Elevators are an essential part of high-rise buildings. Most buildings ensure high safety standards while installing lifts; however, we keep hearing about mishaps. While on many occasions the lift company or the builder is held responsible for the mishaps, on many occasions it may be due to human errors as well. Lifts transport you to great heights, and they are machines and can develop a snag any time, and hence it is important that one should exercise extreme caution while using the elevators. Without proper understanding, even minor errors such as rushing in and playing with buttons and doors can result in injury. That’s why it’s vital for parents to teach their kids a few basic safety habits when it comes to elevators. Umang Bansal, Chairman, Polo Elevators, shared some vital safety tips that adults should follow and also teach children while using a lift.Elevators are machines, not toysKids are curious, especially when they see something that moves or has buttons that can be pressed. An elevator can become a fun ride to a kid. However, it is important to teach kids that an elevator is not a place to play. A good starting point in teaching kids about the appropriate use of an elevator is to explain to them that an elevator is a machine that is meant to transport people safely from one floor to another. Even though it is fun to jump and play inside an elevator, it is not good for the proper functioning of the elevator and can even become dangerous to others.Teach basic elevator etiquetteElevator manners are just as important as safety. One of the first things children should learn is to let people exit before entering.When the door opens, kids often run towards the door because of their excitement. This can cause accidents such as bumping or falling or even hitting someone at the door. It is essential for kids to learn how to step back and allow other people to come out before stepping into the lift.Watch your step when entering or exitingParents can encourage their kids to look down briefly before stepping into or out of the elevator. There may be instances where the floor of the elevator does not perfectly match the floor of the building, and kids may trip if they hurry into or out of the elevator without looking. It is also important to ensure that loose laces, loose backpacks, or long clothes do not hang too close to the narrow opening near the floor. It is important to encourage kids to slow down a bit and look around before proceeding to prevent any type of injury.
Press only the buttons you needButtons are often the most exciting part of the elevator ride for kids. But pressing every button on the panel can cause unnecessary stops and confusion for other passengers. Children should learn the simple rule of pressing only the button for their floor. Parents can also point out that some buttons—like alarm or emergency buttons—are meant strictly for real emergencies.Keep hands and feet away from the doorsElevator doors move quickly and automatically. Even though modern elevators have sensors, they may not always detect smaller children. Kids should be taught to stand clear of the doors and never try to stop them from closing with their hands, feet, or bags. Touching or leaning against the doors while they are opening or closing can lead to fingers getting pinched or stuck.No jumping or leaning inside the elevatorThere are times when kids make the elevator a tiny moving playroom, jumping a little, leaning on the door, or even hanging on the handrails. It may look innocent or playful, but it may pose a safety problem. Jumping may affect the balance of the elevator, while leaning on the door or the handrails may cause the kids to slip or fall. It would be best to teach kids to stand properly while the elevator is moving and hold the railing lightly if they need support.What to do in an emergencyAlthough elevator breakdowns are rare, people should still know how to respond calmly if one happens. There are safety features in elevators and that help is available. In case of a sudden stop, one should not push all the buttons and use the help button only when it’s necessary. Elevators are designed to remain secure and that there is always enough air inside while people wait for assistance.Supervise younger childrenYoung children should be accompanied by an adult when taking the elevator. It is important to have a parent or a guardian around kids to ensure they are following the basic safety procedures while in the elevator. In case of any unusual occurrence, the adult can be there to help the kids understand what to do. It also becomes a good opportunity for parents to teach children basic safety lessons while using the elevator.Making elevator safety a daily habitElevators are a part of our everyday lives, whether it’s our apartment building, office, mall, or hotel. Though elevators are very safe, it’s always a good idea to educate kids about some simple safety habits to avoid any unwanted incidents in elevators. With a little supervision, kids can learn the right habits about operating elevators, provided the right example is set by their parents.
