Commercial Elevator Safety
An elevator getting stuck is stressful, especially when you have employees, tenants, or guests inside. Most entrapments are safety shutdowns doing exactly what they’re designed to do, not catastrophic failures. The good news is that most elevator entrapments are not dangerous when handled the right way. The priority is simple: keep everyone calm, get clear communication going, and call a licensed elevator professional.
Use this step-by-step guide for commercial buildings and multi-unit properties.
At South Jersey Elevator, we’re a family-owned merit shop company. Our technicians are trained, performance-accountable, and backed by a safety-first culture with a STEP Diamond level commitment. That’s why we build plans around clear communication, 24/7 emergency response with accountability, and modern monitoring systems like LiftCom. We serve commercial buildings across South Jersey, Philadelphia, Eastern PA, and Delaware.
Step 1: Stay calm and reassure the passenger
If you are inside the elevator, take a slow breath and focus on staying calm. If you are outside the elevator, speak through the door and let the passenger know help is on the way. Panic leads to poor decisions, and the safest move is almost always to wait for a trained technician.
Step 2: Use the alarm button and the in-cab phone
Most commercial elevators have an alarm button and a phone or call system. Press the alarm button and use the phone to reach building security or the monitoring service. Share the building name, address, and elevator location if you know it.
If the elevator has cell reception and a passenger has a phone, calling building management is usually faster than calling friends or family first.
Why modern elevator communication systems matter during entrapments
A lot of buildings still rely on an old-style “elevator phone” and assume it will work in an emergency. In real life, not all systems are created equal, and the difference shows up when someone is trapped in the cab.
Traditional landlines can fail, and basic cellular gateways can be unreliable in elevators because of signal issues, power interruptions, or outdated hardware. When communication drops, response gets slower and accountability gets fuzzy.
Modern elevator communication systems are designed for entrapments. They provide monitored, code-compliant two-way communication, so the call is received, tracked, and answered the way it’s supposed to be.
- Faster response and clearer accountability for building staff and responders.
- Calmer passengers because they can hear a real person and know help is on the way.
- Better visibility into what’s happening, which helps technicians arrive prepared.
South Jersey Elevator installs LiftCom, a modern elevator emergency communication and monitoring system designed specifically for elevators, to ensure reliable communication when it matters most. With LiftCom, emergency calls are answered, logged, and tracked, so they don’t just ring into the void.
We treat this as part of a safety program, not an optional add-on. If your elevator still depends on an outdated phone setup, we’ll walk you through a practical upgrade plan.
Step 3: Do not force the doors open
Never pry, kick, or force elevator doors. Even if the cab looks close to a floor, it can move without warning once controls reset or power returns. Forcing doors can also damage the operator and turn a manageable service call into a larger repair.
Step 4: Confirm the passenger is safe and comfortable
Ask if anyone is hurt, having trouble breathing, or experiencing a medical emergency. If there is a medical issue, call 911 first, then contact your elevator service company. If there is no medical emergency, keep communication going and let the passenger know what is happening.
- Ask the passenger to stay away from the doors and remain standing or seated safely.
- Let them know the elevator has ventilation and they will not run out of air.
- Avoid giving exact time promises. Focus on next steps instead.
Step 5: Call 24/7 emergency elevator service
An elevator entrapment should be treated as an emergency service call. A licensed elevator technician has the tools and training to safely access the controls, verify cab position, and release passengers correctly.
If your building is in South Jersey, Philadelphia, Eastern PA, or Delaware, call South Jersey Elevator for 24/7 emergency elevator service at 609-545-8512.
Step 6: Document what happened for your records
After the passenger is safely out, write down what you know. This helps your elevator technician diagnose the issue and helps your team track repeat problems.
- Time and date of the incident
- Which elevator was involved (bank, cab number, or location)
- What the passenger noticed before it stopped (jerking, loud noise, door issues)
- Any error messages or indicator lights
- Weather conditions or recent power issues, if relevant
How to reduce the chance of getting stuck again
Most elevator shutdowns are preventable. A consistent elevator maintenance plan catches worn components before they cause a service disruption. Modernization can also eliminate outdated parts that fail more often or are difficult to source.
- Schedule routine commercial elevator maintenance and safety checks.
- Address door problems early. Many shutdowns start with door operators and sensors.
- If your equipment is older, ask about modernization that improves reliability and keeps you on open-market, non-proprietary components so you’re not locked into one manufacturer for future service.
Commercial elevator maintenance
Commercial elevator modernization
Need help with an elevator that is stuck right now?
Call South Jersey Elevator at 609-545-8512 for emergency elevator service, or use our contact form for non-emergency service requests.
