Elevator Safety | Do You Feel Safe In An Elevator?

Julie Fortin
Oct 5
3 min read

Understanding Elevator Safety, Maintenance, and What Keeps You Protected Every Day

Elevators move millions of people every single day — in condos, offices, hospitals, and shopping centers. Yet, many riders admit they’ve felt uneasy at least once while standing in that small metal box between floors. So, the question stands: do you really feel safe in an elevator?

At Apple Elevator, we understand that safety isn’t just about getting from one floor to another — it’s about trusting that every component works exactly as it should. Let’s break down what makes elevators safe, what can go wrong, and how professional maintenance ensures peace of mind.

Elevator Video Composed by ErikMonet7 on TikTok

1. How Safe Are Elevators, Really?

According to industry studies, elevators are one of the safest modes of transportation in the world. Statistically, you’re far more likely to be injured on a staircase than in an elevator. Modern systems have multiple layers of protection — from redundant cables to automatic braking systems that engage instantly in emergencies.

Every elevator in Ontario must comply with Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) regulations. These codes ensure that installations, inspections, and maintenance are all performed by licensed elevator contractors like Apple Elevator Corporation.

2. The Hidden Heroes of Elevator Safety — Preventive Maintenance

Even the safest equipment can only stay reliable through consistent maintenance. Regular elevator service inspections catch potential issues long before they lead to downtime or passenger entrapment.

At Apple Elevator, our technicians perform detailed checks that include:

Door operation and leveling accuracy
Emergency alarm and communication systems
Cable tension and hydraulic system performance
Safety brake tests and limit switch calibration
Controller diagnostics and non-proprietary part replacements

These steps are what keep elevators running safely, quietly, and smoothly — day after day.

3. Common Elevator Fears (and the Facts Behind Them)

“What if the cable snaps?”
Modern elevators use multiple steel cables, each capable of holding the car’s full weight several times over. Cable failure is nearly impossible under normal operation.
“Can an elevator fall?”
Elevators are equipped with speed governors and safety brakes that immediately stop the car if it moves too fast. In hydraulic elevators, pressure valves prevent rapid descent.
“What happens during a power outage?”
Systems include automatic rescue devices (ARDs) that safely move passengers to the nearest floor using backup power or controlled descent.

Understanding these systems transforms fear into trust — because safety is engineered into every ride.

4. Modernizing for Even Greater Safety

Older elevators can still be safe — but modernization enhances reliability, comfort, and code compliance. Upgrading to non-proprietary controllers allows for better diagnostics and long-term serviceability, while adding features like:

Real-time monitoring systems
Touchless call stations
Emergency two-way video communication
Energy-efficient motors and LED lighting

Modernization not only increases building value but also ensures your elevator meets today’s highest safety standards.

5. What You Can Do as a Property Manager or Building Owner

Safety begins with awareness. If you manage a building in Toronto or the GTA, ask yourself:

When was my last elevator inspection?
Are my maintenance records up to date?
Do my elevators meet current TSSA and accessibility standards?

If you’re unsure, it’s time for a safety audit. Apple Elevator provides detailed condition assessments and transparent recommendations tailored to your building’s specific needs.

Final Thoughts: Safety You Can Trust

You step into an elevator expecting it to work flawlessly — and that’s exactly how it should be. Behind every smooth, silent ride is a team of dedicated professionals making sure your system is safe, compliant, and future-ready.

At Apple Elevator, we’re proud to deliver non-proprietary elevator maintenance and modernization services throughout Toronto. Whether your building has one elevator or twenty, our focus is simple: safety, reliability, and trust.