Instructions For Those Trapped In A Lift

If you are trapped inside a lift car, remember the following instructions:

• STAY CALM AND DO NOT PANIC, as there is really no reason to panic, elevators are the safest form of transport in the world. Please remember that the lift stopped itself to ensure your safety!
• DO NOT TRY TO BREAK OUT OF THE ELEVATOR. Getting out of a stopped elevator can be very dangerous and may even have fatal consequences. A passenger trying to break out is one of the most common reasons causing casualties, in an industry where the number of casualties is extremely small.
• TRY PRESSING THE DOOR OPEN BUTTON. If the door opens, you are in the door zone and you can step out. Do this carefully as the lift might not be completely aligned with the landing floor and there might be a greater gap between the car and the floor than normally.
• If doors do not open, SEARCH AND PRESS THE ALARM BUTTON OR A SPECIAL CALL BUTTON.

Do this for three to five seconds. Most modern elevators have an intercom system linked to the alarm or a call button and will connect you either to the Building Fire Command Centre, the Guard House or to the Call Centre of the Lift Maintenance Provider. If you get contact with someone outside the elevator, describe the incident carefully, including how many people there are inside the car, their condition, and if there are any emergencies.

• If no one answers, LOOK FOR A HIDDEN PHONE CABINET INSIDE THE CAR. If there is a hidden phone cabinet, press the door slightly to open it. Pick up the phone and dial your countries emergency service, or the emergency number shown in the cabinet.
• If you cannot get in contact with anyone TRY TO USE YOUR MOBILE PHONE. Chances are that connections through a mobile phone are not great and may even be difficult. If there is a poor mobile signal then keep on trying, until you are sure you have been noticed and your position is known.
• If everything fails, KEEP PUSHING THE ALARM BUTTON REGULARLY. Making noise between the alarm button and pounding the door, may also help to attract attention.