Elevator Radio Show Podcast

As optimistic as I’m attempting to seem it’s getting more difficult every day to see a light at the end of the tunnel. I’ll share more on this during the show today.  Continue to keep you and your family safe by washing your hands and sanitizing commonly touched work areas and make sure not to touch your eyes, ears or mouth unless your hands are clean.  This will help you stay healthy against all the bad stuff out there, not just Covid-19.  Some other advice I’d like to share is stay away from Facebook and the toxic posts you see out there. The news is just as bad. If you want to see what your governor or the Corona Virus Task Force has to share watch those briefings each day and form your own conclusion. The media rarely covers the entire briefing unfortunately.  The year off from this show has taught me that there are so many people out there who share information like they are experts when they aren’t. The media twists and turns and pounds home whatever they can to gain their viewing/subscriber base. The internet has become an ugly place and it’s truly sad to see.

The equipment has been dusted off, powered back on and I’m back.  Today’s show, after taking eleven months off, comes full circle with the feeling and inspiration I felt when I recorded the first Elevator Radio Show podcast back in December 2005.  I have so many of you to thank for this.  I’ll be sharing the perspective from a company that manufactures elevator equipment on the steps we’ve taken along with just my thoughts on this entire pandemic. The goal here is to provide all of you, a place to come each week as we all do our best to get through this cluster. I care deeply for our industry, all who work in it and the safety of people who touch it every day. This virus is going to shift the way human beings interact forever as well as our industry.  Please be careful as you venture out into the world and practice the steps outlined by the CDC to keep yourself healthy. Wash hands as often as you can with soap and water for 20 mins. Don’t touch any of your body openings with your hands.  The virus must enter your body somewhere for you to become sick, don’t roll out the red carpet for it.

Thought for today’s show: Anger is the last bastion of the powerless.

News/Article Links:

NEII – Elevators and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources (https://nationalelevatorindustry.org/coronavirus-covid-19-resources/)

CECA – Basecamp Sharing Site (https://3.basecamp.com/4474733/projects)

Non members contact them to become a member (https://ceca-acea.org/contact/)

DOL – Guidance for Preparing Workplaces (https://www.dol.gov/)

DOL – Families First (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic)

Be Safe Online and Offline (https://www.avg.com/en/signal/coronavirus-malware?utm_content=361381&utm_term=157839204_3786_18&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sfmc&utm_campaign=c_oo_alac_a_a_20q1_jj_news03avg)

Flu Season Estimates (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/preliminary-in-season-estimates.htm)

Center for Disease Control Links

CDC – How to Protect Yourself from Coronavirus (COVID-19) (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html)

CDC – What to do if you are sick (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html)

CDC – Daily Life and Coping (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/index.html)

CDC – People who need to take extra precautions (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/index.html)

Stimulus Aid Package

NPR – What’s inside the Coronavirus Aid Package (https://www.npr.org/2020/03/26/821457551/whats-inside-the-senate-s-2-trillion-coronavirus-aid-package)

SBA – Apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loan (https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance)

This is the first show I’ve done where there were more than one “I-Team” type investigative report on expired elevator certificates. In the years I’ve been creating this podcast, never have any of them truly attempted to address or get to the bottom of the reason why. My question to you I-Team, reporter….look deeper into the numbers.  Find out the budget for the elevator inspection department, the number of inspectors the department has and the number of elevators that require inspections annually.  Go a step further and ask how long an inspection should take on average and plug those numbers into a spreadsheet.  After you’ve done this ask whether or not the funding allocated, the number of inspectors employed and the number of elevators, escalators, moving walkways and dumbwaiters that require inspections annually can be done based on the time and number of inspectors there are to do it. Do the numbers confirm that there’s adequate funding and employed inspectors to complete the number of inspections that are required each year?

Show Notes:

Person falls down elevator shaft in NY (https://patch.com/new-york/parkslope/person-falls-down-elevator-shaft-south-slope)

More than 1,600 elevators in Philly have expired certs. (https://6abc.com/business/more-than-1600-elevators-in-philly-area-have-expired-permits/5276341/)

Another I-Team investigative report: Boston (https://boston.cbslocal.com/2019/05/10/elevators-expired-inspection-certificates-i-team-investigation/)

This time it’s Los Angeles (https://abc7.com/thousands-of-elevators-in-la-overdue-for-annual-inspections/5280582/)

Repairmen burned in Palo Alto shaft fire (https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2019/04/23/repairmen-burned-palo-alto-elevator-shaft-fire/)

TKE abandons plan to split in two (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-10/thyssenkrupp-said-to-consider-elevator-ipo-amid-steel-jv-doubts)

Do broken elevators violate ADA (https://fox2now.com/2019/05/13/city-of-st-louis-investigating-if-artloft-broke-ada-requirements-with-broken-elevators/)

Brake failure blamed in elevator accident (https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Brake-Failure-Blamed-in-Elevator-Accident-That-Crushed-JPS-Nurse-509652511.html)

Meet one of Chicago’s last elevator operators (https://abc7chicago.com/society/meet-one-of-the-last-elevator-operators-in-chicago/5287512/)

Stranded student visitors are helped at Kennedy Center (https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/student-visitors-are-winched-up-kennedy-center-elevator-shaft/2019/04/17/52e37fbe-60ae-11e9-9ff2-abc984dc9eec_story.html?utm_term=.e2002d8586a8)

Full report released in Hancock building stall (https://abc7chicago.com/former-hancock-building-broken-elevator-cable-never-caused-freefall-inspection-report-says/5264740/)

City Hall’s elevator on its last trip (http://www.sungazette.com/news/top-news/2019/04/city-halls-elevator-needs-fixed/)

Boy sitting on escalator loses finger, parents demand mall pay medical costs (https://www.theepochtimes.com/boy-sitting-on-escalator-loses-finger-parents-dispute-mall-for-medical-charges_2916456.html)

Today’s program has a little bit of everything. What surprised me was the number of accidents reported as they related to the general riding public and/or workers that use elevators for work.  Many of which had me simply scratching my head wondering the true cause for each of them.  In addition, I’ll cover the upcoming calendar of events and share my hopes that Spring will soon be here.

Show Notes:

DC firefighters hoist students out of elevator at Kennedy Center (https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/student-visitors-are-winched-up-kennedy-center-elevator-shaft/2019/04/17/52e37fbe-60ae-11e9-9ff2-abc984dc9eec_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.4a17c4d5b23ehttps://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/student-visitors-are-winched-up-kennedy-center-elevator-shaft/2019/04/17/52e37fbe-60ae-11e9-9ff2-abc984dc9eec_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.4a17c4d5b23e)

Elevators undergo $1M in renovations (http://www.usforacle.com/news/view.php/1038458/JP-elevators-undergo-1-million-renovatio)

TKE to upgrade two elevators at Cobb County gov building (https://www.ajc.com/news/local/elevator-company-near-the-battery-gets-cobb-contract/Te36iZjmRNlEVfA0HUZaVK/)

Supreme Court hears case of woman fined, arrested for not holding escalator rail (https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/supreme-court-hears-case-of-woman-fined-arrested-for-not-holding-escalator-rail-1.4382307)

ESD signage in the UK (http://myesd.com/manchester-piccadilly-new-escalator-safety-media/)

BC housing knew about elevator issues (https://www.thestar.com/vancouver/2019/04/16/bc-housing-knew-about-elevator-problems-at-a-vancouver-affordable-housing-building-in-2015.html)

Man in mobility scooter falls three floors in Toronto (https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/man-in-mobility-scooter-falls-three-floors-down-toronto-elevator-shaft-1.4376408)

Veterans get elevator for VFW (https://www.journal-topics.com/articles/elk-grove-vfw-breaks-ground-on-long-awaited-elevator-project/)

Four injured after man falls over on escalator (https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/black-country/four-injured-after-man-falls-16097765)

Snake removed from elevator ceiling (https://www.syracuse.com/crime/2019/04/long-yellow-trespasser-reported-in-suny-oswego-dorm-snake-removed-from-elevator-ceiling.html)

Woman injured in elevator accident (https://www.yourerie.com/news/local-news/woman-injured-in-elevator-accident-at-erie-high-school/1913767716)

Elevator access solution released (https://www.securitysales.com/access/openpath-elevator-access-isc-west/)

Broke escalator adds to Southern Cross chaos (https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/broken-escalator-adds-to-southern-cross-chaos-20190412-p51die.html)

Man on cargo cart dies in elevator accident (https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/04/e62455edce9c-man-on-cargo-cart-dies-in-elevator-accident-at-tokyo-fish-market.html)

Readers turn thumbs-down on plan for O’Hare’s Global Terminal (https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/kamin/ct-biz-escalators-follow-kamin-411-story.html)

IAEC 2019 Reno Forum Fast Approaching (https://www.iaec.org/forum-2019-reno/)

CEA Night at the Races (https://cea-online.org/night-at-the-races/)

Historical commission rejects plan to add elevator (https://www.dailyitem.com/the_danville_news/historical-commission-rejects-plan-to-add-elevator-to-montour-county/article_3b897a4a-5b0d-11e9-b973-d7740f6e3402.html)

Elevator U Registration Open (http://www.elevatoru.org)

Upcoming Educational Workshops/Classes (https://www.naesai.org/)

This is one of those shows where one unexpected article link, had me thinking about recalls and elevators and escalators as they related to the CPSC.  After reading and sharing one listed below, I got to thinking about the question of whether there were other recalls out there as they related that I hadn’t seen and decided to do some quick digging.  What I found was a little concerning.  I need to fully disclose my day job involves many things but manufacturing and selling door interlocks and mechanical door switches for freight/passenger elevators.  We are not, however a player in the residential elevator market. Also, I’m not an expert when it comes to residential elevators nor anything for tha matter so take what I say with a grain of salt.  With all of this out of the way I ask one simple question on the show today which is a good one.

Show Notes:

Cambridge Elevating recalls home elevators due to fall hazard (http://www.kplctv.com/2019/03/28/home-elevators-recalled-due-fall-hazard/)

Other recalls affecting “elevator” equipment (https://www.cpsc.gov/search?site=cpsc_site&output=xml_no_dtd&getfields=*&tlen=120&client=ek_drupal_01&proxystylesheet=ek_drupal_01&filter=p&query=elevator)

Plastic Residential Door Latches? (https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2016/Porta-Recalls-Residential-Elevators)

Residential Elevator Safety Meeting Planned (https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/Public-Calendar/2019-04-08-190000/commissioner-adler-and-staff-meeting-with-residential-0)

3-month elevator battle at plaza prompts action by tenants (http://bronx.news12.com/story/40240505/3month-elevator-battle-at-richman-plaza-prompts-action-by-tenants)

Why everyone should stand still on an escalator (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/why-everyone-should-stand-still-on-an-escalator)

One elevator has some feeling like prisoners (https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/04/02/rogers-park-high-rise/)

Work safe out there (https://news.google.com/u/0/search?q=construction%20accident&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US%3Aen)

Woman stuck in elevator for 21 hours : China (https://www.theepochtimes.com/woman-stuck-alone-in-elevator-over-night-texts-her-love-before-rescue_2856383.html)

U of Michigan to upgrade historic Detroit Observatory (https://www.wilx.com/content/news/U-of-Michigan-to-upgrade-historic-Detroit-Observatory-507932871.html)

Next CEA Meeting: Tomorrow (https://cea-online.org/2019/03/14/next-cea-meeting-thursday-april-4th-2019-dinner-630-pm/)

Elevator U Registration Open (http://www.elevatoru.org/)

Upcoming Educational Workshops/Classes (https://www.naesai.org/)

I was hoping it would be a show without covering any accidents, but this week is not the week to be.  In addition, you can ask your coworkers if they know what a “RIOT” button does in an elevator.  In Sacrament someone thought it would be a good idea to add them to some of their governmental elevators.  It’s also our Prize Pack Giveaway show which is my favorite of the month.  Special thanks to Colley Elevator and Codedataplate.com for providing $25 gift cards for it.  Work safe out there.

Prize Pack Giveaway – Thanks To the Following Prize Pack Giveaway Donors!

C.J. Anderson & Company, Colley Elevator Company, Codedataplate.com,  The National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities, The Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation, Truxes, EMS Group, Elevator Bob’s Elevator Pictures, Minnesota Elevator, ElevatorU.org, Elevator World Magazine, NAEC, Elevator Cab Renovations, Parts Specialists Inc, Elevatormanstories.com, Elevator Riders Riding Club, Peelle, The pQEI Inspection App & Maxton Manufacturing

Show Notes:

Construction worker injured after falling down elevator shaft (https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/507496111.html)

Family wants change at airport (https://kdvr.com/2019/03/23/family-of-man-who-fell-to-his-death-on-airport-escalator-wants-change/)

Old woman nears death in lift accident – China (https://www.scmp.com/video/china/3003421/old-woman-nears-death-lift-accident)

Death of hotel worker in 2016 leads to $200k in fines (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/2016-elevator-accident-fines-1.5034912)

Transit crews work to improve elevator/escalator service MTA (https://pix11.com/2019/03/25/transit-works-to-improve-elevator-and-escalator-service/)

The harsh reality when elevators are broken (https://abc7ny.com/society/nyc-shelter-residents-blame-faulty-elevator-for-womans-death/5216230/)

Will Big Bang Theory finally fix its longest running problem? (https://www.cbr.com/big-bang-theory-finale-will-elevator-be-fixed/)

RIOT Buttons installed in elevator? (https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2019/03/19/riot-button-state-elevators/)

Judy Marks Leads Otis Elevator on a Tech-Fueled Quest for Growth (https://chiefexecutive.net/judy-marks-otis-elevator-growth/)

Evil of all evil – How is bail set for someone like this? (https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-joliet-harrahs-casino-fatal-stabbing-bond-hearing-20190326-story.html)

IAEC Conference Fast Approaching (https://www.iaec.org/)

We’ve got a good show for you today. There are at least three articles that should be the talk around the office cooler, weekly safety toolbox talks or any other opportunity you have to chat with your coworkers about. In the end each all come down to safety.  And on a non-elevator related note it’s the first day of Spring today for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. Let’s hope Mother Nature is done sending snow and cold our way.

I was truly moved at the number of you who emailed me the news regarding the fatality in ND.  While an investigation it still pending initial reports indicate he was electrocuted while servicing an escalator.  Every time I read one of these articles my heart sinks and I feel like my words fall on deaf ears.  Your emails, sharing the news of this tragedy, helped me realize that safety is a priority to so many of you which I find a small amount of comfort in. Keep Josh Bosch, his family especially his wife and two daughters in your thoughts and prayers.

There’s a wide variety of article links shared on today's show. The first one pounds home the concern for safety in the job site as it relates not to construction or maintenance of buildings but in other services like demolition and wrecking.  It’s a terrible accident and reminder of just how fragile life is and how it can change in an instant.

It’s one of those shows where there aren’t a lot of stories to cover but the ones I do and the thoughts I share should be ones everyone contemplates both in your office and out in the field.  We’re talking about liability, safety and at what point is it okay to fire a customer or lockout/tag out an elevator when you deem it to be unsafe or when elevator/building owners choose to ignore recommendations for upgrades/improvements and simply just want to spend as little money as possible on getting them back running again.

Prize Pack Giveaway – Thanks To the Following Prize Pack Giveaway Donors!

C.J. Anderson & Company, Colley Elevator Company, Codedataplate.com,  The National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities, The Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation, Truxes, EMS Group, Elevator Bob’s Elevator Pictures, Minnesota Elevator, ElevatorU.org, Elevator World Magazine, NAEC, Elevator Cab Renovations, Parts Specialists Inc, Elevatormanstories.com, Elevator Riders Riding Club, Peelle, The pQEI Inspection App & Maxton Manufacturing

Show Notes:

Failing to ensure good condition leads to death and $200K fine (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/2016-elevator-accident-fines-1.5034912)

Elevator operator survives four story fall down elevator shaft – NY (https://abc7ny.com/man-survives-4-story-fall-down-manhattan-elevator-shaft/5157887/)

Blazers stalled in Boston Elevator for 30 minutes (http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26086207/blazers-stuck-boston-elevator-30-minutes)

JPS Hospital provides details of accident (https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/fort-worth/article226333000.html)

Contractor warned JPS weeks before injury (https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/fort-worth/article226576019.html)

Joliet businessman calls for elevator upgrades (https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/22/joliet-businessman-calls-for-elevator-upgrades/ajagfbf/)

$9 million project to replace elevators in Brockton (https://www.enterprisenews.com/news/20190214/brockton-high-rise-elevators-being-replaced-for-9-million)

CEA Meeting Thursday March 7th (https://cea-online.org/2019/02/25/next-cea-meeting-thursday-march-7th-2019-dinner-630-pm/)

NAESAi Central Region Workshop March 8-9 (https://www.naesai.org/sessions)

Safety Report by CPWR Linked Online – (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55f96597e4b04ad8ee1d1520/t/5c6e98001905f48d28a3c4d5/1550751746964/Deaths+and+Injuries+Involving+Elevators+or+Escalators+in+Construction+and+the+General+Population+Report+-+2019.pdf) www.cpwr.com (http://www.cpwr.com/)