Automatic Rescue Devices and Child Safety

Looks like we are getting serious about our research for picking the best home elevator.

Let me guess, you have already checked on the different technologies available, worked out the power consumption, space required etc. Excellent !!!  In case you require some more insight, please read our blog on selecting the best home elevators here.

Now let us look at two very important aspects you should include to your research : Automatic Rescue Device and Your Children's Safety inside the lift.  We will talk about them in brief here and if you feel the need of expert opinion, help is just a call away.

Automatic Rescue Devices and Rescue Process

While manufacturers give you options for customizations and technology, when it comes to rescue almost every manufacturer is dependent on an ARD system. ARD or Automatic Rescue Device is a module which works with almost all kinds of lifting technology.

An ARD system is attached to the mechanical system and gets activated (auto / manual) in the event of a power failure or in case the lift gets stuck for some reason.

This essentially means that now we are dependent on two different technologies for our safety, one the lifting system itself which we wish would not fail and then the ARD which we wish will work if the former happens.

    

Rescue Process in Elevators

Also remember that an ARD system cannot work without backup power which is usually 3 phase 440 v supply or a battery and inverter pack which can supply power to ARD in case of emergency.

An elevator which does not follow safety regulations and is not certified usually requires technical help in completing the rescue operation, which essentially means wait time unnecessary panic. Certified home elevators take care of these situations by providing options like trap door, DC operated equipments etc

Now let's get to the most important aspect of elevators and their operational environment.

Child Safety

While you might have already done it, we would suggest that whenever you walk into an elevator next time look for the instructions manual inside the lift and mark what they say about children using the lift.

Most of the manufacturers put up a declaration which says that children should be supervised while using the lift. A basic search on these manufacturers' websites will also lead you to results where the declaration is elaborate and may also prohibit children using a lift altogether.

*Children below 12 years should be accompanied by an adult.

However, when it comes to child safety you can always opt for a certified home elevator which is manufactured according to safety regulations. The most popular directive followed world-over is machine directive 2006/42/EC which not only ensures that home elevators need to follow certain parameters for human safety, it also lays out regulatory parameters for child safety in detail.

While the established manufacturers follow these norms of putting up instructions or warnings, local manufacturers do not even care about these parameters or about educating their customers.

When you are looking for an elevator and children or the elderly are going to use it, make sure that lift has safety parameters, such as:

1. Light Curtain
2. Child friendly hand rails
3. Curved corners
4. No protruding equipments inside the cabin
5. Control panel at children friendly heights
6. Diffused and Bright LED lighting
7. Trap Door for easy rescue
8. No AC power in Shaft or Cabin
9. No exposed machinery or wires
10. Speed limit as per regulatory guidelines


When we talk about children, let's not forget that the elderly also have the same kind of reflexes. A certified home elevator ensures that both age groups feel comfortable inside the elevator and do not require specific instructions or training for using the equipment. Moreover, you should have peace of mind when your dear ones are using the lift.

Read our blog on the importance of certification of elevators here.