Elevators: What are Priority Controls?

In last week’s blog we discussed how the vertical transportation industry had introduced measures and technology to better prepare elevator systems in the event of an earthquake. To read about Seismic Switches for elevators click ‘here’. This week we will focus on a preventative measure available in the event of unauthorised persons gaining access to a building and attempting to gain control of its elevator systems. Fortunately this is an eventuality that has been considered by the industry and there are solutions available. One of these solutions is called Priority Controls.

What are Priority Controls?

Priority controls are one way to enhance security for elevators systems. Once priority controls have been installed operators can remotely dispatch and park all lifts away from the main building floor. Priority controls have also been referred to as ‘riot controls’.

How do Priority Controls Work?

When a remote switch or alarm control is activated by a building’s security team, the lifts will all go and park with doors open at a preset floor, away from the main building entry floor so that unauthorised persons cannot force entry into the building and use the elevators to disappear into the building.

What are the Benefits?

The primary benefit is enhanced security for the building and protection for elevator systems. Unauthorised persons will not be able to access other floors of the building subject to stairwells also being secure. Often priority controls are part of a building’s plans and are installed as one of a range of security measures to protect buildings. Priority controls have been installed in many buildings in central London and around the world.

Dunbar and Boardman is the lift, escalator and access equipment consultancy. Are you currently planning a project that will involve vertical transportation? Do you want to install priority controls? We would be happy to discuss with you. Give us a call on T +44 (0) 20 7739 5093 or send us an email via garyavis@dunbarboardman.com to start the conversation. We look forward to hearing from you.

Image credit: www.apexelevatordc.com

TÜV SÜD Acquires Dunbar and Boardman Partnership

TÜV SÜD has acquired Dunbar and Boardman Partnership Ltd., the UK-based consulting and planning services provider for the lift, escalator and access equipment sector. Dunbar and Boardman has its headquarters in London, with further offices in the UK, Dublin and Dubai. This will allow TÜV SÜD to continue to expand its real-estate services in the UK and its global network.

"Dunbar and Boardman's portfolio of services is the perfect match for our company," says Dr Ulrich Klotz, Head of TÜV SÜD's Real Estate & Infrastructure Division. "In recent years we have made enormous progress in creating an integrated range of consulting services and our customers are the primary beneficiaries. By acquiring the company, we can achieve several strategic objectives at once."

These objectives span further consolidation of TÜV SÜD's position on the UK real-estate market, as well as the company's plans for global establishment and expansion of consulting services from its Real Estate & Infrastructure Division.

"TÜV SÜD's acquisition of Dunbar and Boardman has given us the status of market leader," explains Michael Valente, CEO of the Western Europe Region at TÜV SÜD.

With almost 60 employees at 12 locations in the UK, and further offices in Dublin and Dubai, Dunbar and Boardman provides a full range of consulting services for the installation, operation and maintenance of lift systems. TÜV SÜD thus now occupies an excellent starting-position from which to roll out further services in the UK and extend its integrated consulting services for the real-estate sector to this market.

"Vertical Transport and Facade Access inspections are areas of core business for TÜV SÜD," notes Peter Boardman, co-founder of Dunbar and Boardman Partnership Ltd. "I am therefore delighted that our company can extend this core business into consultancy and continue our successful development under the umbrella of the TÜV SÜD Group. We look forward to contributing our experience and advancing the range of consultancy services on offer."

About TUV SUD

TÜV SÜD is a premium quality, safety, and sustainability solutions provider that specialises in testing, inspection, auditing, certification, training, and knowledge services. Since 1866, the company has remained committed to its founding principle of protecting people, property and the environment from technology-related risks. Headquartered in Munich, Germany, TÜV SÜD is represented in more than 800 locations worldwide. http://www.tuv-sud.com
 

SOURCE TÜV SÜD

How do you stay safe on escalators? – 12 Do's and Don’ts

Riding on an escalator should be safe and uneventful but unfortunately there are a significant number of avoidable accidents on escalators each year. Most of these tend to be at busy train stations or airports. Someone who stepped onto a busy road without following the Green Cross Code would be thought of as foolhardy by most people and would be risking their life. There are similar best practice tips for escalators that we have listed below to ensure that your journeys on escalators are happily uneventful. Twelve Dos and Don’ts to ensure that you stay safe on escalators.

Don’t’s

1. If you have heavy luggage and particularly if you have more than one piece of luggage do not attempt to get on an escalator – this particularly applies to children’s prams – It’s always best to try and find a lift instead.

2. Do not run onto an escalator going in the opposite direction. You might think you are making a funny clip for You Tube but it could end up with you being hospitalised. We have seen it happen. 

3. Do not attempt to climb onto the handrail or suspend yourself only on the handrails with feet above the steps.  

4. If walking up busy escalators with briefcases or bags for work do not rely on someone catching you if you were to slip or fall backwards.  Keep one hand free for the handrail.

5. Do not stand too close to the sides of an escalator or too close to the edge of the step.

6. Don’t block the ‘walking’ side of the escalator on busy escalators.

Do’s 

  

     7. Take hold of the handrail as soon as you step onto the moving step. Stand away from the sides of the escalator and edges of the steps.

    8. Hold children firmly with one hand – they should hold onto the handrail with their other hand.

     9. Carry any bags / small packages in one hand allowing you to hold onto the handrail with the other.

     10. Take extra care if wearing high heels, loose clothing or open-toed footwear. Keep clear of the sides of the escalator and away from the edges of the steps. 

     11. Do use the ‘walking’ side of the escalator on busy escalators if you want but remember to hold the handrail.  

     12. Consider what would happen if the escalator were to stop abruptly - would you be able to remain upright? 

Dunbar and Boardman is the lift, escalator and access equipment consultancy. Do you have a current or planned project that includes escalators? We would be happy to discuss any such requirements and how we may be able to assist. Give us a call on T +44 (0) 20 7739 5093 or send us an email via peterboardman@dunbarboardman.com to start the conversation. We look forward to hearing from you.