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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Safety Tips for Facility Managers

Elevator and Escalator Tips for Facility Managers Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic

  • Clean and disinfect all elevator buttons and other frequently touched surfaces periodically throughout the day.
  • Post signage letting riders know that all high-touch surfaces are being cleaned on a regular basis to help keep them safe.
  • Post signage asking riders to avoid overcrowded elevators and to practice physical distancing.
  • Provide sanitizing wipes and/or hand sanitizer near elevators and escalators.
  • Stay safe in your home, workplace and in commercial environments by following these valuable tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • Stagger arrivals, departures and break times for workers or tenants to manage the number of people needing the elevators and/or escalators at the same time.
  • Place queuing marks in elevator lobbies and near escalators to reinforce physical distancing intervals of six feet. 
  • Consider using stanchions, floor decals, etc. to control elevator and/or escalator traffic. 
  • Place decals on the elevator floor to identify where passengers should stand. 
  • Encourage the use of stairs to help manage overcrowding in elevators and elevator lobbies where feasible. Clean and disinfect stairwells and handrails in response to increased stair traffic. 
  • In elevator cars with minimum dimensions of less than 60 inches by 78 inches, two people can stand in opposing corners.
  • In elevator cars with dimensions greater than 60 inches by 78 inches (standard 300# cars and larger), three people can practice social distancing.
  • In elevator cars with dimensions greater than 72 inches by 72 inches (large service cars), four people - one in each corner - can practice social distancing.
    • Note: elevator cars with a minimum of 6 foot width and depth will meet the intent of the CDC guidelines. 

Download a pdf below:

About NEII

NEII is the premier trade association representing the global leaders in the building transportation industry. Its members install, maintain, and/or manufacture elevators, escalators, moving walks, and other building transportation products. NEII‘s membership includes the six major international companies – Fujitec America, Inc., KONE, Inc., Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc., Otis Elevator Company, Schindler Elevator Corporation, Thyssenkrupp Elevator Company and several other companies across the country. Collectively, the NEII members represent approximately eighty percent of the total hours worked within the elevator and escalator industry, employ more than 25,000 people in the U.S. and indirectly support hundreds of thousands of American jobs in affiliate industries. 

For more information about NEII, please visit www.neii.org


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Elevator Safety and Accident Prevention

August 29, 2019

In light of a recent tragic and highly publicized accident in the U.S., the National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII) feels it is important to reaffirm the many measures our industry undertakes to provide a consistently high standard of safety.


Safety is the Elevator and Escalator Industry’s First Priority

NEII and its member companies are committed to the promotion of safe building transportation and continue to aggressively work toward improving and ensuring adoption of stringent safety codes, developing safer products and helping to educate the public on safe riding practices. While we cannot prevent every accident, we strongly believe that accidents such as these should never happen, and that it is our responsibility – from manufacturers, owners, managers and inspectors to the riding public – to uphold this overall commitment to safety.


Elevator Safety Codes Ensure Safe Equipment, Regular Maintenance and Inspections

The industry does have stringent codes in place to help ensure the safety of its products, and to make certain that machinery is maintained and inspected according to its respective codes. In addition, NEII fully supports licensing requirements for elevator and escalator mechanics across North America. 


Safety Features Keep Elevators From Moving While Doors are Open

Basic protections from elevators moving while their doors are open have in fact been in place since the 1920s. These simple electromechanical systems, which have continued to be improved over the years, are known as “interlocks” in later elevator codes, and exist on virtually all elevators in operation in the U.S. today. To better protect passengers from possible harm, the 1980 edition of the ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators implemented a provision that would lock the elevator car doors (door restrictors) when the car was more than 18 inches above or below the floor. This distance was recently changed to 7 inches. 


In 2000, the first harmonized edition of the ASME A17.1/CSA B44 code for new elevator installations was published it has incorporated the latest advances in technology, making additional protection possible and providing redundant protections against unintended elevator car movement. Elevators installed under the 2000 and later editions of the code contain these safety features:

  • A means to detect unintended car movement with the doors open  due to a failure in the drive machine, motor, brake, gearing, control system, hydraulic pressure, etc. that will immediately stop the car;
  • An independent, secondary emergency brake that is activated when unintended car movement is detected;
  • Application of this brake when a loss of power is detected; and
  • A requirement that the emergency brake be manually reset before the car is permitted to run again, requiring a qualified elevator mechanic to diagnose and correct the problem before the elevator is placed back in service.

For those elevators that predate the safety features introduced in the past 20 years, the ASME A17.3 Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators contains basic requirements for rider safety in these older systems. These include requiring door restrictors and prohibiting the driving machine that moves the car from operating with passengers on the car if the elevator doors are not in a closed position. NEII has consistently advocated for the adoption of the ASME A17.3 within every jurisdiction nationally, to ensure that a designated minimum standard of safety is met, regardless of the age, model or manufacturer of the equipment.


Regular Inspections and Maintenance are Critical

As with any electrical and/or mechanical system, it is critical that elevators be inspected and maintained on a regular basis to ensure that these safety features are functional. The ASME A17.1/CSA B44 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators prescribes regular maintenance and periodic testing and inspection for all elevators. Of course, their success relies on building owners that retain adequate elevator maintenance, elevator contractors and technicians that are proficient in their work, and jurisdictions that require qualified elevator inspectors to help ensure the safety of the equipment. Proper preventive maintenance plays a critical role in eliminating the potential for equipment malfunctions and addressing any prospective difficulties.


Unfortunately, accidents can still occur even with all of these measures and the protections contained in our safety codes. This is why the NEII member companies remain committed to developing new technology to further enhance passenger protection in both new and old elevators. NEII remains a strong advocate of elevator and escalator safety by continually improving the systems in place to help ensure rider safety, endorsing the adoption of current model codes by local government agencies, and assisting our national and international code-writing bodies in the improvement of rules that affect the installation, maintenance and operation of this equipment.

As elevator technology continues to evolve, these safety codes also encourage the efficient and safe adoption of the latest technical developments, resulting in elevator equipment that remains on the leading edge of safety, innovation and reliability.  


Elevators Are One of the Safest Forms of Transportation

Though elevators are one of the safest forms of transportation with over 18 billion passenger trips per year in the United States alone, following simple guidelines can help further improve passenger safety. We encourage everyone to review these guidelines regularly for more information on these topics. Please visit the elevator and escalator safety pages on the NEII website at www.neii.org.

About NEII

NEII is the premier trade association representing the global leaders in the building transportation industry. Its members install, maintain, and/or manufacture elevators, escalators, moving walks, and other building transportation products. NEII‘s membership includes the six major international companies – Fujitec America, Inc., KONE, Inc., Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc., Otis Elevator Company, Schindler Elevator Corporation, Thyssenkrupp Elevator Company and several other companies across the country. Collectively, the NEII members represent approximately eighty percent of the total hours worked within the elevator and escalator industry, employ more than 25,000 people in the U.S. and indirectly support hundreds of thousands of American jobs in affiliate industries. 

For more information about NEII, please visit www.neii.org

About Nicole Van Velzen

Author

With over 17 years of communications and marketing experience, Nicole Van Velzen joined NEII as the Director of Communications in August 2017. In this role, Ms. Van Velzen serves as a partner with NEII’s public relations firm to advance our mission through media and other outreach, manages the monthly Insider newsletter, increases awareness through social media channels, and works closely with NEII’s Communications Committee.


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Global Technical Barrier-Free Trade Agreement

Recently, the agreement of the World Elevator Federation to maintain a Global Technical Barrier-Free Trade Agreement (GTBFT) was updated to include the signature of the National Lift Union of Russia. In this agreement, which NEII has signed as well, global leaders in the industry formally committed to a common line of actions to achieve Global Technical Barrier-Free Trade in the framework as defined by the World Trade Organization for the benefit of consumers, the industry and ensuring sustainable development.

 

The objective of the agreement is to promote and improve safety, facilitate technological innovation and the free movement of goods worldwide. Worldwide acceptance of the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) prescriptive standards is also a part of the agreement that will lead to a simple and efficient global approach for building transportation equipment that can be used by all manufacturers and installers.

 

Click here to view the signed agreement.

NEII Rebrand

CENTREVILLE, VA. (May 1, 2019)

NATIONAL ELEVATOR INDUSTRY, INC. MARKS NEW ERA 

AS INDUSTRY LEADER WITH NEW VISUAL IDENTITY

NEII reveals new logo and website, and sets standards in motion

with renewed purpose for greater industry impact 

CENTREVILLE, VA (May 1, 2019) – The National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII) unveiled a new visual identity at their annual meeting last week, culminating years of organizational changes. Their new image reflects an expanded role as a leader of the building and vertical transportation industry and as a universally trusted resource for safety, codes and innovation in a fast evolving field.

NEII’s new logo introduces a modern design with shades of navy, yellow and white, and features two arrows, pointing in opposite directions, to represent elevator call buttons. The new website at neii.org provides easily-accessible information about NEII’s focus areas, including codes and standards, government affairs, safety, innovation and technology, and a variety of robust external resources. 

“Key stakeholders in the industry turn to NEII for technical information and data regarding safety, codes updates and guidance on new technologies,” said Kevin Brinkman, Vice President of Codes and Safety. “Our new identity and comprehensive website is much easier to navigate and provides a better understanding of the role we play in advancing safe and innovative products and technologies.”

 

This rebrand follows several major events for NEII in recent years, including:

  •  The hiring of Penafiel, a veteran of the buildings industry, as Executive Director.
  • Expanding the staff from one full time employee just 2.5 years ago to six full time employees today.
  • Partnering with other stakeholders to update the ASME A17.1/CSA B44 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators as well as relevant NFPA and ICC building codes every three years.
  • Implementing a comprehensive government affairs program to influence elevator safety legislation and regulations across the country.
  • Launched Elevator and Escalator Industry Cybersecurity Best Practices to provide a guideline to aid elevator and escalator manufacturers in designing systems that protect and manage against network based cyber-attacks. 

Penafiel added, “This is truly an exciting time for NEII. Our fresh image and vibrant website provide important content to propel the industry in these rapidly changing times.”

About NEII

NEII is the premier trade association representing the global leaders in the building transportation industry. Its members install, maintain, and/or manufacture elevators, escalators, moving walks, and other building transportation products. NEII‘s membership includes the six major international companies – Fujitec America, Inc., KONE, Inc., Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc., Otis Elevator Company, Schindler Elevator Corporation, Thyssenkrupp Elevator Company and several other companies across the country. Collectively, the NEII members represent approximately eighty percent of the total hours worked within the elevator and escalator industry, employ more than 25,000 people in the U.S. and indirectly support hundreds of thousands of American jobs in affiliate industries. 

For more information about NEII, please visit www.neii.org


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Elevator/Escalator Industry Organizations Apply For New Technology Safety Accreditation

Not-for-profit Groups Seek Ability to Certify Elevator and Escalator Equipment for Safety
SALEM, N.Y. – (Jan 10, 2008) — The National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII) today announced that four organizations have applied to the American National Standards Institution (ANSI) for an esteemed industry accreditation. These four groups hope to become Accredited Elevator/Escalator Certification Organizations (AECOs), a distinction that recognizes credible, not-for-profit organizations and grants them the ability to certify elevator and escalator equipment for safety under the requirements of the newly-published Performance Based Safety Code (PBC) for Elevators and Escalators, ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7. The four applicants include:

  • Liftinstituut Holding BV, an international provider active in the field of technical safety;
  • TÜV Rheinland of North America, Inc., an international service group documenting the safety and quality of new and existing products, systems and services;
  • TÜV SÜD America Inc., a worldwide subsidiary of TÜV SÜD AG that focuses on industry, products and transportation; and
  • Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., a globally-known source for product compliance.

In addition to maintaining overall knowledge and experience with the ASME A17.1/CSA B44 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, ANSI requires that the individual AECOs be well-versed in the PBC, which provides an efficient, standardized method for establishing safety requirements for new elevator technologies. The PBC is considered an important complement to the 2007 version of the Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators – ASME A17.1/CSA B44 – which serves as the basis for the design, construction, installation, operation, testing, inspection, maintenance, alteration, and repair of elevators and escalators in the U.S. and Canada.

Process Requirements
In order to certify an innovative product, the PBC requires that applicable Global Essential Safety Requirements (GESRs) be selected from a list in this Code. A comprehensive Risk Assessment is then carried out by the applicant to ensure that the applicable GESRs have been met. The applicant is required to produce a Code Compliance Document (CCD) that includes the risk assessment; design and testing information; and various procedures necessary for the safe operation, inspection and maintenance of the elevator over its life cycle. The role of the AECO is to review the CCD and to verify that the PBC requirements have been met. The AECO reviews the applicable GESRs to ensure that the process has been appropriately executed, the risk identification and mitigation process is complete, safety parameters have been applied as needed, and residual risks have been addressed. Upon completion of the PBC compliance review, and after careful scrutiny of the CCD, the AECO would issue a Certificate of Conformance, confirming the equipment complies with the PBC. The AECO would then audit the process to verify that the certified equipment is being manufactured and installed to the requirements defined in the CCD.

To ensure a peak level of AECO competence, accreditation according to ISO/IEC Guide 65 is required. Accreditation is provided by ANSI or the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), the highest authorities in each country for national standards. Due to the superior standards set for the AECOs, this accreditation is held in high esteem by industry officials.

“AECOs are of vital importance to the industry as we continue to pursue adoption by local jurisdictions of the PBC as part of the latest Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators and for ensuring the safe and proper production of new equipment and technologies,” said Edward Donoghue, Managing Director of NEII. “Our mission has always been to encourage safe building transportation, and SCC’s and ANSI’s AECO program is an invaluable way to ensure proper processes are in effect for guaranteeing this safety.”

Applicants must meet several requirements to apply for AECO accreditation, including: proof of ownership of a certification mark and/or certificate of conformity, proof of the publicly available documents describing the applicant’s program, and a written description of the program, including a list of the standard(s) utilized and the identity of the inspection and laboratory body. Currently, the AECO applicants are still being reviewed and accreditation from ANSI may take up to another six months to complete the assessment process.

About NEII
The National Elevator Industry, Inc., is a national trade association representing the interests of corporations, firms or companies that, as part of their regular business, provide or perform any of the following: manufacture (including parts or components used by others in the manufacture, repair or maintenance), install, repair and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walks and related equipment. Trust membership is available to those corporations, firms, or companies who, as part of their regular business, employ members of the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) and contribute to the benefit trusts (Trusts) established by agreements between the IUEC and NEII. NEII strives to become the leader in promoting safe building transportation, as well as working with local government agencies to encourage the adoption and enforcement of the latest codes and standards. For more information about NEII or the PBC, log on to www.neii.org or www.pbc-elevators.com.

NEII Announces Strategic Restructuring Expanding Industry Influence

CENTREVILLE, VA (September 6, 2017) – The National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII) announced several new hires and promotions as it completes a major restructuring to become more effective industry advocates across the code, regulatory and legislative arenas. NEII promotes safety, innovation and performance in the building transportation industry throughout North America and is now well-positioned to drive that mission. 

With the NEII staff now in place, the building transportation industry has strengthened its position advocating for responsible public policy that promotes safe and consistent standards. The additional staff members deepen the organization’s reach and ability to be the definitive voice of the industry.

Since 1989, Penafiel has worked with the Building Owners Managers Association (BOMA) International, most recently as the Vice President of Advocacy, Codes and Standards. During her tenure, her focus was to establish BOMA as the premier commercial real estate association on legislative, regulatory and codes issues. In her 26 years at BOMA, she has held several positions within the advocacy division. In 2008, Penafiel was promoted to Vice President, Advocacy with Codes and Standards added to her role in 2012. Penafiel graduated from Hamilton College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Government.

Codes and Safety
Kevin L. Brinkman has been promoted to vice president of codes and safety. Brinkman will continue to lead the industry to develop and adopt effective and consistent model elevator and escalator codes that protect the safety of workers and the riding public. Brinkman joined the NEII team two years ago as a consultant. Brinkman has been in the elevator and lift industry for almost 27 years. He previously served as the Vice President of Engineering for both the National Wheel-O-Vator Co. and ThyssenKrupp Access. In addition, he was the president and founder of Kevin L Brinkman & Associates, a consulting firm providing engineering support to elevator and lift companies.

Government Affairs
Amy J. Blankenbiller has been promoted to vice president of government affairs. Blankenbiller will oversee the expanding Government Affairs team and is responsible for leading the association’s legislative and regulatory efforts to advance safety and reliability. Blankenbiller joined NEII as a government affairs consultant in 2010. Formerly, Blankenbiller was the president and founder of AJB Strategies, LLC, a consulting firm working with associations, organizations and private businesses to implement government policy strategies, and President and CEO of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce. 

To add to the advocacy fire power, Dylan Isenberg joined the team as NEII‘s new director of government affairs. Isenberg came to NEII from the Building Owners and Managers Association International, where he worked for two years as the association’s advocacy manager. Earlier in his career, Isenberg worked in the office of U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

Communications
The newest addition to the team is Nicole Van Velzen, director of communications. Van Velzen will lead NEII‘s efforts to communicate the safety, reliability and technology advancements underway throughout the industry. Her vast experience includes marketing and copy writing for a variety of clients as owner of Larkspur Coordinations; marketing director for the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence (KS); and public affairs director for the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Project Management
Megan Hensley rounds out the team and provides research support to the codes and safety, government affairs and communications efforts as the association’s project manager. Hensley draws from a diverse background in education, coaching and event planning to serve as a strong team member, helping NEII and its staff operate most efficiently and effectively. 

“For the past few decades, NEII has been a highly regarded industry advocate – with just a handful of consultants and no full-time employees. Over the past year, we have grown to a staff of six with over 90 years of combined experience in the areas of advocacy, codes development, and association management expertise,” says Karen Penafiel, executive director, National Elevator Industry, Inc. “We are excited to see what our new team will accomplish as we continue working to advance elevator and escalator safety across the country.”

About NEII
The National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII) is the premier association representing the global leaders in the building transportation industry. Its members install, maintain, and/or manufacture elevators, escalators, and other related products. NEIIpromotes safe building transportation for new and existing products and technologies, and works with various organizations on the formation, adoption and enforcement of the latest building transportation codes and standards. NEIImembership includes the major elevator companies in the United States, if not the world. For more information about NEII, please visit www.neii.org.

###

Contact: 
Sarah Lynch
Account Executive, G&S Business Communications
212-697-2600
slynch@gscommunications.com

Karen Penafiel
Executive Director, NEII
703-966-0321
kpenafiel@neii.org

Nicole Van Velzen
Director of Communications, NEII
785-424-4063
nvanvelzen@neii.org

NEII Announces New 2016 Board of Directors and Trust Committee

Highlights

  • New Board will enact the long-range strategic goals that are the foundation of the NEII mission
  • Trust Committee will continue to administer the rights and obligations of the organization regarding building transportation industry benefit plan trusts

SALEM, N.Y. (June 14, 2016) – The National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII ®) announced today the election of its new Board of Directors, including officers and Trust Committee members. These elections were held in conjunction with NEII‘s 82nd annual meeting in Irvine, CA. The elected Board of Directors and officers include:

    • Lawrence Wash, President – Wash serves as KONE Americas executive vice president, a position he’s held since 2012. Wash previously worked as president of Global Services for the Climate Solutions sector of Ingersoll Rand, vice president of service and contracting for Trane within North and Latin America, and in various leadership roles with Xerox and Eastman Kodak.

 

    • Sterrett Lloyd, Vice President – Lloyd currently holds the position of president at Draka Elevator Products where he directs the company’s worldwide operations. He began his lifetime of industry service as a contractor and is the third generation of his family to work in the industry.
    • Michael Bauschka, Treasurer – Bauschka is the controller and treasurer for KONE Americas., where he leads the general accounting, treasury and tax functions for the region. He has more than 20 years of experience in this role.
    • Michael Corbo, Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. – Corbo is general manager/executive vice president of Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc.’s elevator and escalator division. Corbo has more than 25 years of industry experience and has been involved with NEII for 12 years, including serving as NEII‘s board president from 2005 to 2007.
    • Katsuji Okuda, Fujitec America, Inc. – Okuda is responsible for managing all aspects of Fujitec America operations, including engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing and service in more than 14 cities. He has 30 years of experience with Fujitec North America.

 

    • Greg Ergenbright, Schindler Elevator Corporation – Ergenbright is president of Schindler North America, where he is responsible for operations in the United States and Canada. Ergenbright has more than 15 years in the elevator industry.

 

    • Tom Vining, Otis Elevator Company – Vining is president, Otis Americas, where he is responsible for the overall leadership and operating performance of Otis in North and South America. He has more than 25 years of industry experience.

 

  • Richard T. Hussey, ThyssenKrupp Elevator Company – Hussey serves as chief executive officer of ThyssenKrupp Elevator Corporation, where he is responsible for all business operations in North and South America.

The NEII Board of Directors manages and directs the affairs of the association as it pertains to its mission, to promote safety in new and existing building transportation; advance laws and regulations that permit the introduction of safe, innovative technology; endorse adoption of current model codes by local government agencies; and advocate responsible laws and regulations at all levels of government.

Trust Committee
The Trust Committee is solely responsible for administering the rights and obligations of NEII regarding the NEII Benefits and Educational Trusts. The Trust Committee includes:

    • Charles Moore, Chair, KONE Americas – Moore holds the position of senior vice president of human resources, for the Americas region.

 

  • Christine Petranchuk, Vice Chair, Otis Elevator Company – Petranchuk is vice president of human resources for Otis Americas and has more than 18 years of human resources experience.
  • Jared Baker, Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. – Baker serves as vice president of human resources and administration for Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc.
  • Ken Dzierzawiec, Schindler Elevator Corporation – Dzierzawiec is director of labor relations for Schindler Elevator Corporation and has more than 25 years of labor relations experience.
  • J. Patrick Heaney, ThyssenKrupp Elevator Company – Heaney serves as vice president of labor relations for the U.S. field operations of ThyssenKrupp Elevator Corporation.

“Going into my second year as president with this Board of talented individuals and proven leaders in the building transportation industry is something I am very proud of,” said Larry Wash, president of NEII. “This body consistently proves NEII‘s leadership position as an authority in the areas of codes and safety, and steers the adoption of the latest innovations in the industry to ensure the safety of both the riding public and elevator technicians.”

About NEII
National Elevator Industry Inc. (NEII) is the premier national trade association representing the interest of firms that install, maintain and/or manufacture elevators, escalators, moving walks and other building transportation products, including parts or components. NEII promotes safe building transportation for new and existing products and technologies, and works with various organizations on the formation, adoption and enforcement of the latest building transportation codes and standards. NEII membership includes the major elevator companies in the United States, if not the world. NEII offers Regular, Trust and Individual memberships. For more information about NEII, please visit www.neii.org.

What to Do if You’re in a Stalled Elevator

In light of recent tragic and highly publicized accidents involving stalled elevators, it is important to restate the many measures the building transportation industry undertakes to provide a consistently high standard of safety.

Following a few simple guidelines can help the riding public further improve elevator safety if an elevator stalls.

    1. Press the “Door Open” Button

      Always press the “Door Open” button first. If you are at a landing, the door will open. Then, slowly and carefully step out of the elevator. The elevator may, or may not, be perfectly level with the landing floor, so it is important to watch your step and proceed with caution.

 

  1. Use Available Communication

    Elevators are equipped with a phone system and/or alarm button.

    Push the phone button and wait for a response. In newer elevators, the phone button may be labeled “HELP.” When pushed, the button places a call to an individual trained to take action. It also gives the exact location of the building and elevator you are in. A verbal response and/or visual signal will indicate that help is on the way. In older buildings, there may only be a button marked “ALARM” that will sound an emergency alarm within the building. Trained personnel should make contact with you when they arrive at the building.

  2. Remain Calm

    Remember to stay calm, you are still safe. Never attempt to open the door manually. After using the phone button or alarm button, wait for trained emergency responders to arrive. Even if the temperature feels warmer, there is plenty of air circulating in the elevator and its hoistway.

  3. Relax, and Do Not Attempt to Leave

    DO NOT attempt to exit the elevator if the car has not returned to a landing and opened its doors on its own. Exiting a stalled elevator is extremely dangerous and requires trained emergency responders to assist passengers so they can exit in a controlled and protected manner. While often challenging in an unfamiliar situation, the best thing you can do is to relax, get comfortable, and wait for assistance.      You may be inconvenienced, but you are safe.

    The industry adheres to a stringent set of codes and standards adopted by state and local jurisdictions outlining the maintenance and inspection requirements to help ensure the safety of its products and passengers. Building owners and managers must engage service providers, such as the National Elevator Industry, Inc.   (NEII®) member companies, to perform maintenance and repairs as well as industry inspectors who provide oversight. While no system can ever be failsafe, the accidents that occurred recently were avoidable. It is our collective responsibility as manufacturers, owners, managers and inspectors – to uphold this overall commitment to safety.

    For more information on vertical transportation safety, please visit the NEII Elevator Safety page.

 

About NEII
National Elevator Industry Inc. (NEII) is the premier national trade association representing the interest of firms that install, maintain and/or manufacture elevators, escalators, moving walks and other building transportation products, including parts or components. NEII   promotes safe building transportation for new and existing products and technologies, and works with various organizations on the formation, adoption and enforcement of the latest building transportation codes and standards. NEII membership includes the major elevator companies in the United States, if not the world. NEII offers Regular, Trust and Individual memberships. For more information about  NEII, please visit www.neii.org.

NEII Announces New 2015 Board of Directors and Trust Committee

Highlights

  • New Board will further the association’s mission and implement the Long-Range Strategic Plan, the foundation for action by NEII ®
  • Trust Committee will continue to administer the rights and obligations of the organization regarding building transportation industry benefit plan trusts

SALEM, N.Y. (April 2, 2015) – The National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII) announced today the election of its new Board of Directors, including officers and Trust Committee members. These elections became effective April 1, 2015, and were made in conjunction with NEII‘s 81st annual meeting held in Chicago, IL. The newly elected Board of Directors and officers include:

    • Larry Wash, President – Wash currently serves as KONE Americas executive vice president, a position he’s held since 2012. Wash previously worked as president of Global Services for the Climate Solutions sector of Ingersoll Rand, as vice president of service and contracting business for Trane within North and Latin America and in various leadership roles with Xerox and Eastman Kodak.

 

    • Sterrett Lloyd, Vice President – Lloyd currently holds the position of president at Draka Elevator Products where he directs the company’s worldwide operations. He began his lifetime of industry service as a contractor and is the third generation of his family to work in the industry.
    • Michael Bauschka, Treasurer – Bauschka is the controller and treasurer for KONE Americas., where he leads the general accounting, treasury and tax functions for the region. He has more than 20 years of experience in this role.
    • Edward A. Donoghue, Secretary – Donoghue is the spokesperson and managing director for NEII. He has served NEII for over 40 years, acted as chair of numerous industry organizations and is one of the foremost authorities on elevator codes and safety, formerly serving as NEII‘s Codes and Safety Consultant.
    • Richard T. Hussey, ThyssenKrupp Elevator Company – Hussey serves as chief executive officer of ThyssenKrupp Elevator Company, where he is responsible for all business operations in North and South America.
    • Michael Corbo, Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. – Corbo is general manager/senior vice president of Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc.’s elevator and escalator division. Corbo has more than 25 years of industry experience and has been involved with NEII for eleven years, including serving as NEII‘s board president from 2005 to 2007.
    • Katsuji Okuda, Fujitec America, Inc. – Okuda is responsible for managing all aspects of Fujitec America operations, including engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing and service in more than 14 cities. He has 29 years of experience with Fujitec North America.

 

    • Greg Ergenbright, Schindler Elevator Corporation – Ergenbright is president, Schindler North America, where he is responsible for operations for Schindler in the United States and Canada. Ergenbright has more than 15 years in the elevator industry.

 

  • Tom Vining, Otis Elevator Company – Vining is president, Otis Americas, where he is responsible for the overall leadership and operating performance of Otis in North and South America. He has more than 25 years of industry experience.

 

The NEII Board of Directors manages and directs the affairs of the association as it pertains to its mission, to promote safety in new and existing building transportation; advance laws and regulations that permit the introduction of safe, innovative technology; endorse adoption of current model codes by local government agencies; and advocate responsible laws and regulations at all levels of government.

Trust Committee
The Trust Committee is solely responsible for administering the rights and obligations of NEII regarding the NEII Benefits and Educational Trusts. The Trust Committee includes:

  • Christine Petranchuk, Otis Elevator Company – Petranchuk is vice president of human resources for Otis Americas and has more than 16 years of human resources experience.
  • Jared Baker, Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. – Baker serves as vice president of human resources and administration for Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc.
  • Ken Dzierzawiec, Schindler Elevator Corporation – Dzierzawiec is director of labor relations for Schindler Elevator Corporation and has more than 25 years of labor relations experience.
  • J. Patrick Heaney, ThyssenKrupp Elevator Company – Heaney serves as vice president of labor relations for the U.S. field operations of ThyssenKrupp Elevator Corporation.
  • Charles Moore, KONE Americas – Moore holds the position of senior vice president of human resources, for the Americas region.

“I am honored and excited to begin my tenure as president with this Board of talented individuals and proven leaders in the building transportation industry,” said Lawrence Wash, president of NEII. “The success of this organization is a direct result of the hard work and deep commitment they have consistently shown to expand NEII‘s leadership position as an authority in the areas of codes and safety, steer the adoption of the latest innovations in the industry and ensure the safety of both the riding public and elevator technicians.”

About NEII
National Elevator Industry Inc. (NEII) is the premier national trade association representing the interest of firms that install, maintain and/or manufacture elevators, escalators, moving walks and other building transportation products, including parts or components. NEII promotes safe building transportation for new and existing products and technologies, and works with various organizations on the formation, adoption and enforcement of the latest building transportation codes and standards. NEII membership includes the major elevator companies in the United States, if not the world. NEII offers Regular, Trust and Individual memberships. For more information about NEII, please visit www.neii.org.

National Elevator Industry, Inc. Celebrates 100 Years of Leadership

Highlights

  • 2014 marks 100 years of industry leadership for elevator/escalator trade organization
  • For the last century, NEII® has been the preeminent trade association and foremost authority for codes and standards in the building transportation industry

SALEM, N.Y. (July 15, 2014) – The National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII) is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the first recorded meeting of the Elevator Manufactures’ Association (EMA), which later became NEII.

In 1914, the first meeting took place in the Iroquois Hotel in Buffalo, N.Y. The trade organization was initially established in response to changing urban environments and the need for codes to safeguard the riding public in elevators. The organization developed the first model elevator code which would serve as the basis for today’s modern ASME A17.1 safety codes.

As the premier trade association for the building transportation industry, NEII‘s principle responsibilities remain the promotion and advocacy of the latest safety codes and standards, endorsing the adoption of the latest model codes by local government agencies and encouraging the introduction of safe, innovative building transportation technology.

NEII‘s timeline encompasses many notable milestones, including:

    • Development of the first model elevator safety code; “Uniform Regulations for the Construction and Installation of Passenger and Freight Elevators” in 1917.

 

    • Release of “Elevator Layout Standards,” which later became the “Building Transportation Standards and Guidelines, NEII-1,” providing invaluable information on all products, standards, guidelines and terminology associated with vertical transportation.

 

    • Development and distribution of “Safety Regulations for Field Employees” in conjunction with the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC).

 

  • Launch of CodeFinder in 2006, a single-resource for NEII member companies to find accurate, up-to-date information on all the local codes, standards and regulations that affect business and safety practices.

A detailed history of the organization can be found on NEII‘s website.

NEII‘s story is one of unprecedented industry leadership, cooperation and achievement,” said Richard T. Hussey, president of NEII. “As we celebrate our centennial, we also look to our next 100 years of helping make the elevator industry even safer, more sustainable and innovative for our customers, employees and the riding public.”

About NEII
National Elevator Industry Inc. (NEII) is the premier national trade association representing the interest of firms that install, maintain and/or manufacture elevators, escalators, moving walks and other building transportation products, including parts or components. NEII promotes safe building transportation for new and existing products and technologies, and works with various organizations on the formation, adoption and enforcement of the latest building transportation codes and standards. NEII membership includes the major elevator companies in the United States, if not the world. NEII offers Regular, Trust and Individual memberships. For more information about NEII, please visit www.neii.org.