“In the U.S., as many as 2,000 deaths per year are attributed to stair-related accidents, compared to around 30 from elevator incidents.”
If you’ve ever hesitated before stepping into an elevator or heard stories about lift accidents, you’re not alone. Many people quietly wonder, “Are elevators really safe?” The truth is — modern elevators are among the safest modes of transportation in the world. From the engineering behind them to the strict safety laws they follow, every ride is designed to protect you.
At Evonic Pro Elevators, we’ve installed and maintained elevators across Bangalore — in homes, hospitals, offices, and malls. Let’s break down what makes elevators safe, what risks people worry about, and why your next ride is far less dangerous than walking the stairs.
Yes, elevators are extremely safe. In fact, according to global safety studies, the chance of an elevator-related accident is 1 in 12 million rides. That’s a lower risk than slipping on the stairs or driving to work.
Every elevator built today must comply with strict engineering standards such as IS 14665 (Indian Standards for lifts) and international codes like EN 81. These standards cover everything — from the quality of cables to emergency response systems — ensuring multiple safety layers are built into every system.
When installed and maintained by professional manufacturers like Evonic Pro Elevators, elevators are not just safe — they’re reassuringly dependable.
Even though elevators are safe, a few fears persist. Let’s address the most common ones.
Modern elevators don’t rely on a single cable. Most traction lifts use six to eight high-tensile steel ropes, each capable of supporting the elevator’s full weight on its own. Even if one cable were to fail (which is extremely rare), the others would easily carry the load.
Impossible under normal conditions. Elevators have speed governors and safety brakes that immediately engage if the car moves faster than it should. These brakes clamp onto the guide rails and stop the car smoothly — not abruptly.
Most modern elevators, including those installed by Evonic Pro Elevators, come with an Automatic Rescue Device (ARD). When the power goes out, ARD brings the elevator to the nearest floor and opens the doors safely using a backup battery.
Advanced infrared door sensors scan the doorway continuously. If anything — even a hand or bag — interrupts the beam, the doors reopen immediately.
These technologies work silently, so passengers rarely notice them. But they’re always there — protecting every second of your ride.
Surprisingly, no. Stairs might seem safer, but statistically, stairs cause more injuries every year due to slips and falls — especially among children and older adults.
Let’s compare:
Scenario: Elevator malfunction (per 10 million rides).
Risk Level : Extremely Low
Scenario: Stair-related injuries (per 10 million uses)
Risk Level : Significantly Higher
While climbing stairs may have fitness benefits, in terms of safety, elevators win by a large margin. Especially in high-rise buildings or during emergencies, elevators designed with modern safety systems ensure far greater control and security.
A speed governor monitors the elevator’s movement. If it exceeds the safe speed limit, it triggers the safety brake, stopping the car within inches.
These ensure doors can’t open unless the elevator is perfectly level with the floor. Likewise, the car won’t move unless the doors are completely closed and locked.
In case of any issue, passengers can use emergency intercoms or alarms to connect instantly with maintenance staff or building security.
When electricity fails, backup batteries activate the ARD to safely move the elevator to the nearest landing.
Routine maintenance ensures that lubrication, alignment, and electronic sensors are all in top condition. At Evonic Pro Elevators, we follow a strict preventive maintenance schedule, inspecting every detail from ropes to door sensors.
(If you’d like to understand how elevators function mechanically, check out our previous blog — How Elevators Work: A Simple Look Inside What Moves You Every Day.)
This post explains the lift mechanism, parts, and technology that make your everyday rides safe and smooth.
Technology is only part of the equation. Safety also depends on how elevators are used and maintained.
A well-engineered system is only as safe as its installation. Certified engineers must ensure perfect alignment, wiring, and testing before handover. That’s why we at Evonic Pro Elevators handle every project with our in-house team of skilled technicians.
Skipping elevator maintenance is like skipping a car service — it may run for a while but increases the risk of failure. Regular servicing keeps sensors, brakes, and cables in prime condition.
Passengers play a role too. Simple habits like not forcing the doors, avoiding overload, and keeping children from playing inside can prevent unnecessary hazards.
Even though elevators are designed with multiple layers of safety, passengers can also contribute to a smooth and secure experience. Here are a few things every user should keep in mind:
Never try to rush into or out of an elevator while the doors are closing. Wait for the car to stop fully and the doors to open completely before stepping in.
Make sure the elevator is level with the floor before entering or exiting — especially important for elderly passengers and those using wheelchairs or trolleys.
Every elevator displays a capacity limit (in kilograms or number of persons). Overloading can trigger alarms or cause temporary shutdowns.
If the doors begin to close, never try to stop them with your hands or feet. Use the ‘Door Open’ button instead.
Modern lifts have Automatic Rescue Devices (ARD) to bring you safely to the nearest floor. If the elevator stops, press the alarm or intercom and wait for help — don’t attempt to force the doors.
Children should never play with elevator buttons, doors, or sensors. They should always be accompanied by an adult inside the lift.
If you notice jerks, delays, or unusual noises, report them to building management or maintenance staff immediately. Early reporting can prevent larger issues.
Modern elevators have evolved far beyond the traditional systems of the past. Some of the latest advancements include:
These features not only improve efficiency but also ensure that the risk of mechanical failure is nearly eliminated.
The simplest truth of elevator safety is this: a well-maintained elevator is a safe elevator.
Preventive maintenance not only prevents failures but also extends the system’s life. It involves:
At Evonic Pro, our maintenance contracts ensure every unit — from home elevators to commercial lifts — runs with precision year-round.
In India, elevator safety is governed by a detailed framework of laws, codes, and inspection systems to ensure every installation meets national and international safety standards. These rules apply to both residential and commercial lifts, covering design, installation, maintenance, and periodic inspection.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has laid down technical norms for elevator manufacturing and installation under several codes.
The key ones include:
These codes align closely with international safety standards like EN 81 and ISO 8100, ensuring consistency across global practices.
Each Indian state regulates elevator safety through its own Lift Act and Rules, managed by the Electrical Inspectorate or Lift Department.
For instance:
Before installation, builders must obtain:
Operating an elevator without a valid license or annual inspection can lead to penalties and immediate shutdown orders.
As per Indian regulations, every lift must include:
State authorities conduct periodic inspections to ensure the elevator is functioning safely and all components are in compliance.
At Evonic Pro Elevators, we strictly adhere to these standards and assist property owners in obtaining necessary approvals, renewals, and inspection certifications.
So, are elevators safe? Absolutely.
They are among the most regulated and carefully engineered systems in modern infrastructure. From BIS codes like IS 14665 and IS 15259 to state-level Lift Acts such as the Karnataka Lifts, Escalators and Passenger Conveyors Act, every elevator in India operates under strict safety supervision. These frameworks ensure that every stage — from design and installation to annual inspection — meets national and international safety benchmarks.
What this means for you is simple: every time you step into a lift, you’re supported by decades of engineering progress, rigorous testing, and continuous government oversight. Modern elevators are built with redundant safety systems — counterweights, sensors, brakes, and automatic rescue devices — that work silently in the background to protect you.
At Evonic Pro Elevators Pvt. Ltd., we treat these regulations not as obligations but as our foundation. Every installation we complete in Bangalore strictly follows Indian standards and local Lift Acts, ensuring our clients enjoy safe, smooth, and certified rides year after year.
Because in the end, elevator safety isn’t just about technology — it’s about trust, compliance, and care. And that’s what we build into every system we design: confidence in every floor you reach.
