Readable Fireman’s phase I & II instructions

In the past, I would get an inspectors write up indicating the halos needed to be changed on the Fireman’s phase I & II instructions.  I believe this to be more of a nuisance write up then a legitimate one.  Over the years of sitting in educational events and completing training for first responders[fire departments], I realized the importance of having clearly marked instructions.  After doing fire department training I realized that all fireman are not trained in running cars on fireman’s service, they do not know it by heart and the instructions may be imperative.  If a fireman is in the car he is thinking about getting the elevator to the floor he or she needs to get to so it is important that key switches are marked clearly and instructions are legible.

 [Fireman's service phase II instructions are hard to read on the muntz/bronze back ground]

    [Call cancel button fogged & cracked, phase II switch postion markings are worn away]

What made me think of this is being at a hotel where I had a hard time reading the key switch and instructions.  The deterioration of the markings are most likely from years of using cleaning solution to clean the car station.

Take away – If you are a building owner or an elevator maintenance professional be aware of the FEO instructions and if needed get new instructions and new halos so if there is an emergency the first responders can use the FEO properly quickly.  While hopefully FEO will never need to be used in an emergency, if it is needed time is of the essence and it could be the difference between life and death.

As always feel free to contact us at www.colleyelevator.com, email Craigz@colleyelevator.com or call 630-766-7230.

Staying safe – Elevator worker safety

There was a 2^nd accident on September 8^th in Toronto that took a life of an elevator mechanic in the last two weeks. Please be careful out there.

https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/09/09/man-52-second-worker-to-be-killed-in-elevator-accident-in-last-two-weeks.html

As always feel free to contact us at www.colleyelevator.com, email Craigz@colleyelevator.com or call 630-766-7230.

Staying Sharp – Continuing education for elevator professionals

Last week we had our annual 10 hour continuing education course on the elevator code.  We had over 30 elevator professionals at our training area to get their CEU’s for State Licensing or QEI.  While it is always 10 hours and is a long day, I do enjoy this class.

When we graduate high school, associate’s degree, college, union school, trade school, grad school, etc there is a thought that we do not need to continue our learning.  “I just finished school, I’m good” this is wrong.  As technology changes, as codes and rules change, as changes become faster and faster, it is imperative that we spend the time learning.  Lifelong learning needs to be in everyone’s vocabulary.

This is an exciting year for the Illinois area.  The State is adopting A17.1 2016, The City of Chicago is adopting A17.1 2016, there are FEO mandates looming around, there are future mandates on the horizon.  You learn about these new things by putting your butt in the seat.

As inspectors, elevator inspectors, sales people and support staff it is very important we are aware of new technology and code changes.  It makes our jobs easier, makes advancement easier and helps us master our craft.  When we master our craft it takes a job and turns it into a passion.

I am a huge proponent of continuing education and lifelong learning and encourage everyone in whatever industry you are in to always continue to learn and challenge yourself to learn new things.  At times learning is uncomfortable and you may feel like you are never going to know or master these ideas.  This is a common feeling, just like in grade school, you will catch on and things will begin to click. But if you do not try, if you do not take the time to learn, if you do not try and advance your skill set, you are limiting yourself.  By not trying you will never fail at that task, but you will fail at reaching your potential.

Where do I find learning?  NAEC, NAESA, CECA, CEA, NEIEP and other elevator organizations offer opportunities on a regular basis.  We all can miss a few episodes of Everyone Loves Raymond or How I met your Mother, both shows will be here when you get back.

As always feel free to contact us at www.colleyelevator.com, email Craigz@colleyelevator.com or call 630-766-7230.

Elevator pit hazards & safe access

There have been some recent accidents involving elevator pits.  Pit safety is one thing that is of the utmost importance but we at times are complacent. This posting will be vague as non-elevator personnel should not be entering pits.  It is intended to be a refresher and remind us of close calls we have heard of or experiences so we do not repeat them.

Pit hazards

1.    Inadequate refuge space

2.    Inadequate lighting

3.    Improper access

4.    Tripping hazards

5.    Unsafe or lack of pit ladder

6.    Moisture/water/oil

7.    Moving equipment

[example of pristine pit conditions elevator mechanics run into]

One of the more important items is planning, look at the pit, identify the key pieces of elevator equipment and safety equipment as well as refuge area.  As we see in the picture sometimes there is a lot going on in a pit.

Lock out tag outs are a big item we need to remember to do when we are not needing to move an elevator to perform work.

Barricade the hoist way door if it going to be open more than 5”.  Even with two people performing a task, the 2^nd person always tends to have to get something, be aware of this item.

Be aware of the hoistway door unlocking device pinch points if the door is under power.  If you haven’t experienced this, try your best not to, it isn’t pleasant.

Always be aware of the stop switch location and its position.

Always test the stop switch to make sure it actually works.

Never stand on a pit aldder when the pit stop switch is in the on position.

The Elevator Safety Handbook has processes for accessing a pit safely that goes into depth on the correct way to complete this task.  I wanted to list the high points that we may be over confident in.

As always feel free to contact us at www.colleyelevator.com, email Craigz@colleyelevator.com or call 630-766-7230.