Child safety in lifts

Lifts are one of the safest forms of transportation provided that they are correctly installed, and regularly and thoroughly maintained. Every year, however, many children are harmed or killed in lifts. Young children, especially those younger than 5 years of age, often lack the strength, coordination, balance, and protective reflexes to avoid injury. Children often try to imitate adults and therefore it is important that parents and guardians demonstrate appropriate behaviour. Although many lifts include safety equipment designed to minimise these accidents, dependent on the region’s regulations this is not always the case, especially in older installations. The most common injury is that lift doors close on a body part, such as a finger, hand, or arm.

Here are simple tips that parents and guardians should follow when using lifts to help keep children safe.

Before the ride…

• Teach your children about potential dangers, make sure that they won’t play, touch or lean on the doors
• Remind children that in emergency situations they must take the stairs for example if there is a fire, earthquake or a blackout.
• Model good behaviour and don’t use a hand or foot to stop a closing door, or run to enter a closing gap.

During the ride…

• Watch your children during the ride
• Stay clear of doors

When incident happens…

• Push alarm/call button or use intercom
• Hold the handrail and phone for help if possible
• Remain calm and stay in the lift till qualified assistance arrives

These tips are largely common sense and may be easy for adults but can be scary and confusing for children. It is important to keep these tips in mind when using lifts.

Passenger safety is our priority when design products. Avire’s Panachrome+ light curtain with red and green indicators can improve safety for lift passengers, especially children, as it provides clear indication of when the doors are closing or opening.