In today’s world, elevators and escalators have become essentials in offices, malls, transport hubs, hospitals, and residential buildings. They provide convenience, save time, and help manage foot traffic flow efficiently. But as with any equipment used daily by the public, safety must always come first.

Whether you are a passenger or a building manager, safety is a shared responsibility. Mindful riding habits and proactive equipment maintenance can prevent accidents and ensure every trip—up or down—is smooth, reliable, and safe.

For Passengers: Mindful and Safe Riding Habits

Elevator Do’s:

• Press your floor button once and avoid pressing repeatedly.
• Stand clear of the elevator doors and let passengers exit before entering.
• Hold onto your belongings, ensuring nothing gets caught in the elevator door.
• Report any unusual behavior of the elevator to building personnel.
• Keep your pets under control.

Elevator Don’ts:

• Lean on or touch the elevator doors.
• Push the hall call button (up/down) at the same time.
• Make unnecessary movements when you are inside the elevator car.
• Throw any object / trash / cigarette butts / etc. between the car entrance sill and hall entrance sill.
• Rush in while doors are closing.
• Try to exit a stalled elevator.
• Obstruct the doors.
• Make loud phone calls.
• Force doors open.
• Vandalism and tampering with elevator.
• Insert fingers or any objects into elevator gaps.
• Ride when drenched or wet—water and electricity are a dangerous mix.
• Overcrowd beyond the posted weight capacity.
• Use elevators during fires, earthquakes, or floods.

Escalator Do’s:

• Look before you step.
• Use the emergency stop button if needed.
• Stand within the yellow demarcation lines and face forward.
• Hold the handrail firmly.
• Supervise children and assist the elderly or people with disabilities.
• Carry your pets if using escalator.

Escalator Don’ts:

• Ride barefoot or sit on the steps and handrail.
• Let clothing, shoelaces, or bags dangle near moving parts.
• Attempt to retrieve items dropped between the steps or at the landing.
• Run, play, or ride in the wrong direction.
• Use an escalator if you are feeling unwell or unsteady.
• Use your phone while boarding or exiting.
• Stop at the landing.
• Use strollers and trolleys in using the escalator.

For Building Owners and Facility Managers: Maintenance Matters

Passenger education is vital, but facility owners and managers hold equal responsibility for ensuring safe and reliable rides. Preventive Maintenance Schedules (PMS) for both elevators and escalators are critical to spotting potential issues early, preventing breakdowns, and extending equipment lifespan.

By keeping detailed maintenance logs, conducting routine inspections, cleaning, lubricating, and replacing worn-out parts, building owners show their commitment to safety and to the thousands of people who rely on these systems every day.

With Mitsubishi Electric, technology and service go hand in hand to make sure safety is always at the forefront.

Elevators and escalators symbolize modern convenience, but they should never be sources of preventable accidents. By combining mindful riding habits with proactive equipment care, both passengers and building managers can keep every ride safe.

One responsible step—or button press—today prevents a hazardous one tomorrow.