|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Whenever a lift stalls, the doors are pried open by untrained people. This is sheer
Investigations are still on about the gruesome incident, but from the initial media and police reports, what one can glean is that the elevator into which the young man entered to reach his 10th floor office stalled between floors. Following his complaint, the lift operators forced open the door and asked Nishant to come out. Even as he was following this instruction, the lift doors suddenly closed, trapping his head between them. Worse, the lift ascended, resulting in Nishant suffering life-threatening injuries, which eventually claimed his life. Given the dismally poor power supply situation in most parts of India and also poor maintenance of lifts, stalling of elevators between floors while on their way up or down is not unusual. Yet, it is obvious from accidents such as these that adequate safety precautions are not taken to ensure that those who are trapped in a lift are rescued in a way that does not endanger their lives. First and foremost in all such emergencies, the evacuation from the lift should be undertaken only by trained personnel, who have to ensure that the doors do not close during rescue operation, and the lift does not move. Or else, there is every danger of those being rescued either falling into the shaft or getting crushed between the doors. Yet, whenever a lift stalls, the doors are pried open by untrained people, and those inside are routinely asked to jump to the floor below, unmindful of the risk that it entails. This is sheer negligence and has to stop. Such rescue work should be undertaken only by trained people who will ensure that power supply to the lift is cut off and manual brakes are applied to ensure that the lift remains stationary and doors do not close. Such trained personnel should be on emergency call and should arrive at the spot within minutes. In fact every lift should have the emergency number of the technicians who can be called in an emergency. Besides adequate power back-up, it is also absolutely essential that all elevators are fitted with safety features such as an emergency evacuation hatch designed to be opened only from outside by trained emergency personnel. A gadget needs to be installed to prevent people from falling into the shaft while getting down from a lift that has stalled between floors. A safety device has to be provided that allows a stalled lift to move to the nearest floor with the help of emergency power, and stay there without moving to allow safe exit of passengers. Door sensors are vital to detect objects or people and prevent the doors from closing on passengers getting in or out of the lift. Devices that prevent the lift from moving up or down when the doors are open are also important for the safety of people. While the probe will reveal whether the lift had adequate safety features and was serviced and maintained properly, what is obvious even today is the callous negligence exhibited in the rescue operation, resulting in Nishant’s death. Those responsible have to be brought to justice. The tragedy should also force all those who use lifts—either in their officers or housing colonies—to demand accountability from those who instal, service and maintain them. Demand and ensure that adequate safety devices are installed, and the lifts are properly and regularly serviced. If you are ever trapped in a stalled lift, remember not to force open the door from inside and jump down—that is the most dangerous thing to do. Being trapped in a lift is certainly not a pleasant experience, but have the patience and wait for trained personnel to rescue you. Do not allow untrained persons to force you to take risks.
|
||
|
|
||
