Month: May 2016

With growing population in cities and less space, the height of buildings is increasing. While new constructions are tall skyscrapers, when the old ones are reconstructed, they are also converted into tall towers. Hence, towering buildings have become the mark of modern cities all over the world. They look so attractive and welcoming. Some of you may love the idea of living somewhere high up on the 25^th floor or higher. A very nice idea indeed! But one has to travel up and down that distance any number of times during the day. Consequently, you have to spend a pretty amount of time riding in elevators, and even more time waiting for them.

Research shows that in most big cities, in a lifetime, one spends about 16 to 17 years in elevators and 25 to 30 years waiting for them. These figures keep on increasing with the increasing use of elevators and new constructions. Just imagine, would you like to spend around 15 years of your life in an uncomfortable, tiny place? Why not make these years a pleasant riding experience?

When elevators began to be used initially, the sole purpose was to save time and physical effort. Elevators and lifts were especially found convenient in hospitals where patients cannot move around on their own. They are also a boon to aged people and the physically handicapped. But when skyscrapers became the mark, normal people could not even think of staying on a floor above six without an elevator facility. Builders could not think of constructing tall buildings had there been no elevators. Today, one takes elevators for granted. They have become part of modern life. Neighbors perhaps rarely meet each other personally, except in elevators. So the meeting has to take place in a god place.

As elevators became a necessity and not luxury, innovations started taking place in the models of elevators. The first concern was safety. Passenger traffic became more common than transport of goods. Where human beings are concerned, safety is very important. Safety measures like strong cables and brakes were added. Considering the total use of elevators, accidents are very few in number. Another important precaution that has to be taken is maintenance of the elevators. Just as car accidents will happen if the car is not in condition, elevators can be dangerous if not maintained regularly. It is the responsibility of the elevator companies to provide maintenance services round the year. Twenty-four hour service with call centers must be provided by the companies.

Another important factor is training and awareness among the users. When we purchase a new microwave oven or a washing machine, we have to read the instruction manual carefully, watch a demo, and understand the mechanics before we start using them. Similarly, it would be a good idea to invite a technician from the elevator company for a society meeting and request him to explain the working of an elevator. When we use a car, we know some basics which help us to make minor repairs if something goes wrong and there is an emergency. Similarly, understanding the mechanics of an elevator would be very helpful in making people aware that there is convenience, yet there is danger if sufficient care is not taken. There are people with an attitude who think that they can use a thing the way they like it, that they pay for the facility and they must have it. This attitude needs to be changed.

So? When you have to spend considerable time of your life in an elevator, should it not be safe and quality time?