Equipment Protection Before Handover

INTRODUCTION:

The most imperative thing is to keep equipment safe and protected at project site before handed over to customer, site situation is not always same and external affects as dust, water, rust, humidity may have negative impact on stored / installed equipment, as a result elevator safety affects both the facility’s operational effectiveness and the safety of its occupants. An elevator must pass proper safety inspections done by qualified personal and compliance evaluations to ensure it satisfies all legal requirements before it is released for use. The main factors and procedures for ensuring the safety of elevator equipment prior to handover are described in this article.

STORAGE AREA:

There are numerous mechanical, electrical, and electronic components in an elevator. It is imperative to store properly before installing them to guarantee optimal performance, integrity, and safety.

Here are a few important safety measures for the elevator storage area.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL:

Environmental factors can affect elevator components. The area designated for storage should have,

• Temperature Control: Keep the temperature steady to avoid components’ potential for damage from thermal expansion or contraction.
  
• Humidity Control: Maintain low humidity levels to prevent electrical component deterioration and metal part corrosion. Apply dehumidifiers if required.
  
• Ventilation & Water Protection: Make sure there is enough ventilation to avoid the accumulation of dust and fumes, which can harm parts and produce dangerous situations. Similarly, water penetration can result in short circuits in the elevator’s electrical components, which can cause problems, blackouts, or even fires. Water exposure over time can cause electrical wiring and connections to corrode, reducing their dependability and performance.

FIRE SAFETY:

Elevator storage areas should be equipped with fire safety measures to prevent and respond to fire incidents:

• Fire Suppression Systems: Install fire extinguishers and, if possible, a fire suppression system suitable for electrical and metal fires.
• Fire Detectors: Install smoke detectors and heat sensors to provide early warning of a fire.

• Emergency Exits: Ensure that the storage area has clear, accessible emergency exits and        that all personnel are familiar with evacuation procedures.

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE:

Maintaining the storage area’s integrity and safety over time can be achieved through routine inspection and maintenance:

• Regular Inspections: To quickly identify and resolve any possible risks or problems, conduct routine inspections of the storage area.

• Maintenance of Storage Equipment: To keep shelves, racks, and handling equipment in good shape, give them regular upkeep. Proper cleaning, greasing, oiling on timely basis mitigates the potential risk of parts damages, remember 5S Japanese theory to maintain storage area with (SEIRI, SEITON, SEISO, SEIKETSU, SHITSUKE) in English (SORT, SET, SHINE, STANDARDIES, SELF DISCIPLINE).

• Pest Control: Take action to stop rodents and insects from causing damages electrical cables and other sensitive parts.

CONCLUSION:

Proper storage of elevator components is essential to ensure their safety, integrity, and        functionality when it’s time for installation. By controlling the environment, implementing proper safety measures, organizing, handling, and transporting items correctly, ensuring fire safety, water protection, conducting regular inspections and maintenance, and maintaining proper documentation, you can prevent damage, ensure compliance, and safeguard the well-being of personnel. These precautions collectively contribute to the smooth and safe operation of elevators once they are installed and commissioned.