Elevators are among the most widely used means of transportation in everyday life. And precisely because they're present in so many places (such as residential and commercial buildings, shopping centres, airports, schools, among others), safety around these facilities is crucial.

Elevators therefore must always operate in compliance with current technical standards and have the appropriate safety features. Of course, new elevators come with the latest safety technology already incorporated including emergency brakes, overspeed governors, door safety systems, and emergency communication systems. In older elevators however, these may need to be regularly checked and potentially upgraded.

Discover the main safety features for elevators

To learn more about elevator safety features, Otis has compiled a list of the main devices required to reach the minimum safety standards within elevators already fitted within your building.

It's worth noting that they all work together and are essential for your equipment to meet the safety standards required for its full operation.

Elevator alarm: In the UK, elevators (elevators) are required to have a functioning emergency alarm system with two-way communication between the elevator car and someone who can organise assistance in the case of trapped passenger, as per the Elevators Regulations 1997 and BS EN 81-28. The person receiving the call could be the elevator maintenance service provider or someone in the building who could call for assistance.

Elevator Emergency Stop Buttons: Elevator emergency stop buttons are a critical safety feature, mandated by regulations to ensure passenger safety. These buttons, often red and mushroom-shaped, must be readily accessible and clearly visible. They are designed to immediately halt the elevator's operation in emergencies, and are a key component in complying with standards like BS EN 60204 and BS EN 60947-5-5. 

Over-speed Governor: An overspeed governor is part of the system that is designed to monitor and control the speed of the elevator car. The encoder continuously monitors the speed of the elevator car as it travels up and down the shaft. If the elevator exceeds its predetermined maximum speed, the overspeed governor activates. This typically involves a mechanical system that engages when centrifugal force, due to excessive speed, moves certain components of the governor.  Once activated, the overspeed governor triggers the safety gear or brake system, usually mounted on the elevator car. This brake system engages with the guide rails, bringing the elevator to a controlled stop.

Emergency Lighting: Elevator emergency lighting is a crucial safety feature designed to provide illumination within an elevator car during a power outage or any situation where the main lighting system fails.  It ensures that passengers can see inside the elevator car in the event of a power failure, reducing panic and allowing for safe movement and evacuation if necessary. The system typically operates on a battery backup, which automatically activates when the main power supply is interrupted. This ensures that lighting is available even when the building's electrical system is down.

Guardrail at the top of the elevator car: A guardrail on top of an elevator car is a safety feature designed to protect maintenance personnel who need to access the top of the car for inspections, repairs, or routine maintenance. It acts as a physical barrier around the perimeter of the elevator car's roof, preventing personnel from accidentally stepping or falling off the edge.

Belt Monitoring Device (Pulse^TM) The Pulse™ coated steel belts monitoring system is used to continuously monitor the condition of the steel cords inside the belts. It will signal an alert or an alarm when the steel cords are damaged or worn, or when the health of the monitor system is compromised. The Pulse™ controller could be connected to REM, (Remote Elevator Monitoring), which can provide an alert, alarm, and system health to local personnel.

Car Door Locking Mechanism:  The primary purpose of the door locking mechanism is to prevent the elevator car doors from opening when the elevator is not at a designated floor, ensuring passenger safety. The mechanism typically involves both mechanical locks and electrical systems that work together to secure the doors. Mechanical locks physically prevent the doors from opening, while electrical systems control and monitor the locking status.

An elevator pit ladder is an essential safety feature designed to provide safe access to the elevator pit, which is the area located below the elevator shaft at the lowest landing. The ladder allows maintenance personnel and inspectors to safely enter and exit the elevator pit for routine checks, repairs, and cleaning activities.

Please note that only authorised persons are allowed to enter both the machine room and the bottom of the elevator shaft.

It is also important to know that technical safety standards recommend that all elevators (whether old or modern) have the same level of safety for users and maintenance technicians.

Therefore, it is important to talk to the company responsible for elevator safety items and check whether they meet the required standards.