Safety and Sustainability

Efficient, environmentally friendly, weatherproof and cooling

Cooling Safety Vest

The StaCool Vest™ core body cooling system is now available from Lecanto, Florida-headquartered StaCool Industries in luminescent safety colors. The vest helps field workers beat the summer heat and remain safe, cool and productive despite elevated ambient temperatures. Fully adjustable models are available in safety yellow, orange and green to wear over normal clothing, providing all-day comfort and mobility. Vests to be worn under clothing are also available. Easy-to-care-for, thin, breathable material provides comfort and mobility. ThermoPaks around the vest provide hours of cooling, and a spare set of ThermoPaks are included with each StaCool Vest to extend cooling time after the initial set thaws. A thermal barrier is built in to ensure the wearer does not get too cold. They are ideal for a wide range of field workers, including those wearing level A protective clothing. StaCool Vests may be ordered directly from StaCool industries or through national distributors. 

Connected Elevator for North America

On June 8, Otis introduced the Gen3 Core elevator, the newest member of the Gen3^TM family of digitally native elevators designed specifically for North America’s growing two- to six-story building segment. Built off the proven design and flat-belt technology of Otis’ Gen2^® family of elevators, Gen3 Core is equipped with the Otis ONE^TM Internet of Things platform, along with a suite of connected products such as Otis eView^TM in-cab screens and customer options for application programming interface, or API, integration into tenant apps and other smart building systems. The platform also features enhanced aesthetics and health products such as cab air purifiers and UVC lights. Providing smooth, quiet rides, safety, durability and energy efficiency, Gen3 Core will be certified with an Environmental Product Declaration and manufactured at Otis’ North American Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Florence, South Carolina. 

Environmentally Friendly Hydraulic Fluid

Hartsville, Ohio-headquartered Hydro-Safe, a subsidiary of Renewable Lubricants, Inc., offers its patented Hydro-Safe® Premium Hydraulic Fluid in readily biodegradable biosynthetic formulas, including the VG-32 formulation for elevators. The formulation is Otis-approved and ideal for elevators that operate in a broad range of environmental conditions. Available in ISO 332, 46 and 68 weight formulas, the fluid performs like mineral oil-based elevator hydraulic fluid but, because it is environmentally friendly, can help companies achieve their sustainability goals and avoid expensive cleanups and disposal if a spill occurs. With oxidation performance similar to that of full synthetics, Hydro-Safe is one of the longest-lasting environmentally friendly hydraulic fluids on the market. The high Viscosity Index (VI) fluids are proven in systems up to 10,000 psi and in systems with ultra-fine filtration. To help ensure performance and long life, Hydro-Safe developed the stringent IsoGreen filtration standard that meets or exceeds the Rexroth pump guidelines for hydraulic fluids. Non-toxic, zinc-free formulations contain no heavy metals. In addition to elevators and escalators, Hydro-Safe is ideal for use in all types of hydraulic systems, including moving walks, compactors and more. With a higher VI than synthetics (energy-conserving formulas), Hydro-Safe Premium has improved thermal shear stability and increased load capacity. Its extremely low volatility enhances flash- and fire-safety features. A direct replacement for mineral-based hydraulic fluids, Hydro-Safe is ideal for hydraulic systems where low toxicity, biodegradability and non-bioaccumulation properties are required. 

New Destination-Control Kiosks for APAC

TK Elevator (TKE) launched a new-generation of AGILE Destination-Control kiosks in Asia Pacific (APAC) in May. The solution intelligently assigns passengers to elevators to reduce wait and travel times by 25% and increase capacity by 30%. Featuring a sleek and contemporary new look and clearer and more concise indicators, interfaces and displays, the new AGILE kiosks can be flexibly configured to meet buildings’ specific requirements. They can be customized with tailored graphics and messages via the Design Center to benefit building tenants and enhance the overall user experience. The new kiosks come in two sizes: 7 in. and 12 in., and can be either wall-mounted or placed on a pedestal stand to meet various design and spatial requirements. The new AGILE kiosks work best with TKE’s Destination Control System (DCS) for installation in new projects, as well as modernizations of existing elevator systems. Updating an elevator control system with AGILE effectively shortens passenger queues during peak hours. Optimized for high rises and compatible with most TKE products and solutions, AGILE can be seamlessly integrated with building management and security systems to enhance accessibility and increase service levels so building owners can market their properties at a higher value. Together, the new AGILE kiosks and DCS can be used for a broad spectrum of applications, including offices, hotels, residential buildings, hospitals and mixed-use buildings.