Every elevator has a specific load capacity and loading method. We must adhere to both the capacity and loading methods to ensure the safety of individuals and the equipment being moved. This is particularly important when moving heavy equipment. 

Steps to follow 

1. Find the equipment’s dimensions and weight.
2. Identify the load capacity of the elevator you’ll use to move the equipment. The load capacity is posted in every elevator on campus.
3. If the equipment weighs more than 25% of the elevator load capacity, submit a service request. Be sure to include the equipment’s dimensions, weight, planned move date and shop drawings (if you have these) in the service request. This information helps us plan how to move the equipment safely. 

1. Check to see if anyone is trapped. If so, call 8-3000 immediately.
2. Obtain as much information about any elevator problems as you can. Ask questions such as:
   • Did you press the floor/hall call button?
   • Was the elevator level with the floor?
   • Did you hear anything unusual?
   • Where is the elevator currently stopped?
   • Are the doors open or closed?
   • Was the elevator working properly before the problem?

3. Check your independent switches and stop switches.
   • Most elevators are equipped with switches to remove elevators from regular service. The switches can remove the elevator from a bank and change the way it operates. Building staff or other contractors may switch an elevator to inspection/ independent mode and forget to turn it back off.
   • Double check that all switches are in the “run” or “normal” position.

4. Ensure proper power supply is provided.
   • Be sure you’re receiving full power to the elevator.
   • Check to see if an emergency power test was recently completed. This could indicate that the elevator had not returned to service after the generator test.

5. Check your key fobs and key cards.
   • It’s typical to add building access systems to elevators. It improves building security and limits access to specific floors. Potential issues with the key fob, including ineffective swiping or restricted access, may result in an elevator that looks like it is not responding.
   • Check if other key fobs or key cards have any issues.

6. Check the elevator door sills for debris.
   • A door sill has grooves to guide the door in a straight line while it opens and closes. The groove naturally collects trash and debris as traffic passes on and off the elevator and may build up enough to stop the door from opening.
   • Check each floor for debris that can causing a shut down or result in performance issues with the doors.

7. Check the elevator door safety edge.
   • The safety edge, which re-opens the door when something is in the way, may have debris on it. The safety edge is usually equipped with roughly 200 beams that detect passengers in the doorway. If mud or debris sticks to the safety edge, the door will not close.

8. Confirm if passenger complaints are legitimate.
   • Many times, passengers only think there’s an issue. Forgetting to press a button or getting on an elevator going in a different direction are surprisingly common reasons passengers believe there’s an issue.
   • Double check if the error exists before you call for service.

9. Check if your exterior building doors are propped open (check for stack effect).
   • Stack effect occurs when there’s a pressure difference between inside air and outside air, the pressure difference happens with significant variations in temperature (typical in colder weather). Stack effect causes the wind to rush through the hoist way, which props the doors open. If the doors cannot close, the elevator may seem to be out of service.
   • Closing an outside door may eliminate the stack effect and return the elevator to service.

10. Confirm freight elevator doors are closed.
    • If a freight elevator has manual doors that require closing by pulling straps, ensure that all interior car doors are closed. If a freight elevator interior door is left open on a floor, it will not respond to a call from another floor.

11. Check your fire alarm systems.
    • Check if there was a fire alarm issue, regularly scheduled fire alarm tests in a building which could recall the elevator.
    • If a test occurred, ensure the system was restored to normal mode.

12. Review your elevator cleaning practices.
    • Water and elevator equipment do not work together. Double check if your cleaning practices use excessive water or cleaning products, especially on the buttons or sills.

13. Check the machine room temperature.
    • The elevator controller functions best when machine room temperatures are between 15° C to 32° C (60° F to 90° F). The controller may overheat and cause the elevator failure.

14. During a flood, park the elevator at a higher floor.
    • Park the elevator high enough in the hoist way to avoid flooding on the bottom floors.