Recently, a video of a charwoman using a glass panel to block the elevator door in an apartment building in Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City, has caused serious consequences.

Specifically, the incident occurred on the afternoon of June 28, when this charwoman wanted to block the elevator door to move her belongings into the elevator, so she used a glass (or plastic) panel to hold the elevator door open. When the elevator door closed and shifted the glass panel, and then opened again, the woman adjusted the position of the glass panel and quickly ran out to get her belongings.

However, at this time, the elevator door did not detect the obstacle and continued to close, with the cabin moving upwards, pulling the large glass panel stuck in the door, causing serious damage to the elevator door, and the outer tiled surface also came loose and fell directly to the location where the charwoman was standing. The woman managed to dodge in time and was not injured, but the elevator and a section of the floor were severely damaged.

Video of the incident where a charwoman used a glass (or plastic) panel to block the elevator door 

Currently, the Apartment Management Board has resolved the incident, but has not yet announced the damages and the measures taken against the charwoman.

Image of the charwoman using a glass (or plastic) panel to block the elevator door

This situation is similar to an incident that occurred in 2023 in China, where a woman used an iron bar to block the elevator cabin door to hold the elevator, then went home to get her belongings. Unexpectedly, the thin iron frame could not prevent the elevator door from closing. The elevator moved upwards, pulling the iron frame that was stuck in it.

The surveillance camera footage shows that after the impact, there was a loud explosion, the entire lens shook violently, and then white smoke came out from the top of the elevator. The door was completely deformed, the iron frame broke in half and fell down.

The incident of the elevator cabin explosion was due to using an iron bar to block the door.

The practice of blocking elevator doors is still common, as users are not aware of the potential risks involved. Some use their hands, feet, or even stand in the doorway to hold the elevator while waiting for others, while others place objects at the elevator door to transport their belongings. These actions can all potentially damage the equipment or even endanger people.

According to Mr. Nguyen Duc Tien, a technical expert from Vietnam Institute of Lift Engineering Application (VILEA), using one’s body or objects to hold the elevator door can be dangerous.

“According to safety design, all elevators are equipped with infrared sensors or mechanical safety bars that automatically open the door when an obstacle is detected. However, in reality, the infrared system may not detect transparent materials (infrared can pass through), have dead spots, or the mechanical safety bars may be damaged or disabled. Additionally, the wear and tear of use can cause these components to receive inaccurate signals, becoming less sensitive and leading to danger for people. Even if no accident occurs at that moment, repeatedly holding the door for an extended period can cause the sensor system to become desensitized, and in the worst case, paralyze the entire elevator control system, making it less sensitive and inaccurate.”

Mechanism of operation of the elevator door safety bar

The operating mechanism of the infrared sensing curtain at the elevator door

A little boy used an umbrella to playfully interfere with the elevator door, causing a malfunction in the elevator door control system.

Therefore, Vietnam Institute of Lift Engineering Application strongly advises elevator users to never use their body parts or objects to hold the elevator door open. If the elevator door is about to close and you want to wait for someone, stand inside the elevator cabin and press the door open button. However, do not hold the door open for too long, as it may cause the door control system to malfunction.

Typically, the elevator door control system is programmed to keep the door open for about 3-5 minutes, after which it will give an audio warning to alert users not to hold the door any longer.

Aside from technical reasons, holding the elevator door open for too long also affects the usage of the elevator by other people, especially in high-rise buildings.

This is also why we should limit transporting belongings using the passenger elevator in high-rise buildings, as the time it takes can potentially damage the elevator door control system.

“In many high-rise buildings, the building’s technical department assists by locking the elevator door so that residents/users can load their belongings into the cabin, and then restart the elevator. This feature is designed to ensure safety during the transport of items. If users have such a need, they should request support from the technical department, rather than attempting to hold the door open themselves,” shared Mr. Nguyen Duc Tien.

In addition, elevator owners also need to post instructional and warning signage to educate users, as well as comply with the regulations on periodic elevator inspections and maintenance to ensure the elevator is operating stably and safely.