Elevators are essential transportation devices in high-rise buildings, apartments, shopping centers, and tourist areas. Generally, elevators are used wherever possible to facilitate easy movement for people in elevated spaces.
However, since elevators are mechanical devices, they are prone to malfunctions. Therefore, it is important to have some knowledge to deal with potential issues if you encounter a malfunction while using an elevator.
Every year, approximately ten million people die from elevator accidents.
Each year, around ten million people die due to elevator accidents. Research indicates that elevators are one of the safest modes of transportation, with a mortality rate of only 0.00000015%. In the United States alone, there are about 18 billion elevator rides taken each year, resulting in only 27 fatalities from elevator accidents. Most of these fatalities occur because individuals accidentally enter a malfunctioning elevator that hasn’t been repaired or get caught in the elevator doors while the elevator is moving, which can cause severe injuries.
The good news is that there are virtually no fatalities associated with elevators falling. While stairs may seem like a safer option, there are about 12,000 deaths each year from using staircases. Taking an elevator not only prevents sweating but also reduces the chances of “dying from a fall” significantly.
So, what is the probability of an elevator falling? To be honest, this number is negligible. But what if it happens, such as in the case of a terrorist attack or an earthquake? How can you survive a free-falling elevator?
In this article, we will provide guidance on how to respond if your elevator cabin exceeds its designated speed limit, commonly referred to as overspeeding, which many people may colloquially call a free-falling elevator.
Press all the buttons in the cabin when the elevator is overspeeding
If you find yourself in an elevator that suddenly begins to move faster than normal—what some may call free-falling—most people will instinctively think they are about to die and panic. However, we advise you to remain calm and perform the following actions:
1. When the elevator begins to overspeed, it’s natural to panic, but you need to regain your composure as quickly as possible and press all the buttons on the cabin button panel. Activating the emergency power supply will help ensure the elevator “does not fall” any further.
2. Next, grip the handrail tightly, as this will help you maintain a stable position and prevent falling or hitting your head against the elevator walls if you lose your balance.
3. Then, you should press your back and head firmly against the elevator wall, forming a vertical line to protect your spine, as overspeeding when descending can significantly impact your back and spine.
4. Finally, bend your knees as much as possible to create a flexible stance, minimizing the impact that could lead to broken bones in the event of a severe collision.
Stay calm if the elevator happens to overspeed
We wish you good luck if you ever find yourself in such a situation while using an elevator. In reality, one surefire way to avoid experiencing an overspeeding elevator is to… take the stairs. However, this can be challenging as elevators have become crucial devices in today’s high-rise buildings.
