The Consumer Product Safety Commission Warns that Residential Elevators are Dangerous for Small Children WASHINGTON, D.C. – According to safetyandhealthmagazine.com, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has received several reports of children becoming lodged in the gap between residential home elevator doors. The CPSC notes that home elevators are usually found in vacation and rental […]
WASHINGTON, D.C. – According to safetyandhealthmagazine.com, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has received several reports of children becoming lodged in the gap between residential home elevator doors.
The CPSC notes that home elevators are usually found in vacation and rental homes, multi-level homes, and large residences that have been turned into a bed and breakfast or inn. These elevators contain what is known as an elevator car door and room access door (also known as the hoistway door). Between these two doors, there is a space that a small child can fall into, causing him or her to become lodged. Otherwise stated, this deadly gap is not a concern for adults, but for a small child, it is enough space for him or her to become trapped once the elevator is called to another floor and starts to move.
The CPSC states that they are “aware of several tragic incidents in which children became entrapped between the doors, leading to death, serious fractures, traumatic asphyxia and lifelong injuries.”
Accordingly, the CPSC has issued a recommendation for homeowners to place space guards on the back of the hoistway door or to install a device that shuts the elevator off when a child is found in the gap. The CPSC also recommends that a homeowner seek out the services of a qualified elevator inspector examine their home elevator for this dangerous gap and other potential safety hazards, inspecting to the latest safety standard, ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.
Parker Waichman LLP is reviewing potential claimants of tragical fatal injuries caused by home elevators. Parker Waichman LLP helps individuals and families secure monetary compensation from those who cause harm due to an unsafe elevator. Trust your case with our experienced home elevator accident attorneys. For a free consultation, contact our law firm today by using our live chat or calling 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529).