Winter Woes: Proper Cleaning & Disinfecting Elevators in Winter

Winter is the season of skiing and snowboarding and enjoying the quiet of newly fallen snow. Winter is also the time of year when flu, COVID and respiratory viruses spread like wildfire. Massachusetts is currently experiencing very high COVID and seasonal flu numbers, making this an especially nasty year for the spreading of germs. 

Winter also brings the use of de-icer products that visitors bring into buildings on their shoes, as well as wet, sloppy snow that can become a slip-and-fall hazard if not cleaned up immediately. Add together these issues and surfaces such as railings, countertops, and high traffic areas like elevator buttons and handles become highly vulnerable to spreading germs to employees, visitors and guests alike. 

Let’s examine further some of the actions needed throughout winter to keep your elevator healthy and operating well. 

Enhance Cleaning & Disinfecting 

Elevators should be cleaned and disinfected regularly, regardless of the season, but it should be stepped up during the winter months when respiratory illnesses peak. To protect elevator passengers during flu season, facility managers should focus on enhanced cleaning and disinfection, as well as improved air quality. This means, high-touch surfaces such as handrails, elevator buttons and doors should be disinfected frequently to avoid the transmission of germs from one passenger to another. 

To further combat germs left on surfaces and in the air, Buckley Elevators features CleanCab ActivePure Technology, which uses oxygen and water molecules in the air via ActivePure’s patented honeycomb matrix, where powerful oxidizers are generated. The system propels safe and powerful disinfecting molecules back into the elevator car. ActivePure molecules will look for and destroy pathogens in the air and on surfaces. This technology kills viruses like coronavirus, Swine Flu, Avian Bird Flu, and more. Stay ahead of flu season with the help of Buckley Elevator’s cleaning services. 

Prevent Slips & Falls 

Slips and falls can occur during any season, but building visitors are at most risk for this scenario when there is ice, snow or melted snow on slick tile or floors, even in elevators. To prevent slips and falls around or in your elevator systems, ensure that any snow or ice that melts while passengers wait for the elevator is cleaned right away. Mats and textured entryways can help provide traction for boots and shoes, but frequent inspection of entryways and elevator cars can help prevent passengers from slipping and falling. 

Monitor Elevator Controls

Beyond cleaning, disinfecting and mopping up slick spots, elevator and building management teams should monitor the climate and lubricants used in the machinery of an elevator. Regular inspections and maintenance can keep your elevator system running smoothly. Hydraulic systems should be kept well lubricated and at a temperature between 85 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

By prioritizing enhanced cleaning, leveraging technologies like CleanCab ActivePure to improve air quality, and taking proactive steps to prevent slips, you can keep your elevator passengers safe and your equipment running efficiently throughout the winter. Regular maintenance and monitoring of your elevator controls are also essential to prevent costly issues. Don’t wait for winter woes to impact your building’s operations or the health of your tenants and visitors. Contact Buckley Elevators today to learn more about our elevators and how they can help keep you healthy this winter season.