator Guide
- National Elevator Industry Inc. Safety Tips
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration Machine Guarding
Disclosure: This guide highlights common risks but is not exhaustive. Always verify local codes and carrier guidelines.