Lifts are an essential element of modern life, allowing us to move quickly and comfortably between floors within buildings. There are many myths about lifts that circulate in everyday life. But how much of it is true?
Although there is no exact data on the percentage of the population that suffers from a phobia or fear of lifts (elevatophobia), it is known that this fear may be related to other more common phobias such as claustrophobia (fear of closed spaces) and acrophobia (fear of heights).
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), approximately 51% of the world's population suffers from claustrophobia, which is equivalent to about 300 million people in the world.
To address the fear of lifts, we always recommend seeking professional help first. However, in this article, we are going to debunk lift myths and the most common fears of this means of transport, since some of these myths generate unnecessary fear and make many people afraid to use them.
The reality is that modern lifts are one of the safest forms of transportation available. Below, we'll debunk the five most common myths about lifts and explain why they're completely unfounded.
1. Can lifts plummet if the cables fail?
Is it possible for a lift to free fall?
One of the most widespread myths about lifts is that if the cables fail, the lift car can fall into an uncontrolled free fall. We have seen this image in many movies and it has generated great fear in some people.
The reality is that modern lifts are designed with multiple steel cables, each of which could support several times the weight of the cabin on its own. So even if one of them were to fail (which is highly unlikely), the others would continue to operate without any problem.
Also, for your safety, you should know that all lifts have an emergency braking system. If the lift detects an abnormal descent speed, the brakes would automatically activate, stopping the cabin safely.
So no, a modern lift cannot plummet, as it has several completely reliable safety mechanisms.
2. What happens if a lift cable breaks?
Does a cable failure mean a sure accident?
Although we have already disproved this fear with the explanation of the previous myth, we will continue to focus on it, since many people believe that if the cables of a lift fail, the lift plummets.
The probability of all the lift cables failing at the same time is almost zero. And, as we have already mentioned, even if that were to happen, the emergency brakes would be activated, stopping the lift immediately. We invite you to read Why Do lifts Break Down? if you want more information on this topic.
3. Can I run out of oxygen inside a lift?
Another common fear is being trapped in a lift for a long period of time and running out of oxygen. How many times have we seen in the movies the situation where the lift stops and the people inside fear for their lives because they run out of oxygen to breathe?
Well, we regret to tell you that these scenes are completely fictional and that this is another lift myth that can be completely disproven. Lift cabins are not airtight. They have natural ventilation systems that allow air to circulate.
Obviously, it's not pleasant to be trapped inside a lift. But if it ever happens to you, you should know that there is no risk of suffocation.
Even if the lift were to stop due to a technical fault, the air would continue to circulate normally, so there is no real risk of suffocation. In addition, more modern lifts also have built-in fans to ensure even greater air flow inside the cabin.
So, no, you cannot run out of oxygen inside a lift no matter how long you spend inside it, as there will always be sufficient air circulation. However, you can read: What to do when a lift fails? to know how to act in the event of a lift failure.
4. Is it safe to use a lift during a power outage?
Another of the most widespread lift myths is the fear of being trapped inside the lift without light, in the event of a power outage.
The reality: Modern lifts have backup batteries that allow the lift to be driven to the nearest floor in the event of a power outage.
They also have emergency lights, so you would never be completely in the dark, and the communication buttons would also work, so you could contact technical support or emergency services if necessary.
5. Pressing the button several times makes the lift arrive faster
Although this is not a lift myth directly related to the fear or phobia of lifts, we could not avoid including it, since it is also one of the most widespread myths that people tell on a daily basis.
Many people believe that by pressing the lift button more times, it will arrive faster.
As you might imagine, lifts have an automatic control system that only registers the first button press. Pressing it several times has no effect on speed or arrival priority.
In some cases, some buildings have priority systems, but they only work with special cards or keys. In no case by pressing a button.
In fact, pressing the buttons repeatedly could accelerate their wear and tear and their lifespan, so we recommend avoiding doing so.
The bottom line on lifts myths:
Lifts are one of the safest means of transport in the world. Although fiction has contributed to creating myths about their operation and safety, these have only generated fear and misinformation.
- Elevatophobia is the fear of lifts and can be treated by mental health professionals.
- Lifts cannot plummet
- The cables are ultra-resistant and there are emergency brakes.
- Air circulation is assured and you will never run out of oxygen inside a lift.
- Modern lifts have batteries to keep working in case of power outage
- Pressing the button multiple times does not make the lift arrive any faster.
At Eleva Balear we are specialists in lifts
At Eleva Balear, lift operators in Palma de Mallorca, we have years of experience in the installation, maintenance and repair of all types of lifts.
we are committed to always offering you the fastest and most effective solutions, prioritizing your safety and peace of mind in each intervention.
We have advanced tools and technology to diagnose and solve any type of lift problem, whether it is a technical failure, overdue maintenance or pending modernization.
We also know the importance of preventive maintenance. By relying on our services, you are not only ensuring the correct operation of your lift, but also avoiding breakdowns that could cause you serious inconvenience.
If you need help with your lift for the lift maintenance in Mallorca or lift repair in Mallorca, do not hesitate to contact us. We work every day to provide you with a reliable, professional service tailored to your needs.
