Climbing and descending stairs takes a long time. If you're carrying groceries, carrying a child, or have sore feet, using the stairs can be quite a hassle. Fortunately, most buildings are equipped with elevators or lifts. Using the elevator can save you time and make it easier for you.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Entering the Elevator
Step 1. Press the “up” or “down” button
After arriving in front of the elevator, determine your destination and wait. The arrival time of the elevator is influenced by several factors such as the number of users, the number of floors, working hours, and the number of elevators that can be used.
Step 2. Let other people out before entering the elevator
Don't block the exit. This etiquette is applied in several public facilities such as subways, buses, and elevators. Also, prioritize people who have special needs and who carry large luggage. Move aside and make room for elevator users to exit.
Wait for the elevator to stop on your floor
Step 3. Make sure the elevator is moving towards you
Most elevators have indicators that show which direction the elevator is moving. If there is no indicator, ask the elevator user in which direction the elevator is moving.
Don't take the elevator in the wrong direction, especially if the building has multiple floors
Step 4. Make sure the elevator has enough space
When the elevator stops, the people in it will not necessarily get out. If the elevator doors open but no one comes out, make sure there is room left for you. If there is not enough space, leave the door closed and wait for another elevator.
Step 5. Go in and find an empty spot
Elevators have different sizes and spaces. Find a place that is safe and easy for you to get out. The back of the elevator is an ideal place because: it makes it easier for other people to get in and out, and it secures your place if you are going to be riding the elevator for a long time.
Step 6. Select the floor you want to go to
The elevator has a button next to the door. Most floor keys use numbers. Basement button, garage, ground floor, lobby, etc. generally use the alphabet.
- If someone is standing near the floor button, he or she will probably press the button for you. If not, politely ask the person to press the button for you.
- On some elevators, pressing the illuminated floor button twice will cancel your selection.
Part 2 of 3: Riding the Elevator
Step 1. Make sure your luggage is safe
If you take the elevator with your groceries, books, or any other object, hold on to your luggage tightly. If the elevator is empty, you can place your luggage on the floor, especially if you have been in the elevator for a long time. However, hand luggage can provide enough space for other users.
Step 2. Be polite when riding in an elevator with small children or pets
Since elevators can get very full, you should prioritize the safety and comfort of others. If you're riding the elevator with your pet, you'll need to put the pet on a leash or carry it. Some people are uncomfortable with having a pet that is not restrained. Also, make sure your child is near you. It is important for children to respect the privacy of others.
Step 3. Don't make noise
One of the most important etiquette when taking an elevator is to make sure you're not too loud. If possible, avoid chatting or calling when taking the elevator. Instead of playing music through loudspeakers, use headphones. When carrying a baby, do not use the elevator when he is crying.
Step 4. Make yourself calm and less anxious
Taking the elevator is quite difficult for some people who are afraid of bacteria or tight spaces. If getting on the elevator is difficult enough but you have no other choice, prepare yourself as best you can.
- Do light activity. Read a book, check email, read text messages, check social media, make a to-do list, or do some other light activity that distracts and calms you.
- Listen to soothing songs. Listening to soft songs through headphones can calm you down.
- Use the elevator more often. You can fight your fear by practicing taking the elevator. The more you take the elevator, the more you will get used to it.
- Think of a calming situation. Train yourself to think about calming situations. Get into your imagination when you get on the elevator.
Step 5. Know when the elevator will stop
When climbing it, you need to know when the elevator will stop for two reasons. First, other users may have to log in or out so you have to make room. Second, every time you stop, the elevator will get closer to your destination floor, making it easier for you to approach the door. However, if you are far from the door, you can easily get out of the elevator when you are ready.
Some elevators have an announcement indicating which floor the elevator will stop on
Part 3 of 3: Get off the Elevator
Step 1. Say excuse me when you go out
Some people are distracted and often have their backs to you when facing the door. By saying excuse me, you are signaling to other users that you are leaving. By doing this, other users will make room for you to log out.
Step 2. Make sure the elevator doors are open on your destination floor
When the elevator stops on your destination floor, the doors will open automatically or manually. Most elevators have a button to open the door. Some older elevators may use a key to open the door. If the elevator doors don't open, find the intercom or alarm button. If the elevator is jammed, the elevator staff will be notified.
Step 3. Have someone else hold the elevator door for you
Moving around in a full elevator may not give you much time to get out. Have another user standing by the door hold it for you.
Step 4. Hurry out
Using the elevator should make it easier and save you time. Time will be wasted if you fail to exit on the destination floor. Besides, other people might want to get out of the elevator as well. Getting out of the elevator quickly will help everyone.
Tips
- If you're standing near the floor button, always ask the newcomer what floor he's coming down on.
- Prioritize people with special needs and the elderly. If you are in the hospital, please invite hospital staff, especially those with equipment or mattresses, to enter first.
- Do not force entry when the elevator is full.
- Always let other people out before you enter.
Warning
- Do not use the elevator during a fire, building evacuation, or other emergency.
- Do not hold the elevator door with your hands or feet. After the elevator alarm sounds, the door will remain closed regardless of the hand or foot holding it.
- Do not use a broken elevator. The elevator may get out of control and cause death.
- Make sure the elevator is not overloaded. An overcrowded elevator will inform the user that the elevator is overloaded and will not move. If overloaded, the elevator cable may break and cause injury.
