Inspections: Elevator/Escalator Safety Tips

Elevators and escalators safely transport millions of people every day. The State of Maryland makes every effort to ensure your safety and is proud of its Elevator Safety record. You can help make that safety record even better by following these few simple rules.

Elevator Safety Tips:

• USE care when entering and exiting
• WATCH for closing elevator doors
• DO NOT force goods and materials into the elevator car
• DO NOT attempt to exit a "stuck" elevator.
• REMAIN calm and use the elevator in-car emergency devices (telephone, alarm bell)
• IN CASE OF FIRE, USE THE STAIRS

When entering escalators:

• Watch the direction of the moving step and step on and off with extra care.
• Take care if you are wearing bifocals or similar eyewear.
• Hold children firmly with one arm or hold child's free hand.
• Hold small packages firmly in one hand, but always leave one hand available to hold the handrail.
• Grasp the handle as you step onto the moving step.
• Do not go in the opposite direction of the escalator.
• Do not take wheelchairs, electric scooters, strollers, hand carts, luggage carts or similar items on the escalator.

When riding escalators:

• Keep loose clothing clear of steps and sides.
• Wear closed-toed and hard-soled shoes, and avoid wearing footwear made of soft-resin or other rubbery materials such as Crocs
• Stand clear of the sides of the escalator.
• Face forward and keep firm grip on the handrail.
• Reposition your hand slowly if the handrail moves ahead or behind the steps.
• Don't climb onto or ride the handrail.
• Do not let children sit on steps or stand too close to sides.

When exiting escalators:

• Don't hesitate and step off promptly.
• Make sure to step over the comb fingers; don't let your feet slide off the end of the escalator.
• Immediately move clear of the escalator exit area; don't stop to talk or look around since other passengers may be behind you.