Elevator World

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com

DONMUNG TO HEAD ASIA UNIT FOR GARAVENTA

Goldau, Switzerland-based Garaventa Lift Group, a global manufacturer and installer of custom lifts, including home and commercial elevators and accessibility solutions, has named Ronny Donmung as business-development manager for Asia. Donmung, with more than 20 years in the accessibility lift business, spent the past seven years as managing director of Garaventa Lift Germany. Prior to this, he spent 10 years as managing director for thyssenkrupp Accessibility in Germany and Austria, and had also worked for Lifta Stairlifts.

NYC SUBWAY STATION TO RECEIVE FOUR ELEVATORS

The New York City (NYC) Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will close the Astoria Boulevard subway station for nine months during an overhaul of the facility that includes the addition of four elevators, the Astoria Post reports. Four elevators will be installed at the station: two from the street to the mezzanine, and two from the mezzanine to the platform. The work will require significant changes to accommodate the elevators, including completely replacing the mezzanine, and reinforcing the columns and foundation. MTA said the work would be "substantially completed" by 2020.

RESIDENTIAL TOWER PLANNED IN DOWNTOWN PHOENIX

A 1.3-acre site in Downtown Phoenix has been purchased for the construction of a residential tower, AZ Big Media reports. North American Development Group, through one of its entities, plans to build Palmcourt Tower, a 29-story, 354-unit apartment building in Arizona Center, a mixed-use project under development. The tower will include seven floors of parking, with 30,000 sq. ft. of indoor/outdoor space on the eighth floor that will house a fitness/yoga facility, lounges and a roof garden with pool and spa. Among other projects in Arizona Center is a 200-room hotel being developed by Marriott, which is expected to begin construction this summer.

BOY THROWN BY BAG CAUGHT ON ESCALATOR DIES

A 10-year-old boy who fell while riding an escalator died on April 13, three days after he was injured in an incident at a shopping mall in Chennai, India, The News Minute reported. According to police, the child was at the mall with his family when a bag he was holding got caught on the escalator and he was thrown down from the second floor. Family members blamed the mall's management for a lack of safety measures, but police filed the case as an accidental death. An inspector called the incident a "freak accident," adding, "there is nothing the mall could have done." He said many cases in which children are hurt on escalators are the result of the parents' inattentiveness.

UAE VT MARKET POISED FOR NEARLY 5% GROWTH

A projection from global market research company 6Wresearch foresees a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) vertical-transportation (VT) market through 2024, Trade Arabia reports. In a report, titled "UAE Elevator and Escalator Market (2018-2024)," 6W research cites several factors contributing to the boom: growing acceptance of elevators in the residential sector; the increasing height of buildings; and more than US$200 billion worth of infrastructure projects in conjunction with World Expo 2020. Also cited were increasing numbers of tourists, especially in Dubai, which has led to the construction of new hotels.

Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes│Google Play | SoundCloud│Stitcher│TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com

DONMUNG TO HEAD ASIA UNIT FOR GARAVENTA

Goldau, Switzerland-based Garaventa Lift Group, a global manufacturer and installer of custom lifts, including home and commercial elevators and accessibility solutions, has named Ronny Donmung as business-development manager for Asia. Donmung, with more than 20 years in the accessibility lift business, spent the past seven years as managing director of Garaventa Lift Germany. Prior to this, he spent 10 years as managing director for thyssenkrupp Accessibility in Germany and Austria, and had also worked for Lifta Stairlifts.

NYC SUBWAY STATION TO RECEIVE FOUR ELEVATORS

The New York City (NYC) Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will close the Astoria Boulevard subway station for nine months during an overhaul of the facility that includes the addition of four elevators, the Astoria Post reports. Four elevators will be installed at the station: two from the street to the mezzanine, and two from the mezzanine to the platform. The work will require significant changes to accommodate the elevators, including completely replacing the mezzanine, and reinforcing the columns and foundation. MTA said the work would be "substantially completed" by 2020.

RESIDENTIAL TOWER PLANNED IN DOWNTOWN PHOENIX

A 1.3-acre site in Downtown Phoenix has been purchased for the construction of a residential tower, AZ Big Media reports. North American Development Group, through one of its entities, plans to build Palmcourt Tower, a 29-story, 354-unit apartment building in Arizona Center, a mixed-use project under development. The tower will include seven floors of parking, with 30,000 sq. ft. of indoor/outdoor space on the eighth floor that will house a fitness/yoga facility, lounges and a roof garden with pool and spa. Among other projects in Arizona Center is a 200-room hotel being developed by Marriott, which is expected to begin construction this summer.

BOY THROWN BY BAG CAUGHT ON ESCALATOR DIES

A 10-year-old boy who fell while riding an escalator died on April 13, three days after he was injured in an incident at a shopping mall in Chennai, India, The News Minute reported. According to police, the child was at the mall with his family when a bag he was holding got caught on the escalator and he was thrown down from the second floor. Family members blamed the mall's management for a lack of safety measures, but police filed the case as an accidental death. An inspector called the incident a "freak accident," adding, "there is nothing the mall could have done." He said many cases in which children are hurt on escalators are the result of the parents' inattentiveness.

UAE VT MARKET POISED FOR NEARLY 5% GROWTH

A projection from global market research company 6Wresearch foresees a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) vertical-transportation (VT) market through 2024, Trade Arabia reports. In a report, titled "UAE Elevator and Escalator Market (2018-2024)," 6W research cites several factors contributing to the boom: growing acceptance of elevators in the residential sector; the increasing height of buildings; and more than US$200 billion worth of infrastructure projects in conjunction with World Expo 2020. Also cited were increasing numbers of tourists, especially in Dubai, which has led to the construction of new hotels.

Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes│Google Play | SoundCloud│Stitcher│TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com

NYC DOB RELEASES COMPREHENSIVE VT REPORT

Multiple outlets, including Curbed New York, are reporting on the New York City (NYC) Department of Buildings' (DOB) first-ever elevator report, a comprehensive compilation of statistics and other facts about the city's 84,000 vertical-transportation (VT) devices. The report, presented in a series of interactive maps, gives facts and figures on important topics, such as the type and number of elevators in each community district, and even the number of devices in each building. Need to know about violations? There's a map showing complaints across the city. Are you a history buff? Another map takes readers on a journey through NYC's elevator past. There's also a look at some of the newest technology. The report covers all passenger and freight elevators, as well as escalators, dumbwaiters and wheelchair lifts, under the DOB's jurisdiction.

SAVARIA ACQUIRES COLORADO-BASED H.E.S.

Accessibility lift manufacturer Savaria Corp. has acquired H.E.S. Elevator Services, Inc., of Denver in a CAD1.4-million (US$1.1-million) purchase, the company announced on April 12. Laval, Canada-based Savaria designs, manufactures, distributes and installs accessibility equipment, including stairlifts, vertical and inclined wheelchair lifts, home and commercial elevators and ceiling lifts. H.E.S., which sells, installs and services a range of elevator equipment in Colorado, has been a Savaria dealer for five years.

NORTH KOREAN TOWER TO FEATURE SECURE-ACCESS ELEVATORS

A sign in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, touts the coming development of high-rise, high-tech apartments that include card-access, high-speed elevators, NKNews.org reports. The sign, with a rendering of a sleek-looking tower that appears to be about 30 stories tall, says the building will feature 180-m2 units and will be built to the "highest-quality" construction standards. Observers said the elevator technology likely came from China, noting that the card-access security feature is new for buildings in North Korea. The sign also says that solar energy will be utilized in the building. The location is in the central sector of Pyongyang, an area popular among government officials.

GIRL RESCUED AFTER FALL INTO SHAFT LEAVES HER HEAD STUCK

A six-year-old girl in Xinxiang, China, was rescued after she fell into an elevator shaft and her head became stuck in a gap between two walls, the Daily Mail reports. According to reports, the girl stepped into the shaft during a power outage on April 10. She was able to grab onto a handle inside the shaft, but her head became stuck in the gap, and her feet were dangling about 33 ft. above ground. Eleven firefighters worked for 40 min. to rescue the girl. One rescuer on a ladder reached her from below, while another descended from above and, using hydraulic pliers, was able to free her head. The source said she was not injured.

Photo courtesy ny.curbed.com:

https://ny.curbed.com/2018/4/12/17230632/nyc-elevators-everything-to-know-report

Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes│Google Play | SoundCloud│Stitcher│TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com

NYC DOB RELEASES COMPREHENSIVE VT REPORT

Multiple outlets, including Curbed New York, are reporting on the New York City (NYC) Department of Buildings' (DOB) first-ever elevator report, a comprehensive compilation of statistics and other facts about the city's 84,000 vertical-transportation (VT) devices. The report, presented in a series of interactive maps, gives facts and figures on important topics, such as the type and number of elevators in each community district, and even the number of devices in each building. Need to know about violations? There's a map showing complaints across the city. Are you a history buff? Another map takes readers on a journey through NYC's elevator past. There's also a look at some of the newest technology. The report covers all passenger and freight elevators, as well as escalators, dumbwaiters and wheelchair lifts, under the DOB's jurisdiction.

SAVARIA ACQUIRES COLORADO-BASED H.E.S.

Accessibility lift manufacturer Savaria Corp. has acquired H.E.S. Elevator Services, Inc., of Denver in a CAD1.4-million (US$1.1-million) purchase, the company announced on April 12. Laval, Canada-based Savaria designs, manufactures, distributes and installs accessibility equipment, including stairlifts, vertical and inclined wheelchair lifts, home and commercial elevators and ceiling lifts. H.E.S., which sells, installs and services a range of elevator equipment in Colorado, has been a Savaria dealer for five years.

NORTH KOREAN TOWER TO FEATURE SECURE-ACCESS ELEVATORS

A sign in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, touts the coming development of high-rise, high-tech apartments that include card-access, high-speed elevators, NKNews.org reports. The sign, with a rendering of a sleek-looking tower that appears to be about 30 stories tall, says the building will feature 180-m2 units and will be built to the "highest-quality" construction standards. Observers said the elevator technology likely came from China, noting that the card-access security feature is new for buildings in North Korea. The sign also says that solar energy will be utilized in the building. The location is in the central sector of Pyongyang, an area popular among government officials.

GIRL RESCUED AFTER FALL INTO SHAFT LEAVES HER HEAD STUCK

A six-year-old girl in Xinxiang, China, was rescued after she fell into an elevator shaft and her head became stuck in a gap between two walls, the Daily Mail reports. According to reports, the girl stepped into the shaft during a power outage on April 10. She was able to grab onto a handle inside the shaft, but her head became stuck in the gap, and her feet were dangling about 33 ft. above ground. Eleven firefighters worked for 40 min. to rescue the girl. One rescuer on a ladder reached her from below, while another descended from above and, using hydraulic pliers, was able to free her head. The source said she was not injured.

Photo courtesy ny.curbed.com:

https://ny.curbed.com/2018/4/12/17230632/nyc-elevators-everything-to-know-report

Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes│Google Play | SoundCloud│Stitcher│TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com

L.A. RELEASES ELEVATOR/ESCALATOR AUDIT

The Los Angeles City Controller's Department of Building & Safety has released its "Elevating Safety: Audit of the Department of Building & Safety’s Elevator Inspection Program" report for 2018. Given the number of conveyances upon which people ride daily, accidents involving conveyances are modest. The department logged 311 accidents reported in 2015 and 2016. Of those, 295 (95%) were determined to not be caused by an equipment malfunction or code violation. The largest portion of accidents and injuries involved escalator passengers losing their balance and/or falling, while the conveyance was found to be safe. This comprehensive report and others from the L.A. Audit Services Division reports are available at website.

 

FMI PREDICTS 7% INCREASE IN CONSTRUCTION SPENDING

Management and investment consultancy FMI Corp., in its first-quarter outlook report, is predicting a 7% total increase in engineering and construction spending for 2018, which is well above the 4% increase for 2017, Construction Dive reports. FMI also forecasts that spending growth in 2018 will be led by residential improvements (12%), single-family residential (7%) and office construction (9%), accompanied by healthcare, education, transportation and communication projects. Multifamily, hotel, manufacturing, power and highway spending are expected to remain stable, at 0-4% growth. Flat federal investment and rising interest rates are expected to have a negative effect on public-private partnerships, and the construction industry is bracing for price increases on steel and aluminum associated with possible tariffs.

 

11 NEW ESCALATORS PLANNED FOR INDIAN RAIL STATION

The Ahmedabad division of Western Railways is planning to install 11 new escalators at the Kalupur station by the end of 2018, DNA India reports. Before the announcement, Kalupur had only one escalator, in the entry area of the station. Of the new units, three will be placed at the exit and the others at each of the eight platforms. Kalupur station has elevators at each platform, but they are often crowded, and many passengers, particularly senior citizens, have trouble using them.

 

MASSIVE BROOKLYN PROJECT DRAWS PROTESTS

A proposed massive, mixed-use complex in Downtown Brooklyn that includes two high-rise towers is meeting with community resistance, Architectural Record reports. During a public hearing for residents of the New York City borough, protests over plans for the project, 80 Flatbush, ranged from its scale and density, shortage of school openings, inadequate affordable housing and the burden its 900 new apartments would put on transit and other infrastructure. Others protested that the tallest structure, a 74-story tower standing nearly 1,000 ft. tall, would block sunlight and views of the Art Deco clock tower of the former Williamsburg Savings Bank Building. In addition to the tallest tower, the plan by Alloy Development calls for a 38-story high rise, two new schools and the refurbishment of two 19th-century buildings into cultural venues.

 

EXPATRIATE WORKERS KILLED IN MALAYSIA ELEVATOR CRASH

Three construction workers in Malaysia were killed on April 8 when cables broke, causing the elevator they were riding in to crash to the ground, BDNews24.com reported. The source said the men, from Bangladesh, were working at the site of a 50-story tower being built in Johor Bahru Forest City in Kuala Lumpur. They had gone to Malaysia for construction jobs about three years ago, family members said.

Image: Pixabay

Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes│Google Play | SoundCloud│Stitcher│TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com

L.A. RELEASES ELEVATOR/ESCALATOR AUDIT

The Los Angeles City Controller's Department of Building & Safety has released its "Elevating Safety: Audit of the Department of Building & Safety’s Elevator Inspection Program" report for 2018. Given the number of conveyances upon which people ride daily, accidents involving conveyances are modest. The department logged 311 accidents reported in 2015 and 2016. Of those, 295 (95%) were determined to not be caused by an equipment malfunction or code violation. The largest portion of accidents and injuries involved escalator passengers losing their balance and/or falling, while the conveyance was found to be safe. This comprehensive report and others from the L.A. Audit Services Division reports are available at website.

 

FMI PREDICTS 7% INCREASE IN CONSTRUCTION SPENDING

Management and investment consultancy FMI Corp., in its first-quarter outlook report, is predicting a 7% total increase in engineering and construction spending for 2018, which is well above the 4% increase for 2017, Construction Dive reports. FMI also forecasts that spending growth in 2018 will be led by residential improvements (12%), single-family residential (7%) and office construction (9%), accompanied by healthcare, education, transportation and communication projects. Multifamily, hotel, manufacturing, power and highway spending are expected to remain stable, at 0-4% growth. Flat federal investment and rising interest rates are expected to have a negative effect on public-private partnerships, and the construction industry is bracing for price increases on steel and aluminum associated with possible tariffs.

 

11 NEW ESCALATORS PLANNED FOR INDIAN RAIL STATION

The Ahmedabad division of Western Railways is planning to install 11 new escalators at the Kalupur station by the end of 2018, DNA India reports. Before the announcement, Kalupur had only one escalator, in the entry area of the station. Of the new units, three will be placed at the exit and the others at each of the eight platforms. Kalupur station has elevators at each platform, but they are often crowded, and many passengers, particularly senior citizens, have trouble using them.

 

MASSIVE BROOKLYN PROJECT DRAWS PROTESTS

A proposed massive, mixed-use complex in Downtown Brooklyn that includes two high-rise towers is meeting with community resistance, Architectural Record reports. During a public hearing for residents of the New York City borough, protests over plans for the project, 80 Flatbush, ranged from its scale and density, shortage of school openings, inadequate affordable housing and the burden its 900 new apartments would put on transit and other infrastructure. Others protested that the tallest structure, a 74-story tower standing nearly 1,000 ft. tall, would block sunlight and views of the Art Deco clock tower of the former Williamsburg Savings Bank Building. In addition to the tallest tower, the plan by Alloy Development calls for a 38-story high rise, two new schools and the refurbishment of two 19th-century buildings into cultural venues.

 

EXPATRIATE WORKERS KILLED IN MALAYSIA ELEVATOR CRASH

Three construction workers in Malaysia were killed on April 8 when cables broke, causing the elevator they were riding in to crash to the ground, BDNews24.com reported. The source said the men, from Bangladesh, were working at the site of a 50-story tower being built in Johor Bahru Forest City in Kuala Lumpur. They had gone to Malaysia for construction jobs about three years ago, family members said.

Image: Pixabay

Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes│Google Play | SoundCloud│Stitcher│TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com

GUSTAV WOLF OPENS FACTORY IN U.S.

Gustav Wolf GmbH recently opened its new factory in the U.S. The wire and rope manufacturer, headquartered in Gütersloh, Germany, is, thus, pushing ahead with its international strategy and making a move toward further growth. "Our organic growth is a continuous process. This year, we're expecting our group turnover to increase by 15%, reaching US$184 million," Managing Director and majority shareholder Dr. Ernst Wolf commented. Other company leaders said they plan to have 30 staff at the site, and want to achieve a turnover of US$12.3 million and manufacture about 3,000 T. of elevator rope in the U.S. per year, exclusively for the American market.

U.S. TARIFF PUBLIC COMMENT WINDOW DUE MAY 11

A notice of determination, request for comments and notice of public hearing on the proposed Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States on China (which includes steel and other industry raw materials) has been released. Called U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Docket No. USTR-2018-005, the 58-page document details the items in question and a timeline for public comments, a hearing and responses. The due date for filing requests to appear and a summary of expected testimony at the public hearing and for filing prehearing submissions is April 23, but written comments will be accepted through May 11. USTR “strongly prefers electronic submissions” at regulations.gov but also offers alternative types of submissions. A public hearing at the U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington, D.C., will be convened on May 15.

AUSTIN NAMED CEO OF TÜV SÜD U.K. AND IRELAND

Global technical service provider TÜV SÜD has named Brian Austin CEO for the U.K. and Ireland, a position that will make him responsible for seven specialty divisions with more than 600 employees and a total turnover of GBP55 million (US$78 million). He is replacing CEO Michael Valente, who is retiring. The company called Austin an experienced CEO with “a proven track record in the development and delivery of strategic plans that achieve significant business growth.” He has more than 30 years’ experience and has held senior-level roles in a variety of businesses. TÜV SÜD provides testing, product certification, auditing, systems certification, training and knowledge services across a range of industries, including global elevator certification, and has 24,000 employees in more than 1,000 locations worldwide.

214 ESCALATORS PLANNED FOR INDIA’S CR

DNA India recently reported that India's Central Railways' (CR) suburban section will soon have fully functional escalators at every station, in accordance with a budget proposed in February. CR has already begun installing the 214 escalators. Thirty-four are already in operation, with 40 more planned to be operational in June under the first phase. Unlike most foot-overbridge (FOB) escalators, these will offer both upward and downward service. All the work is expected to be complete by March 2019. The source added that the equipment is a part of a safety measure CR undertook following the "Elphinstone stampede" at a Mumbai railway station on September 29, 2017, in which at least 23 people were killed, and 39 others were injured.

Photo courtesy pixabay.com via user guentherlig:

https://pixabay.com/en/hamburg-port-terminal-cranes-3082070/

Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes│Google Play | SoundCloud│Stitcher│TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com

GUSTAV WOLF OPENS FACTORY IN U.S.

Gustav Wolf GmbH recently opened its new factory in the U.S. The wire and rope manufacturer, headquartered in Gütersloh, Germany, is, thus, pushing ahead with its international strategy and making a move toward further growth. "Our organic growth is a continuous process. This year, we're expecting our group turnover to increase by 15%, reaching US$184 million," Managing Director and majority shareholder Dr. Ernst Wolf commented. Other company leaders said they plan to have 30 staff at the site, and want to achieve a turnover of US$12.3 million and manufacture about 3,000 T. of elevator rope in the U.S. per year, exclusively for the American market.

U.S. TARIFF PUBLIC COMMENT WINDOW DUE MAY 11

A notice of determination, request for comments and notice of public hearing on the proposed Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States on China (which includes steel and other industry raw materials) has been released. Called U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Docket No. USTR-2018-005, the 58-page document details the items in question and a timeline for public comments, a hearing and responses. The due date for filing requests to appear and a summary of expected testimony at the public hearing and for filing prehearing submissions is April 23, but written comments will be accepted through May 11. USTR “strongly prefers electronic submissions” at regulations.gov but also offers alternative types of submissions. A public hearing at the U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington, D.C., will be convened on May 15.

AUSTIN NAMED CEO OF TÜV SÜD U.K. AND IRELAND

Global technical service provider TÜV SÜD has named Brian Austin CEO for the U.K. and Ireland, a position that will make him responsible for seven specialty divisions with more than 600 employees and a total turnover of GBP55 million (US$78 million). He is replacing CEO Michael Valente, who is retiring. The company called Austin an experienced CEO with “a proven track record in the development and delivery of strategic plans that achieve significant business growth.” He has more than 30 years’ experience and has held senior-level roles in a variety of businesses. TÜV SÜD provides testing, product certification, auditing, systems certification, training and knowledge services across a range of industries, including global elevator certification, and has 24,000 employees in more than 1,000 locations worldwide.

214 ESCALATORS PLANNED FOR INDIA’S CR

DNA India recently reported that India's Central Railways' (CR) suburban section will soon have fully functional escalators at every station, in accordance with a budget proposed in February. CR has already begun installing the 214 escalators. Thirty-four are already in operation, with 40 more planned to be operational in June under the first phase. Unlike most foot-overbridge (FOB) escalators, these will offer both upward and downward service. All the work is expected to be complete by March 2019. The source added that the equipment is a part of a safety measure CR undertook following the "Elphinstone stampede" at a Mumbai railway station on September 29, 2017, in which at least 23 people were killed, and 39 others were injured.

Photo courtesy pixabay.com via user guentherlig:

https://pixabay.com/en/hamburg-port-terminal-cranes-3082070/

Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes│Google Play | SoundCloud│Stitcher│TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com

A recent situation in which both downward escalators in a Seattle light-rail station stalled has Sound Transit officials rethinking a policy that bans using stopped escalators as stairs, The Seattle Times reports. In an incident at the UW Station on March 16, the escalators that take passengers from the mezzanine to the train platform stalled for more than 3 hr., until technicians could arrive and repair the problem. The station has no stairs, and security guards blocked the escalators, meaning passengers' only option was a long wait for an elevator. Officials are considering allowing use of stalled escalators as stairs if they can be secured where they won't suddenly start moving and if transit workers are onsite to help the elderly and people with luggage. Another option would be to allow use of emergency stairs, which are normally closed to general use.

 

Hong Kong authorities have ordered the inspection of 300 elevators after a couple were hurt in an accident, Hong Kong Free Press reports. A man and woman were injured on April 8 when the elevator in their high-rise building suddenly raced upward and smashed into the top of the shaft, EJ Insight reported. Authorities said the couple had gotten onto the elevator to ride to their 15th-floor home. Video footage showed another man getting off at a lower floor, and the elevator then shot upward at "abnormally high" speed, hitting the top of the shaft in the 46-story building. The couple were taken to Princess Margaret Hospital, where they were listed in serious condition with head and neck injuries. Authorities stressed that this type of accident is rare but ordered the inspections to reassure the public.

 

KONE India has opened a new, expanded area office in the city of Panjim. The company said the office will provide customers "with an excellent experience for all their equipment needs" in all areas of its business, including sales, installation, service, spare parts and modernization, and said it is easily accessible from nearby towns. Speaking during an inauguration ceremony, KONE India Managing Director Amit Gossain said, “We are committed to expanding our reach in India . . ." adding that the location "will help us move closer to our customers and build a stronger [connection] with them.”

 

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has begun testing color-coded escalator handrails to help direct Metro riders to the different lines, Washingtonian.com reports. The test, being conducted at the Fort Totten station, was undertaken based on a staffer's suggestion, WMATA said. The escalator handrails, in green, yellow and red, correspond with the lines available at the station, which are accessed at different platforms. WMATA characterized the test as a "cost-neutral" project, because the handrails are replaced regularly anyway, and the price difference for colored handrails is "negligible."

 

Renderings of a proposed Downtown Brooklyn condominium building show a 51-story skyscraper that New York YIMBY says “may well become a defining tower” on the New York City (NYC) borough’s skyline. The 591-ft.-tall building, planned on the footprint of a former Macy’s store at 11 Hoyt Street, will have 590,000 sq. ft. for its 481 condo units, with another 23,250 sq. ft. devoted to commercial space in the cellar and on the ground floor. There will be more than 50,000 sq. ft. of resident amenities, including a pool, a squash court, a game room, a children's area and an exercise room. The building will be Chicago-based architectural firm Studio Gang’s first NYC skyscraper.

Image: KONE

Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes│Google Play | SoundCloud│Stitcher│TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com

A recent situation in which both downward escalators in a Seattle light-rail station stalled has Sound Transit officials rethinking a policy that bans using stopped escalators as stairs, The Seattle Times reports. In an incident at the UW Station on March 16, the escalators that take passengers from the mezzanine to the train platform stalled for more than 3 hr., until technicians could arrive and repair the problem. The station has no stairs, and security guards blocked the escalators, meaning passengers' only option was a long wait for an elevator. Officials are considering allowing use of stalled escalators as stairs if they can be secured where they won't suddenly start moving and if transit workers are onsite to help the elderly and people with luggage. Another option would be to allow use of emergency stairs, which are normally closed to general use.

 

Hong Kong authorities have ordered the inspection of 300 elevators after a couple were hurt in an accident, Hong Kong Free Press reports. A man and woman were injured on April 8 when the elevator in their high-rise building suddenly raced upward and smashed into the top of the shaft, EJ Insight reported. Authorities said the couple had gotten onto the elevator to ride to their 15th-floor home. Video footage showed another man getting off at a lower floor, and the elevator then shot upward at "abnormally high" speed, hitting the top of the shaft in the 46-story building. The couple were taken to Princess Margaret Hospital, where they were listed in serious condition with head and neck injuries. Authorities stressed that this type of accident is rare but ordered the inspections to reassure the public.

 

KONE India has opened a new, expanded area office in the city of Panjim. The company said the office will provide customers "with an excellent experience for all their equipment needs" in all areas of its business, including sales, installation, service, spare parts and modernization, and said it is easily accessible from nearby towns. Speaking during an inauguration ceremony, KONE India Managing Director Amit Gossain said, “We are committed to expanding our reach in India . . ." adding that the location "will help us move closer to our customers and build a stronger [connection] with them.”

 

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has begun testing color-coded escalator handrails to help direct Metro riders to the different lines, Washingtonian.com reports. The test, being conducted at the Fort Totten station, was undertaken based on a staffer's suggestion, WMATA said. The escalator handrails, in green, yellow and red, correspond with the lines available at the station, which are accessed at different platforms. WMATA characterized the test as a "cost-neutral" project, because the handrails are replaced regularly anyway, and the price difference for colored handrails is "negligible."

 

Renderings of a proposed Downtown Brooklyn condominium building show a 51-story skyscraper that New York YIMBY says “may well become a defining tower” on the New York City (NYC) borough’s skyline. The 591-ft.-tall building, planned on the footprint of a former Macy’s store at 11 Hoyt Street, will have 590,000 sq. ft. for its 481 condo units, with another 23,250 sq. ft. devoted to commercial space in the cellar and on the ground floor. There will be more than 50,000 sq. ft. of resident amenities, including a pool, a squash court, a game room, a children's area and an exercise room. The building will be Chicago-based architectural firm Studio Gang’s first NYC skyscraper.

Image: KONE

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