January 2025
Being stuck in an elevator is no fun. It gets worse if you call for help and are unable to hear the voice at the other end of the emergency line.
Things are about to improve. The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has updated requirements to improve elevator communication systems that prioritize passenger safety.
Revisions apply to elevators installed in new buildings, and to elevator modernizations. These upgrades are not mandatory for existing elevators but are recommended.
- Two-way messaging is now a requirement. This provides emergency responders with a nonverbal way to communicate with elevator passengers.
- A video camera within the elevator will allow the dispatcher to see trapped passengers and better assess a situation. False alarms will be more easily identified.
- Elevators must be equipped with a display screen that can display messages showing help is on the way.
Finally, elevator emergency calls from passengers must go through to properly authorized and trained personnel.
Under these new requirements, when an elevator emergency call button is pushed, a connection is made with an emergency dispatch center. This connection will inform that a video and text message call request has been made for that specific elevator.
If no verbal response is received by the dispatcher, they can utilize a video feed to assess the situation. The dispatcher can send a text message to the in-car display, and a passenger can respond with text or use designated buttons to provide yes or no answers to inquiries.
If no response is received to verbal or text inquiries, the dispatcher can visually confirm a passenger’s presence and send emergency personnel to the location.
