The terrifying accounts are anecdotal but overwhelming: Boston University students do not feel safe riding the elevators in some dorms, apartments and classroom buildings.
The school says because there are so many elevators around campus that are used so frequently, incidents will inevitably occur. However, students and the university can work to ensure safer elevator rides.
Students should observe rules and guidelines for safe elevator use: Do not exceed elevator capacity or weight maximums. Between classes, take the stairs if possible rather than overcrowd an elevator. Elevator etiquette can help make rides about campus safer and more pleasurable. It will also prevent the school from passing off problems as rider misuse if an elevator malfunctions when, in fact, a more serious mechanical problem exists.
BU must make sure its elevators meet safety codes and that all accidents are reported to a state elevator inspector, as required by Massachusetts law. Inside elevators at Boston University are inspection certificates listing facts about the conveyance including elevator speed, capacity and inspection expiration date. Some elevators on campus are past due for inspection, according to the posted signage. This is unacceptable. Massachusetts general law requires all elevators to be “thoroughly inspected and a practical test made of the safety devices” at least once per year. More frequent inspections may be demanded by city executives when elevators are suspected to be unsafe.
The owner of a building where an elevator is located is responsible for arranging tests with an inspector certified by the commonwealth. BU, as owner of an elevator in the College of Arts and Sciences whose inspection apparently expired July 18, has failed to meet this requirement to maintain public safety.
Fatal elevator accidents are rare, but they regrettably do occur. Ohio State University freshman Andrew Polakowski died in October 2006 after he was pinned by an overcrowded elevator. A December 2006 accident elevator evacuation in Houston resulted in the death of a 75-year-old man. In November 2005, a woman fell to her death in a Washington, D.C., condominium elevator shaft.
While BU elevators jolt students more than they do them physical harm, the school and students must work toward maintaining safe, rather than shaky, service.
