As disaster-preparedness knowledge that condominium residents should know, there is the correct way to respond to elevator entrapment incidents. In the 2018 Northern Osaka Earthquake, entrapment occurred in about 346 elevators. Calm action protects your safety.
How does an elevator operate during an earthquake?
Elevators are legally required to have an earthquake emergency operation control system. This system detects P-waves (initial tremors), heads first to the nearest floor, and then operates differently depending on the strength of the S-waves (major shaking).
- Detection of low-gal S-waves: The doors open at the nearest floor and operation stops → entrapment does not occur
- Detection of high-gal S-waves: Emergency stop on the spot → this is when entrapment incidents can occur
In the Northern Osaka Earthquake, about 87% of entrapment cases were resolved within three hours, but in some cases rescue took more than five hours.
What should you do if you become trapped in an elevator?
1. Press all floor buttons
First, press all floor buttons. If the elevator can move to any floor, get out when it stops. After exiting, evacuate using the emergency stairs so that you do not become trapped again.
2. Use the emergency intercom to call for help
If the buttons do not respond, use the emergency intercom and keep pressing the button until a staff member answers, then calmly explain the situation. If the intercom does not connect, call 119 or the building management company's emergency contact number.
3. Check and use the emergency supplies
The disaster-preparedness storage boxes in the four corners of the elevator may contain emergency drinking water, food, a portable toilet, blankets, flashlights, and other supplies.
4. Take a comfortable position and conserve your strength
While waiting for rescue, take a comfortable position, such as sitting on the floor, to conserve your strength. If children are with you, check their condition regularly.
What actions should you never take?
- Forcing the doors open: There is a risk of falling through a gap or being caught in the doors if the elevator suddenly restarts
- Trying to escape through the ceiling panel: Japanese-made elevators often do not have a ceiling inspection hatch, and even if it opens, safe evacuation is difficult
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Is there a risk that an elevator could fall?
A. Because elevators have multiple safety systems, the possibility of a fall is extremely low. If a fall were to occur, lying on your back to distribute the impact across your whole body is considered effective.
Q. Is there a risk of oxygen deprivation while trapped?
A. Elevators are not completely sealed, and air continues to circulate, so oxygen deprivation does not normally occur. However, if many people are inside, ventilation may not be sufficient.
Q. How long does it take to restore service if the elevator stops because of a power outage?
A. The elevator cannot restart until technicians complete safety checks, so in a large-scale disaster it may take anywhere from several hours to several days. In condominiums, it is important to have the physical ability and preparation to use emergency stairs even when living on higher floors.
Q. How should a condominium conduct elevator entrapment drills?
A. We recommend working through the management association with the elevator maintenance company to conduct drills about once a year, including confirming how to use the emergency intercom, checking emergency supplies, and reviewing evacuation routes.
