Essential Elevator Safety Knowledge You Shouldn't Overlook

Elevators have become an indispensable part of modern life. From office towers to residential buildings, they are everywhere—and yet, many people step into an elevator every day without truly understanding how safe they are. This article aims to clarify common misconceptions and share critical elevator safety knowledge in a clear, accessible way.

1. Will an Elevator Suddenly Fall from a Great Height?

This is perhaps the most common fear among passengers. The short answer: no, elevators are designed with multiple layers of safety protection.

• Steel Cables as the First Line of Defense Most elevators are suspended by at least four high-strength steel cables, each capable of carrying the full load alone. Even if one cable breaks, the elevator will stop automatically thanks to safety switches triggered by abnormal tension.
• Overspeed Governor and Safety Gear as Backup In the rare event that all cables fail, an overspeed governor will detect the abnormal fall and activate a safety gear mechanism, much like a car's emergency brake, to stop the elevator car securely.
• Shock Absorbers in the Pit As a final line of defense, buffer systems at the shaft’s bottom help absorb impact, reducing potential harm even in extreme cases.

2. Is It Safe When People Get Trapped in Elevators?

Being trapped in an elevator can be stressful, but it's not inherently dangerous. In fact, when an elevator "gets stuck," it's often a protective response by the control system detecting unusual signals.

There are two types of safety monitoring:

• Equipment Monitoring: Includes sensors for cable tension, door interlocks, limit switches, and more. If any part doesn’t operate as designed, the elevator halts.
• User Behavior Monitoring: Systems that detect overloading, door obstructions, or improper use can also trigger a controlled stop.

This is not a malfunction, but a safety measure designed to prevent accidents.

3. Can You Run Out of Oxygen Inside a Stopped Elevator?

Another common fear is suffocation. In reality, elevator cars are designed with ventilation slots and air exchange mechanisms that keep fresh air circulating. Even if the ventilation fan fails, the elevator is not airtight.

Most discomfort is caused by panic, not lack of oxygen. The oxygen level in a stopped elevator typically stays above 20%—equal to outdoor air.

4. What Should You Do if You Are Trapped in an Elevator?

If you ever get trapped, follow these four essential steps:

1. Stay Calm Keep calm, breathe slowly, and avoid using up your energy. Help will come.
2. Press the Emergency Communication Button Use the built-in emergency phone or intercom to speak with building staff or security. Press for 3–5 seconds to ensure connection.
3. Call for Help If the intercom fails, use your phone to call the emergency numbers posted inside the car. You may also knock on the door for attention if necessary.
4. Wait for Professional Rescue Do not attempt to pry the doors open or climb out. Wait for trained technicians to assist you safely.

5. Does Every Elevator Fault Mean It’s Defective?

Not necessarily. Faults may result from:

• Improper use (e.g., overloading, blocking doors)
• External factors (e.g., power outages, extreme weather)
• Natural wear and tear

While maintenance significantly reduces risks, it doesn’t prevent all possible incidents. That’s why periodic inspections and professional servicing are essential.

6. Can an Elevator Suddenly Rise or Drop Rapidly?

In rare instances, a passenger may feel like the elevator has dropped suddenly—but this is usually an illusion.

If a fault occurs during acceleration or deceleration, the system may halt and reset its floor display, giving the impression of a drop. However, the elevator has likely stopped within its normal braking range and at safe speed. Sometimes, display screens show “--”, which further adds to the confusion.

Rest assured: true free fall or uncontrollable rise is nearly impossible thanks to modern safety mechanisms.

Conclusion

Elevator safety is no accident—it’s the result of thoughtful engineering, strict standards, and reliable safety protocols. Understanding these systems can help passengers feel more secure and reduce panic in emergency situations. The next time you step into an elevator, you can do so with greater confidence, knowing how much care has gone into making it safe.