For some people, it’s their biggest fear: you get into the elevator and the elevator gets stuck on the way to your destination. What should you do then, and what should you not?
Getting stuck in an elevator happens to nearly 49,000 people every year, according to research by the Lift Institute. A third of that group does not know what to do, which causes unrest and sometimes even dangerous situations.
What should you do?
There are three things to keep in mind if you get stuck in the elevator, both alone and with others.
1. Keep calm
This may sound logical, but especially if you or someone else in the elevator suffers from claustrophobia, it is important to keep your peace. Remember that little can go wrong. For example, it is not the case that the oxygen is running out, because air flows in the elevator shaft. The elevator itself has ventilation grilles through which the air is refreshed. And a stationary elevator cannot crash. There is a security system in every elevator that ensures that the elevator stays in place. The different cables also keep the lift in the air. If something does happen to these cables, there is a safety installation that ensures that you cannot crash. In the event of a power failure, the light may go out for a while, but there is always emergency lighting that comes on afterwards.
2. Press the emergency button or call the emergency service
At the control panel you will find an emergency number and/or the alarm button. Do not call 112, that is really only for emergency help. Almost all elevators have a telephone line that continues to work even if the power goes out. This way you can always reach the breakdown service.
3. Wait for the breakdown service
Don’t endanger yourself by trying to break open the door or otherwise get out of the elevator. You may fall into the shaft or the elevator may start to move if you try to climb out. If you are just in the doorway, you can get stuck. You are safer in the elevator while waiting for help.
Source: liftinstituut.nl
