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Elevator and Escalator Daily Safety Checklist
Introduction
Elevator and escalator injuries are rare, but when they do occur, they can be severe. Most
states and localities require elevator inspections by trained professionals or by local
government officials at specific intervals. In some jurisdictions, such inspections are the
responsibility of the general liability insurance carrier or their designee.
This Insight reviews the causes of elevator and escalator injuries and includes a self-
inspection checklist that you can use between inspections to assure your elevators and
escalators are operating safely and at peak efficiency.
Common causes of elevator injuries:

• trips and falls when the car does not level properly at the landing floor
• closing doors that do not stop or retract
• rapid descents or "jerking" ascents
• stress caused by being trapped in a stalled elevator
Common causes of escalator injuries:

• loss of balance while entering or exiting
• loss of balance from "jerking" or erratic motion of the unit
• catching of loose clothing or footwear in the "comb plate" (the comb-like device at the
top and bottom of the unit) or in the side balustrades
• slips and falls from slippery surfaces caused by excessive application of lubricants
Elevator maintenance contractors and risk transfer

Elevator maintenance contractors usually refuse a property owner’s request for a "hold
harmless" agreement or to be included as an additional named insured on their policy. As
one might imagine, these companies are frequently targets of legal action by elevator and
escalator passengers, and sometimes building owners. Nevertheless, insist on a current
certificate of insurance showing evidence of workers’ compensation, general liability,
property, and umbrella coverage before contracting with any elevator maintenance
company.
The value of self-inspections

Daily, non-technical inspections of all elevator and escalator equipment pays-off in several
ways:
• Early repairs to damaged units can be corrected promptly, with less risk and
inconvenience to tenants and visitors.
• Gradual degradation of components on older units can be noted and corrected before a
major failure occurs.
• Self-inspections also help to document your efforts to maintain equipment and may
benefit your defense in the event of a claim.
Elevator/Escalator Self-Inspection Form

The following checklist can be used to verify the condition of your elevator and/or escalator
equipment between scheduled maintenance periods. A good way to train your maintenance
and building management staff is by a walk-through inspection with your elevator
maintenance contractor.
PP31-05-03 Page 1 of 3
Elevator and Escalator Daily Survey
Location: _____________________________ Date:__________________
Surveyed by:_____________
Type of Unit
[ ] Passenger elevator -- Hydraulic [ ] Rope unit [ ]

[ ] Freight elevator -- Hydraulic [ ] Rope unit [ ]
[ ] Escalator
General checklist
1. Who is responsible for maintaining elevators and escalators at this location?
2. How frequently are they maintained?
3. How is maintenance documented?
4. Is the maintenance schedule current?
Elevator checklist
1. Are doors secured at each level, any openings?
2. Are car(s) level within 1/2 inch (+/-) at each level?
3. Is floor material intact in cars and at landings?
4. Do infrared beams, leading edge interlocks function properly?
5. Do car doors open between floors?
6. Is car roof/side door secured against unauthorized opening from within the car?
7. Is emergency lighting operational (is test switch available)?
8. Is emergency notification system operational (bell/telephone/both)?
9. Is emergency stop switch operational?
10. Are there any unprotected shaftways or car openings?
11. Is elevator equipment room(s) secured without extraneous storage or hydraulic fluid
leaks (hydraulic units only)?
12. Does electrical room (if accessible with authorization) have a covered electrical control
panel? Any extraneous storage?
13. Is there a Di-electric (insulated) mat on the floor by the electrical control panel? Is it in
good visual condition (no tears, curling)?
14. Is the Inspection Certificate posted in each car and in the building superintendent's
office (as required by local ordinance)?
15. Is documented annual (frequency based on local ordinance requirements) service with
Certificate of Insurance provided?
16. Are proper warnings posted in all elevators (e.g., "do not use in event of fire,"
"maximum load" of number of persons and/or weight)?
Comments:
PP31-05-03 Page 2 of 3
Escalator checklist
1. Are handholds smooth and free of cracks or damage?
2. Are all treads intact and free of damage?
3. Are protected emergency stop switches accessible and functioning? (There is usually
an emergency stop switch at the two levels plus switches below the tread along the
balustrade. NEVER attempt to stop or start an escalator while passengers are on the
unit)
4. Are comb-plates intact (no broken, missing teeth)?
5. Is additional lighting provided at top and bottom of each landing?
6. Is under-tread lighting operable?
7. Are angles between escalators and floors/other escalators protected by guards that
hide acute angles?
8. Has silicon or lubricant overspray made landing surface slippery?
9. Is emergency lighting available to illuminate escalator(s) in case of a power outage?
10. Is documented annual (frequency based on local ordinance requirements) service with
Certificate of Insurance provided?
Comments:
It is also recommended that elevator and escalator examinations include a visual inspection
of the shaftway, car, doors, and car controls accessible to the public.
Refer to ANSI Al7.l, Safety Code for Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Escalators and Moving Walks
or your local building code enforcement office for questions about local elevator and
escalator maintenance requirements.
This bulletin provides general information and procedures that may apply to many business operations; however, it is not a
comprehensive treatise on the subject, nor a "turnkey" plan to be implemented. Consult with your staff and/or specialists to
determine how best this information may guide you to specific plans for your operations. Additionally, this bulletin does
not substitute for legal advice, which should come from your own counsel. All recommendations described in this bulletin
are generic and not specific to your unique business operations.
This bulletin may contain references to third party Web sites. These references are provided solely as a convenience to you
and not as an endorsement by Fireman's Fund® of the content of such third party Web sites. Fireman's Fund is not
responsible for the content of such third-party sites and does not make any representations regarding the content or accuracy
of materials on such third party Web sites. If you decide to access third party Web sites, you do so at your own risk.
Any description of insurance coverage is a partial summary of coverage available. Your actual coverage will depend on the
terms and conditions of your policy and the limits you select. The policy may contain exclusions and limitations that are not
detailed in this “Insights,” and coverage may differ by state.
© 2003 Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, Novato California, All rights reserved.
www.firemansfund.com 1.888.LC.Source (1.888.527.6872)
PP31-05-03 Page 3 of 3

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Elevator and Escalator Daily Safety Checklist

Common causes of elevator injuries:

Common causes of escalator injuries:

Elevator maintenance contractors and risk transfer

The value of self-inspections

Elevator/Escalator Self-Inspection Form

Location: ___________ Date:

[ ] Passenger elevator -- Hydraulic [ ] Rope unit [ ]

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