by Brianna Crandall — April 27, 2020 — The National Elevator Industry, Inc., (NEII) has published industry statements, infographics for both riders and facilities managers (FMs), and resources and legislative updates for elevator industry workers, all available on NEII’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources webpage.
NEII/IUEC statement
A joint statement from the NEII and the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) emphasizes the importance of safety — both the safety of the riding public and the safety of all elevator personnel. The statement says that both NEII member companies and the IUEC have educated their mechanics on ways to mitigate the risk of COVID-19, arming them with the appropriate safety protocols and protective equipment to safely maintain the nation’s elevators and escalators. The groups are committed to keeping building transportation equipment functioning properly during this unprecedented period.
Infographics
The infographic with rider tips for the coronavirus, which could be displayed in and by elevators and escalators, emphasizes general safety and health practices such as holding the handrail when riding an escalator, as well as washing hands or using hand sanitizer after touching it, and coughing into your elbows. It also reminds riders to practice social distancing in both elevators and escalators, and to wait for an uncrowded elevator.
The infographic with FM tips for the coronavirus advises FMs to clean and disinfect elevator buttons and other frequently touched surfaces periodically throughout the day; to post signage to let riders know surfaces are being cleaned regularly and reminding them to practice social distancing; and to provide wipes and/or hand sanitizer near elevators and escalators.
Legislative updates
The NEII Coronavirus Resources page also summarizes Executive Orders from states and locales identifying “essential” and “non-essential” businesses and size limits for gatherings as well as any explicit restrictions on elevator maintenance, and includes overall links for the US, Canada and Mexico.
For more information, visit the NEII Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources webpage.
The IUEC COVID-19 Resources webpage offers additional resources for those who construct, modernize and repair elevators, escalators, moving walkways and other conveyances, as well as a video and information on the IUEC safety Stand Down 2020, which coincides with Workers Memorial Day on April 28.
