Technology has significantly simplified human life. Yet, paradoxically, it is also due to technology that people sometimes fall into the arms of death in unfortunate circumstances.
Among the revolutionary inventions of modern technology, one of the most notable is the advanced elevator. The use of elevators has saved people time and brought comfort.
From offices and courts to multi-storied residential buildings, shopping malls, and even schools and colleges nowadays—elevators are being used frequently. But how aware are we of the maintenance of elevators, just like we are with other machinery?
Our lack of awareness and responsibility in this regard is precisely why we occasionally hear about horrific elevator accidents in our country. For example, last Sunday in Sitakunda, Chattogram, two workers died when the cable of an elevator snapped and it fell in an iron rod manufacturing plant.
According to a report by The Daily Ittefaq, while lifting goods in the GPH Ispat factory in the Sultana Manzil area, the elevator cable broke, causing the two workers to suddenly fall. They were rescued and taken to the hospital, where they were declared dead.
This is not the first time that an elevator accident has been reported in the country. Such incidents happen frequently in various offices, courts, and residential areas.
There have been cases of children dying after getting trapped in elevators, and others suffering heart attacks out of panic. Moreover, due to faulty sensors, some people have fallen and died when the elevator door opened but the elevator had not yet arrived.
Though elevator cable snaps are relatively rare, it is not that they never happen. In reality, no one in the world can claim to be completely safe from accidents. However, with a little caution and if those in charge do not neglect their responsibilities, it is possible to remain much safer.
When an elevator accident occurs, taking the right steps at the right time can save lives or at least minimize injury. At such moments, one must remember—jumping is never an option.
Also, jumping around or standing upright is not advised. According to Elliott H. Frank, a researcher at the Biomedical Engineering Center of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, when an elevator begins to fall, the safest strategy is to quickly lie flat on the floor with arms and legs spread out.
This way, the force of impact is distributed across the stronger parts of the body. The shock from the fall will spread evenly across the body, potentially reducing severe injury to any one part.
If the elevator is crowded, the best approach is to sit on the floor. Sitting reduces the amount of pressure exerted on bones compared to standing. And to avoid such accidents altogether, regular servicing of elevators is essential. Building owners, maintenance staff, and users all have a duty to remain alert about this issue.
Components like elevator cables, pulleys, and motors endure significant stress, which, if not properly maintained, can lead to accidents. Another common issue is electrical malfunction, which may occur due to faulty wiring, problems in the control system, or interruptions in the power supply.
Furthermore, fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and dust can adversely affect elevator operations, leading to corrosion or degradation of components.
Core components like hoisting ropes, sheaves, and bearings endure prolonged stress over time. If not regularly inspected and replaced, they may suffer from fraying, misalignment, or even total failure.
Additionally, issues may arise in the elevator's braking system. Regular lubrication of moving parts and timely replacement of worn components are essential for maintaining optimal mechanical operation. In this context, adherence to safety codes is a must.
In short, not just elevators, but with any machinery, we must place importance on testing, inspection, and servicing—that is, on proper maintenance.
