Zero tolerance for faulty lifts

 

Elevator accidents are a serious safety concern for the residents of multi-floor societies and for those who work in high-rise offices. Surveys and reports suggest that thousands of people die every year all over the world in elevator-related accidents. The National Elevator Industry Inc., which is the leading authority on elevator safety, reports that approximately 10,000 people are injured in elevators each year. The main reasons behind this are safety rules which are often being flouted. 

Fatalities in lift accidents

Recently, in a horrific accident at a high-rise society, namely Paras Tiera in Noida Sector 137, a 70-year-old woman died after the lift collapsed midway. The elevator that she boarded had a free fall owing to a cable that snapped. The elevator did not hit the ground but was caught between some of the middle floors of the building. Following the incident, hundreds of residents of the society gathered and protested against the AOA.

Residents demanded the immediate resignation of the society president as it was alleged that the AOA president was often negligent of his responsibilities. They were of the view that this incident was bound to happen. They further claimed that the residents had to wait for 30 minutes to take the lift. Every day, the lift posed problems but no one looked into it despite several complaints.

The lifts of society had not been functioning properly for the last several months. Complaints have been submitted to the society representatives several times requesting them to refurbish the lifts, but no action was taken. The society maintenance had been handed over from the builder to the 'Apartment Owners Association' just three months back and since then, the society was not being maintained properly by the president of the society AOA.

According to reports in newspapers, the annual maintenance contract (AMC) for the maintenance of the lift had expired two months ago. The investigation officials, who have already started the probe into the incident, said that the lift was not registered with the authorities.

An elevator, commonly known as a lift, is an essential element in the architectural design of apartment living. While it makes life extremely convenient when one has to reach different floors, it can be risky too if it is malfunctioning. Wherever lifts are deployed, the safety of passengers must be given utmost importance. It is the primary responsibility of the maintenance owner to take due care of the lift for the safety of the residents/employees of the society so that the lift users are completely safe. It has been observed that most of the accidents have taken place due to malfunctioning and ignorance of faulty ones.

Who is responsible for lift maintenance?

If the maintenance of the apartment lift is observed from time to time, it improves the operating performance, keeps a check on the safety aspect of the residents, and also helps in increasing the life of the lift.

If the maintenance of lifts is with the builder, then the responsibility of maintenance goes to the builder and if the charge has been transferred to AAO, then AAO team is responsible for that. Further, it should be ensured that lifts are maintained as per the manufacturer's specifications. It should be periodically inspected by a qualified elevator maintenance professional. As soon as a fault of any sort is brought to the notice of the builder or the AAO, either of the two may take serious note of it or go ahead for immediate action for fault repairs.

There should be a contract signed with any one of these and it should be known not only to the builder or the AAO but also to all the residents so that they can contact and verify when the maintenance was done before and whether the same is being done on time or not. It should be known to all.

 

An elevator is probably the most noticed part of your building’s infrastructure because people do not just see it from afar but step inside and use it. For elderly people and people who are physically challenged, an elevator is necessary even in homes that do not have several floors.

How often do lifts require maintenance?

Lifts that are heavily used may require more frequent servicing. Elevator inspection is important for maintenance and should not be skipped. They help keep your lifts working safely without any unforeseen breakdowns.

The most common reason for an elevator malfunction is the doors not opening or closing. The design of the lift restricts its use; always use it correctly. Educating users is a basic thing to maintaining your lift. Checking on a daily basis should be implemented to reduce lift malfunction. A comprehensive elevator inspection checklist can help ensure the safety of users and cut costs on lift repairs.

 

Without a maintenance plan, a malfunctioning elevator part can go unnoticed until a major repair is necessary. This major repair can be very costly and creates inconvenient usage downtime — especially in buildings where elderly or ailing residents need to travel to their homes above the first floor. The builder or AAO should have a detailed emergency plan in place also. The plan should be simple enough to reassure stranded passengers and let them know that help is in place. Also, the lift’s safety alarm and help button must work well.

No negligence at any cost

Just as it is mandatory for every member of society to pay the maintenance cost every month, in the same way, the repair, maintenance, and regular check-up of the lift should be done on a priority basis. It is a crime to do any kind of negligence in this because the safety of the people is connected to the lift.

Regular and timely inspection is extremely important to ensure the safety of elevator users in order to avoid any unprecedented incidents. For this, a certain amount should be reserved in the fund and full transparency should be reflected in it. 

As per reports, the recent incident at Paras Tiera Society of Noida clearly indicates negligence on the part of the AAO team. It is evident that the inspection of elevators on a periodic basis was not done. It is to be noted that elevator-related incidents injure about 17,000 people every year in the United States only. This shows the state of affairs.

Accidents or incidents, arising out of non-maintenance of Lifts, to life & Property, are no less than criminal offenses, which would lead up to imprisonment, of building care-takers. Non-Maintenance of Lift, is within the parameters of deliberate “Negligence & Deficiency”, under the Consumer Protection Laws, leading to levy of heavy to heavy damages and compensations to the aggrieved complainant.

Safety rules must be followed

Although elevators have many safety features, safety rules must be followed. However, its misuse is also seen. People ranging from rambunctious kids to mischievous teenagers and unsuspecting adults have been found in elevators, they don't always do what they should be doing. Unnecessary misuse, overloading, and other unpleasant behavior in lifts are also seen. These actions cause parts to be overworked or broken and one day the worst things will happen to an elevator. 

Many countries have made very strict rules regarding the operation of lifts and escalators, due to which very few accidents happen. So, strict emphasis should be made on regular inspection and maintenance. This is one reason that, while malfunctions do happen, they are rare. We should look towards modern elevators that have a wide variety of safety backups, such as multiple cables and electromagnetic brakes.

Rules concerning lifts are not known by many in India. The construction, maintenance, and safe working of lifts are regulated by the Lifts Acts and Rules made in certain States. Lift licenses are currently required in 10 Indian States, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi.

As per IS 14665 Part 4 of Section 3 Clause 5.8, mirrors can be used inside the elevator car. However, it is recommended that they should be splinter-proof and not cause injury to passengers in case they are broken due to any abnormalities. The safety of lifts is also covered under the above regulations. 

The Electrical Inspector, along with Assistant Electrical Inspectors, is responsible to take action against defaulters. In Delhi NCR, the Inspector inspects lifts in all buildings to ensure they are in compliance with the Delhi Lift Rules, 1942. In addition to issuing licenses and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to lift adhering to the provisions of the Act, the Inspector also issues notices to defaulters for rectification of defects.

Lift licenses are not required in a few states but you might need permission from the local authorities or you have to contact the nearest administrative or Municipal office for the same. The process of installing an elevator does not end here as there are several post-installation tests that are done to ensure the safety and security of users. Also, there is a Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) guidelines framed to regulate the safety of lifts in public buildings.

Phobia for the fear of elevators

My conversations with several people have also made me conclude that a lot of people have elevator phobia as well. Elevator phobia is a genuine fear that affects many people. This anxiety can develop due to various reasons, such as fear of enclosed spaces, fear of heights, or fear of being trapped. Proper maintenance and regular inspection will build confidence among them.

As reports received on this scenario are horrible and highlight the problem of ill-maintained lifts. A recent national survey conducted by a private company revealed that 58 percent of participants — 44 percent in Hyderabad — who use lifts have had one or more family members getting stuck in the last three years.

Taking strict steps in this regard from the Central Government, uniform regulation should be made across the country, under which the scale of regular audit and inspection should be fixed so that at any cost, the builder or the AAO team should not overlook it and ensure the safety of the lives of the residents.