Unless you happen to be studying for your elevator mechanics license, you probably don’t need to know your bolster assembly from your buffer channel. But as a property owner or manager, you are responsible for ensuring safety and functionality. Knowing some basic terminology will help you communicate more effectively with elevator technicians and ensure that the correct maintenance is being performed.

In this article: we’ll define several common terms, explain what they mean for building operations, and give you tips for preventative maintenance scheduling.

While the odds of being stuck in an elevator are low, it’s important to know what to do: stay calm, use the emergency communication system, avoid forcing doors, and follow instructions from building personnel or responders. These steps minimize risk for everyone involved.

Additionally: regular inspections and adherence to standards reduce entrapments and keep systems dependable.