Because construction jobs are busy fast-moving affairs, safety measures must be prioritized. When a central phase of construction involves elevators or escalator installation — where electricity and heavy moving parts are essential components — companies need to double-down on this priority when that is the focus. As a business owner hiring a construction firm, you may want to stay on top of job-site safety. Though the construction crew you hire must follow construction safety regulations for elevator and escalator jobs, you can make sure they follow a checklist that makes you comfortable. If so, consider adding these safety essentials to that list.
Provide Training
The contractor has to make certain that every employee is educated on every facet of the job. They should have provided many hours of detailed elevator and escalator construction safety training before starting the project. Ask whether testing was involved in the training and if everyone on the job was required to pass.
Set Up Fall Protection
If you have ever experienced a queasy feeling watching roofers working without safety straps, imagine how you would react to seeing workers in your building similarly unprotected. The firm must provide guardrails, scaffolding or other appropriate safeguards against falls. Note that adequate safeguards would likely be the first thing safety inspectors look for.
Initiate Lockout and Tagout Procedures
Elevator and escalator construction areas are prime environments for accidents because of certain elements inherent in the jobs: electricity, hydraulics, pneumatics, open spaces and heavy machinery. If a worker inadvertently flips on a switch at the wrong time, another worker can be electrocuted or crushed. Lockout and tagout procedures are designed to prevent these accidents. For example, workers in harm’s way should turn off the power, lock start-up boxes and keep the keys to themselves.
Respect Elevator and Escalator Shafts
Elevator shafts and escalator pits can be especially dangerous places. Beyond following basic lockout procedures, every employee should treat these areas as sanctuaries: Only essential workers should be near them at all times. When workers have entered the area, signs and ropes should clearly block off the areas. Workers who are not part of the specific task must give these areas a clear berth.
A good company will employ an extensive list of safety measures for its workers, one that goes well beyond your checklist. However, you can take comfort in working with an escalator construction firm that is willing to discuss its procedures with you; then you can rest easy as they get to work.
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