Safety Focused – March 2023

Elevator Safety Precautions

Millions of employees utilize elevators each day. While elevators are considered one of the safest forms of transportation, it’s important for you to follow these precautions when riding an elevator:

• Allow all passengers to fully exit the elevator before you begin boarding.
• Watch your step when entering the elevator, as it may not be exactly level with the floor.
• Steer clear of the doors once you enter the elevator. Never attempt to stop a closing door.
• Pay attention to the elevator’s capacity limit. Do not attempt to board an elevator that has reached capacity.
• Be courteous to other passengers on the elevator. Do not push other riders in front of you when exiting, and be sure to move out of the way of passengers when they exit.
• Watch your step as you exit the elevator to avoid tripping on uneven ground.
• Remain calm at all times. If you are in a stalled elevator, utilize the alarm button or phone button to contact emergency services.

For more elevator safety guidance, talk to your supervisor.

Fire Preparation and Response Tips

Fire hazards exist in workplaces across industry lines, carrying severe safety risks. Even with proper prevention measures in place, fires may still occur. With this in mind, it’s vital for employees like you to be prepared for a fire on the job and know how to respond effectively. Here’s an overview of fire preparation and response best practices.

Fire Preparation

To adequately prepare for a fire in the workplace, consider these tips:

• Make sure you know what kinds of firefighting equipment are available on-site, as well as how to use such equipment.
• Learn where fire extinguishers are located and what types of fires they are to be used on.
• Review the worksite’s fire evacuation protocols and safe meeting location(s).
• Participate in periodic fire drills to practice response procedures.
• Become familiar with the different types of smoke detectors, fire alarms and sprinkler systems used on-site.
• Ask your supervisor if you have any questions regarding fire preparedness.

Fire Response

In the event that a fire occurs on-site, be sure to execute these steps:

• Treat any fire alarm as a true emergency unless you are told ahead of time it is a drill. Just because you do not see smoke or flames does not mean a fire is not present.
• Evacuate the workplace immediately and encourage others to do the same. Don’t waste any time grabbing materials or possessions. Your safety is more important than any item.
• Follow documented evacuation routes whenever possible. If smoke is hindering your visibility, look for lit emergency exit signage.
• Try to evacuate the worksite before smoke fills the room you are in. However, if you are unable to do so, stay low to the ground and get out as fast – but as safely – as you can.

Contact your supervisor for more information on fire safety.