RSM 3, Section 3800: Elevator Entrapment Policy

Updated: 01/17

3801 Purpose

To provide a procedure to be followed in the event of an elevator failure with entrapment.

3802 Applicability

All individuals working, visiting, or being served as DORS consumers at Argonne Drive facility.

3803 Policy Statement

Emergency response for all elevator entrapments shall be conducted in accordance with this policy.

3804 Procedures

1. The DORS Maintenance department is responsible for testing the communication systems in elevators on an annual basis (e.g., bell and phone).

2. When an individual is trapped inside an elevator, she or he will activate the elevator emergency bell or use the emergency phone.

3. The DORS Police Department shall respond to the elevator failure.

4. The DORS Police Department will obtain the following information to share with the DORS Maintenance Department or Baltimore City Fire Department:

1. Individual’s name

2. Location (e.g., elevator number; floor)

3. Problem (e.g., stalled, stuck between floors, people trapped)

4. Number of people trapped

5. Any injuries, life threatening conditions, severe sense of panic, or additional information

5. Depending on the time of day the elevator failure occurs, the following action will be taken:

1. During the day shift (7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.), the DORS Police Department will contact the DORS Maintenance Department who will open the elevator or contact the Baltimore City Fire Department 911 as needed.

2. During the evening and night shifts (3:30 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.), the DORS Police Department will call the Baltimore City Fire Department 911 to report the elevator failure and entrapment.

6. DORS Police Department will communicate to the trapped persons inside the elevator the following information:

1. Help is on the way.

2. They are safe.

3. Stay in the elevator cab and NOT to attempt to leave.

4. Remain clear of the door.

7. If WTC consumers are trapped in the elevator, then the DORS Police Department will inform a WTC administrator on the day shift, the Residential Services Evening Supervisor on the evening shift, or a Residential Advisor on the night shift.

8. If WTC consumers are trapped in the elevator, then the informed administrator, supervisor, or residential advisor will complete an Incident Report.

9. DORS Police Department will remain in the vicinity to maintain communication with the elevator passengers, and DORS Maintenance staff and Baltimore City Fire Department, as appropriate, to avoid activities that could endanger passengers, mechanics, or other people responding to the scene.

3805 Responsibility

1. The Facility Operations & Services Branch Chief is responsible for the administration of this policy.

2. The DORS Chief of Police is responsible for assuring that the staff assigned to the DORS Police Department are informed of and adhere to procedures.

3. DORS Police Department is responsible for implementing this policy.

4. DORS Maintenance Department is responsible for testing the communication systems in elevators on an annual basis and ensuring elevators are maintained in good working order.

5. WTC staff are responsible for completing an Incident Report when WTC consumers are involved and assisting as requested.