This process analysis for utilizing an elevator is designed for the first-time or beginner rider of a passenger elevator. The process is broken down into a series of easy to follow, comprehensive steps. This prevents the first-time user from making any potentially hazardous or otherwise embarrassing missteps. Prior knowledge requirements include procedures for walking, or other such personal propulsion, and of single-floor building navigation. While some steps of elevator usage have been automated since it's invention in the early 19th century, other steps have been added. As such, the actual amount of knowledge needed to ride an elevator has changed little over time. Any person who ever occupies a multi-story building containing an elevator, should be well versed in elevator usage. Even though every such building will also include a stair-case⁽¹⁾, elevators provide the additional advantages of rapid transport through levels, as well as the ability to transport large cargo on wheels.

    It is important to note that there are two main types of elevators. The first is the freight elevator, which will not be covered in this analysis. The second type is the passenger elevator. There are also several variations of the passenger elevator with a variety of control mechanisms. This analysis will use generic terms that can be easily applied to any of these variations.

    Usage of the procedure listed herein requires a building, of at least two floors and containing at least one operational elevator, and a person hereon referred to as the rider. No additional tools are needed. The process of riding an elevator consists of eight main steps: first, choosing a destination; second, approaching the elevator; third, selecting a direction in which to travel; fourth, waiting for the elevator; fifth, entering the elevator; sixth, selecting a floor; seventh, waiting for arrival at the selected floor; and eighth, exiting the elevator.

    The first step is to choose a destination. Two of the following steps are dependent upon this first one. In the case where the destination is on the same floor as the rider's current location, usage of an elevator will not be required. In addition, should the destination floor only be one removed from the current floor, the rider may wish to consider utilizing the staircase¹ instead.

    Once a destination has been chosen and determined to reside on a different floor, the second step is to approach the elevator. This can be most often achieved by walking⁽²⁾. Navigation from the rider's point of origin to the elevator is beyond the scope of this analysis. The rider may wish to refer to another manual on how to navigate through a single floor of a building.

    The third step is to choose a direction in which to travel, up or down, relative to the rider's current position. At present, elevators are only capable of transport in the vertical direction. This step is required because the rider must signal this information to the elevator in advance. This prevents the elevator from stopping at the rider's floor if it is currently traveling in the opposite direction of the way in which the rider needs to go. Once a choice has been made, the rider needs to press a button pointing in the corresponding direction. This button can be found on the wall next to the entrance to the elevator. It is important to note that this single button may control more than one elevator. All of the elevators on the wall must be watched for the next step.

    In the fourth step, the rider must wait for the correct elevator. The waiting process can sometimes take several minutes. Should an elevator not arrive within a few minutes, the rider may wish to consider alternative ways of traveling to the destination. When an elevator arrives, a bell will sound and the door will open. At this point, the rider must determine if this elevator booth is indeed traveling in the correct direction. This can be done by checking a light located either above or next to the elevator door. On most elevators, this light is in the form of an arrow, pointing in the elevator's traveling direction. In some cases, there are two lights located one above the other. In this case, if the top light is lit, the elevator is traveling up. If the bottom light is lit, then the elevator is traveling in the down. Once an elevator has arrived and it has been determined to be going in the desired direction, the rider may proceed to the next step.

    The fifth step is to step into the elevator booth. This step is essential. The elevator cannot transport the rider if he or she is not located within the booth. In some cases, an elevator may be full with other people upon arrival. If this is the case, the rider will need to wait for the doors to close, and then return to step three.

    The sixth step requires the rider to press the button corresponding to the floor which contains the destination. The buttons will have numbers on, or next to them that indicate which floor it is associated with. After the button is correctly pushed, it will be lit up⁽³⁾.

    Waiting, is normally all that is required in the seventh step. During this time, the elevator is traveling between floors. It may stop at other floors in route to allow for other people to enter or leave the elevator booth. A lighted indicator above or next to the booth doors will indicate what floor it is on at any particular instant. When the light indicates the destination floor and the door is open, the rider can proceed to the next step. Should the elevator stop and the doors not open within thirty seconds, an emergency may be declared. Profanity is socially acceptable at this point. If the booth lights are still on, the rider will be able to locate a telephone device within a panel or box near the buttons. Directions on or inside this panel or box will explain how to request assistance. Should the lights turn off, the rider should shout out loud for assistance. Extra profanity may be warranted.

    In the eighth and final step, the rider need simply step out of the elevator booth onto the outside floor. Navigation Through a Single Floor procedure may be followed for the rider to reach the final destination.

    Elevator ridership knowledge takes only a little practice to acquire, and is an invaluable skill. New riders often report improved social standing and respect upon mastery of elevator usage. This is because elevator usage provides the rider with many advantages over a non-riders such as stair-climbers. These advantages include improved speed, carrying capacity, and body odor. It is highly recommended that a rider also learn the proper usage of a stair-case, in the event that an elevator is not available.

Footnotes:

1. Every multi-story building utilizer should also be familiar with the proper use of stair-case climbing. This knowledge will be required in the event of power failure or fire. Please refer to a stair-case climbing procedural analysis if you are not already familiar with this option. (Back to body)

2. If the rider is incapable of walking, an alternative form of personal propulsion should be used. Such alternatives include the usage of wheelchairs and crutches. Crawling, while embarrassing, is an option. A rider incapable of any form of self propulsion should seek the assistance of another experienced elevator rider. (Back to body)

3. Advanced riders: If a button is already lit before being pressed, there is no need to press it. The light indicates that another rider has already selected that floor as a stop. (Back to body)

Return to Writings page.