As Cyclone Alfred approaches the southeast Queensland coast this week, residents and businesses are bracing for strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding.

This severe weather event poses significant risks to infrastructure, including elevator systems, which are particularly vulnerable to water ingress, especially from lower floors into the shafts if there is flooding.

– Move Elevators to Higher Floors

– Seal Shaft Openings

– Confirm Operation of Sump Pumps

– Isolate the Elevator

– Clear Storm Water Drains & Gutters

– Call Your Maintenance Service Provider

– Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately

Water ingress in elevator shafts can cause extensive damage, including the corrosion of mechanical components and electrical failures. This damage often results in prolonged downtimes and substantial repair costs.

When water accumulates in elevator pits, it exacerbates these issues, and may create safety hazards for maintenance personnel and passengers. Slippery surfaces increase the risk of slips and falls, while electrical shorts pose a serious threat of electric shock.

Ensuring that elevator systems are adequately protected from water ingress is crucial to maintaining their functionality and safety during severe weather events like Cyclone Alfred.

Move Elevators to Higher Floors
Before the storm hits, move the elevators to the upper floors to reduce the risk of the elevator cabins becoming submerged in water. If water does get into the elevator shaft and the lift cabin is at the lover floors, the risk of water entering the lift cabin is increased, especially as the pits start to fill with water. Also be mindful not to take a traction lift to the top floor as this may bring the counterweight all the way to the pit and cause damage. The second or third highest floors is recommended.

Seal Shaft Openings
Check and seal any openings, such as vents and gaps, that could allow water to enter the elevator shaft. Where possible, sandbag the lift shaft entrances on the lowest floors, especially levels with access from the ground. These levels are at highest risk of water ingress during floods.

Confirm Operation of Sump Pumps
If your elevator pits are equipped with sump pumps, now is the time to confirm that they are in good working order. This will help to automatically remove excess water and keep the pits as dry as possible. If you are unsure, contact your elevator maintenance provider.

Isolate the Elevator
If components get wet, leave the power off and wait for trained technicians to assess the damage before restoring power.

Clear Storm Water Drains and Gutters
Clearing drains and gutters is essential to prevent water ingress into basements, car parks, and elevator shafts, particularly during heavy rainfall or storms. Proactive clearing of drains will reduce the impact of flood-related damage, minimising potential disruptions, costly repairs to the elevators, or at worst, the voiding of possible insurance claims.

Call your Maintenance Service Provider & Consultant
Before attempting to restore power to the elevators, contact your elevator maintenance provider and request a technician to attend and assess the situation. For peace of mind, a consultant’s report and assessment can be arranged as well to assist with any repair rectification validation and for insurance purposes.

Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately
Notify your insurer immediately when making an insurance claim for an elevator damaged by flood or stormwater. The insurer will require a detailed damage assessment, possibly involving an inspection by a qualified consultant. Ensure all repair costs are reviewed and approved by the insurer before starting any work. Engaging a lift company without insurer approval may result in uncovered costs. The insurer might request multiple quotes for competitive pricing. Once approved, repairs can proceed, ensuring coverage as per the insurance agreement. Contact your insurer before a storm to confirm the claim process and take steps to protect elevators, especially those servicing car parks and basements.

By taking these proactive measures, building owners and managers can significantly reduce the risks and potential damage to their elevator systems during severe weather events.

Need more advice?

Contact one of our professional consultants: info.aus@elevatingstudio.com