Rising to the Occasion: Escalator and Elevator Construction Safety Tips for Businesses

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 are especially hazardous areas. In addition to following basic lockout procedures, these spaces should be treated as restricted zones. Only essential workers should be allowed near them at all times. When workers are present in these areas, Universal Gravity Closing Safety Gates (or similar options) should be used to block off the space, ensuring no unauthorized access. Workers not involved in the task must maintain a safe distance from these dangerous zones.
A reputable escalator construction company will implement a comprehensive range of safety measures to protect its workers, extending well beyond basic checklists. These measures often include regular safety audits, thorough training programs, and the use of advanced safety equipment, ensuring that all potential risks are addressed. When working with such a company, it’s important to know that they are transparent about their procedures. A company willing to discuss its safety protocols with you shows a commitment to both employee well-being and quality work. This open communication can provide peace of mind, allowing you to trust that the job will be completed safely and efficiently.

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