The public health issue known as COVID-19 has influenced almost every part of our lives, including how we use houses. It’s more important than ever to adapt to a building’s changing needs while keeping everyone safe. Elevators, as the building’s main artery, are important in reducing the possibility of COVID-19 transmission.
Although there is no official rulebook for dealing with such a situation, there are some essential considerations for building owners and property managers to keep their elevator buildings operating smoothly when COVID-19 restrictions are in effect.
- Conduct a traffic analysis.
People are returning to work in a variety of roles. What will the tenant flow be like when they attempt to reclaim their offices? When are the busiest and slowest periods, for example? How long does it take on average to get a ticket and how long does it take on average to get a ticket? Elevator use patterns can help buildings determine their current operations and make appropriate changes.
- Post social distancing instructions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises social distancing, which can be difficult in a small space like an elevator. Depending on the height of the elevator, some buildings restrict the number of passengers to 2, 3, or 4 at a time. These rules are written, and they often provide reminders to stand 6 feet away.
- Add fans, filters, or lighting to the room.
COVID-19 is thought to spread by respiratory droplets that can linger in the air and be carried around by air currents. Although there is no known solution for effectively dealing with this threat, some buildings have considered using fans and filters to regulate air flow and UV lights to disinfect the spaces. - Keep the number of touchpoints to a minimum.
To prevent direct contact with contaminated surfaces, some building owners have applied an antimicrobial film to elevator buttons, used touchless technology, or even had security or a dispatcher monitor the elevator for passengers.
- Keep up with repairs.
Elevators should be able to function normally on a day-to-day basis because buildings have stayed open at some extent throughout the pandemic. This is an ideal time to look over the maintenance records and make sure everything is up to date.
- During downtime, renovate or restore.
Since elevators are not used as much as they once were due to lower building occupancy, it could be a good time to perform preventative maintenance, repairs, or improvements. Elevator service providers are vital employees who are always willing to assist.
- Keep an eye on your money.
Operating an elevator building is costly, so any downtime, maintenance, or non-compliance fines will easily add up. The contract with their elevator service provider can be checked by building owners and property managers to ensure they are receiving the facilities and products they are paying for. It’s a perfect time to go through the fine print of your contract and double-check for compliance.
