The occurrence of accidents involving construction elevators is mainly attributed to various and complex factors, with a predominant focus on human-related aspects. This includes the extent to which a series of tasks from management to implementation align with established operating procedures, installation regulations, management plans, and production technology management. Therefore, emphasizing prevention is crucial to reducing incidents later.
Accidents caused by unauthorized instructions from non-professional personnel other than the elevator operator:
Preventive Measures: Convene a special meeting on construction production and material dispatch, formulate the sequence, timing, and authority scope of elevator operations, strictly prohibit anyone from bypassing professional drivers and blindly giving instructions for ascent and descent. The coordination and determination of elevator operations should be handled by the overall responsible technical personnel and the chief engineer. Any unauthorized actions or violations of the authority of individuals outside the professional elevator operator will result in fines, warning notifications according to the company’s staff management system, and similar treatment for professional drivers and commanding personnel involved in improper operations due to “unauthorized instructions,” and, if necessary, dismissal.
Accidents caused by elevator operators working without a license or lacking proficiency:
Preventive Measures: Conduct on-site proficiency assessments by technical personnel for each elevator operator in place, with a focus on practical proficiency and trustworthiness. Only personnel who pass the proficiency assessment and possess official “Professional Technical Training Certificate” and “Tower Crane Professional Technical Qualification Certificate” can be employed.
Occurrence of safety hazards due to “Rectification Notices” issued during professional inspections of elevators:
Preventive Measures: The issuance of “Rectification Notices” for elevators should be carried out by targeted professional inspections conducted by safety inspection departments. These notices should be treated as authoritative administrative instructions and executed without compromise. A comprehensive shutdown, maintenance, and rectification plan should be organized, and any component related to the “hazard” identified in the notice, such as the replacement of spare parts, major components, and power supply accessories, must undergo a thorough inspection before resuming operation. Any level of management personnel delaying rectification under the pretext of construction impact should be rejected, and elevator operators and technical professionals have the right to refuse operation until rectification is completed and re-inspected to meet safety and technical requirements.
Safety Assurance Measures:
- The installation, disassembly, and use of lifting equipment and auxiliary hoisting machinery must strictly comply with relevant safety regulations and procedural requirements and follow the instructions of the installation leadership group.
- All on-site installers, operators, heavy machinery operators, piping electricians must be formally trained, hold a certificate for the job, and have practical experience in the work. They must be serious and meticulous in their work.
- All personnel engaged in work must wear safety helmets, secure safety belts, and wear work shoes before working at heights. Unsafe factors and situations must be strictly prohibited during high-altitude operations. The project’s dedicated safety officer must monitor and supervise throughout the entire installation and dismantling process. Once a safety hazard is identified, it is the responsibility to ensure its elimination.
- Regular maintenance, inspection, and necessary replacement of worn components must be carried out during the use of construction elevators. Operators must hold a certificate and secure the equipment when not in use. Unauthorized individuals are strictly prohibited from starting and descending, adhering to their duties, operating proficiently, and strictly controlling the load to prevent overloading.
- Sturdy, switchable gates must be installed at the entrance and exit of each floor to ensure that the door opens when the cage is stopped and closes when the cage is ascending or descending. Warning signs should be installed at each floor.
- The entrance and exit gates for the construction elevator site must be accessible and flat, free from obstacles. The area must be equipped with a safety shed and appropriate fencing within a specified range.
- Electrical components used for the elevator must be monitored, managed, inspected, and tested by dedicated personnel. Special distribution boxes must be lockable, and they must not be used for purposes beyond the scope of the elevator.
- In case of abnormal swaying, malfunctions, excessive noise, or unresponsive switches during elevator operation, the power must be cut off, and the elevator must be stopped. It should undergo centralized maintenance and trial operation until safety is restored before use.
