How to prepare your elevators and escalators for winter
As we head into the cooler winter months, it is especially important for building owners and managers to keep vertical transportation safety and maintenance top of mind.
Read on to discover why proper maintenance of equipment is so important, how to reduce breakdowns, and how to ensure your equipment is in optimal working order this winter.
Safety & efficiency tips for your elevator
Glass-walled & exterior elevators
Temperature regulation is harder, especially during colder weather, for glass-walled elevators and elevators on the exterior of your building.
Consider these tips to help regulate your elevator's temperature:
- Park elevators on a climate-controlled floor
- Install cab air conditioners, which can both heat and cool elevator cabs
Elevator temperatures
For elevators to operate optimally, their machine rooms are recommended to be kept between 55 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with your elevator's hydraulic oil temperatures kept between 85 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
For hydraulic elevators:
- When a hydraulic elevator has not run for a number of hours (e.g., overnight), it may be necessary for designated personnel to operate the car for a few trips. This circulates warm oil into the jack and minimizes potential leveling difficulties.
- Oil heaters can also be installed by designated personnel to control the temperature of your elevator's hydraulic oil.
Preventing slips, trips & falls
As the snowy season beings, and use of rock salt and sand is more prevalent, it is important to keep an eye out for build-up around door sills in the car and corridor areas, as this can inhibit proper door operation.
Puddles can also accumulate in the elevator cab from snow and ice melt—however, we recommend not placing an anti-slip mat in your elevator cab, as this may cause a slip, trip, or fall. Instead, ask your house keeping or building maintenance to sweep and mop floors regularly.
Anti-entrapment
It is important to have backup systems available that can supply electricity to your elevators in the event of a weather-induced power outage. Anti-Entrapment Systems are designed to immediately detect the loss of standard power and to safely lower or raise the elevator to the closest landing and to open the car door, preventing entrapment.
Safety & efficiency tips for your escalator
During busy holiday months, airports, arenas and shopping malls see an influx in foot traffic. Ensure the safe operation of your building's escalator equipment this holiday season by following the below.
Tips to reduce shutdowns
- Perform daily checks of escalator components, including comb plates, skirt brushes, teepees, handrails, and steps to ensure all are free of debris and are in good, working condition
- Inspect step treads to ensure they are not damaged and/or sharp
Safety reminders for riders
- Do not sit on escalator steps - clothing or fingers can get caught
- Do not ride on or play with the escalator handrail, especially children
- Do not walk or run up the "down" escalator or down the "up" escalator
- Never take a stroller or wheelchair on an escalator - use the elevator instead
- Do not drag your feet along an escalator's sides - your foot could become caught between the step and the side panel, causing serious injury
- Remember to immediately step off the escalator when you reach the landing, especially when wearing high heels or rubber clogs