Is Your Elevator Ready for Winter?

Hardy New Englanders know what the winter months can bring to our region, including snow, sleet, freezing temperatures and storms that ride up the coastline that bring whipping winds and a mixture of precipitation. While people in this area are knowledgeable about preparing for these scenarios due to years of experience, professionals in the elevator industry are also proficient in preparing their elevators for the sometimes harsh winter season. 

Ensuring that your elevator is prepared for the winter is crucial. Here is a quick rundown of ways to prepare your elevators for the next few months, no matter what Mother Nature has in store for us. 

Mechanical Room Care

The mechanical room is a crucial area to maintain, especially during the winter months when temperatures drop. Ideally, any elevator mechanical room should be kept at a temperature between 50°F and 70°F.

Heating systems near the mechanical room should be maintained and checked before the winter months. An inspection and sealing of any leaks around windows or doors should also be addressed, as they can cause temperature fluctuations. 

Prevent Slips & Falls

Winter weather conditions can bring rain, snow, sleet and freezing rain, which can cause slips and falls in lobbies or entryways of buildings leading to elevators. Be sure to have heavy-duty mats installed around elevators to prevent passengers from slipping and to prevent moisture from entering, which could create hazardous conditions within the elevator car. 

Mechanical Check Ups 

Before winter starts, elevators should undergo a mechanical and operational check-up to ensure that the hydraulic system is functioning correctly and that the environmental temperature is set at the optimal level for smooth operation. Cold-weather lubricants may also be necessary for elevator components to ensure everything operates correctly. 

Testing Emergency Systems 

Regular tests of emergency systems such as the braking system, emergency communication system and call buttons should be conducted at regular intervals. Included in these tests should be evaluation of the lighting system, braking system, communication system and a check of the backup power supply. This will ensure that a winter storm or power outage will be handled swiftly and safely. 

Educate Building Occupants 

Remind occupants of the building that if they experience any unusual noises, jerky movements, or slow performance, they should report it immediately so that minor issues can be addressed before they become significant problems.

Is your elevator and its mechanical systems ready for winter? Be prepared for whatever Mother Nature may throw at us this year with Buckley Elevator. Contact us for information about our elevators and services.