Although the elevator model has a continuous and highly scientific movement structure, it can become a deadly trap for those who are careless.
The Most Dangerous Elevator in the World
Elevators are vertical transportation devices used to move people and goods between floors of a ship, building, or other structures. Modern elevators are typically equipped with electric motors that drive cable systems and counterweight systems like cranes, or hydraulic pumps to lift a cylindrical piston.
Elevators are an indispensable part of modern life.
Common elevators operate under very safe mechanisms; they only run when the doors are fully closed and the elevator is at the correct floor. If, for any reason, the doors do not close completely, the elevator will not operate.
However, the Paternoster elevator is completely different and is often referred to as the “most dangerous elevator in the world.” This type of elevator was first installed in Dartford, United Kingdom in 1884. Subsequently, the Paternoster design made its way to the Netherlands and Germany.
Operation mechanism of the Paternoster elevator.
Most Paternoster elevators do not have doors or barriers to enhance convenience. This increases the risk for passengers, as they can easily lose their balance and fall out while the elevator is in motion, even though it operates at a much slower speed compared to conventional elevators.
The first Paternoster was installed in 1884 in Dartford, England. Seven years earlier, its patent was registered by an English engineer named Peter Hart. The name “Paternoster” derives from the Latin phrase “Our Father,” which are the first two words of the “Lord’s Prayer.”
Paternoster elevators became very popular in Europe during the first half of the 20th century because they could carry more passengers than conventional elevators. Moreover, they provided a very quick method of moving from one floor to another without the need to queue for an elevator.
Many people have lost their lives using this type of elevator, with some even falling into the elevator shaft. Therefore, this elevator system is not suitable for the elderly, young children, and people with disabilities.
The Paternoster elevator operates at a very low speed of about 0.3 m/s, but due to its operational principle and lack of floor doors, it is considered a dangerous elevator for all users.
From 1970 to 1983, five people died using this elevator at Newcastle University. In 2012, another elderly person, aged 81, died after falling into the elevator shaft. For this reason, this type of elevator is regarded as the most dangerous elevator in the world.
Given this terrifying level of danger, Paternoster elevators have been banned in many countries around the world. Nevertheless, for those that are still in operation, investors have had to install additional doors and modern control systems to make them function like conventional elevators.
