Japan Takes Aim At Elevators’ Earthquake Lockups

Officials in Japan say earthquake risks are trapping people in elevators, so efforts are being offered to help them when they find themselves in these situations, The Mainichi reports. The Japanese Elevator Association notes that as of March 2021, there were nearly 773,000 elevators operating in Japan, and that riders tend to be trapped during strong land rumbling. For example, a powerful temblor jolted northern Osaka Prefecture in 2018, shutting down some 63,000 elevators in 11 prefectures including Osaka. Of these, riders became trapped in 346 elevators in five prefectures. Similar instances have occurred elsewhere, including in Tokyo. Lifts often are locked, such as when the cars are coming off their rails or with the engagement of emergency brakes. To avoid captures, devices known as earthquake control operators automatically stop the cars on the nearest floor to allow passengers to escape. Though many have been installed, passengers can become trapped when preliminary waves occur before lifts receive the emergency signal. In these cases, elevator passengers are being taught to hit all interior floor buttons during quake motion, as this will improve chances the lift will open on one of the stops. If a passenger is unable to get out, it’s important for them to let others outside know they’re trapped as soon as possible.