Handrail mount in elevator comes loose, allowing one end of handrail to fall onto occupant’s foot

Incident overview

Technical Safety BC received a report of a building guest being injured in an elevator. It was reported that a loose handrail mount came loose allowing one end of the handrail to fall onto the occupant’s foot.

Regulated industry sector

Elevating Devices - Elevator

Location

Richmond

Investigation conclusions

Site, system and components

In this elevator there are 3 handrails mounted to the elevator walls. These handrails are secured to the elevator walls by 2 handrail mounts and fasteners.

Failure scenario(s)

A building guest’s left foot was injured while using the elevator, when one end of a handrail became dislodged from the elevator wall. This occurred due to a loose handrail fastener.

Facts and evidence

An email was received from the Building Manager Assistant with a forwarded email from the business of which the injured guest attended.

In addition, the email included a brief description and 4 pictures (2 of her foot and 2 of the dislodged handrail).

2 additional pictures of the handrail mount and the handrail were taken when a safety officer attended the site.

Causes and contributing factors

It is most probable that the handrail fastener became loose from regular use and occupants leaning on the handrail over the years. Then coincidentally the injured occupant’s foot was hit when the handrail became dislodged from the wall.

Impact

• Injury
  • Qty injuries: 1
  • Injury description: Bruising and possible fracture of left foot
  • Injury rating: Moderate
• Damage
  • Damage description: There are 2 handrail mounts securing the handrail to the elevator wall. The front fastener of the right hand elevator handrail, with respect to being in the hallway looking into the elevator, became loose causing one side of the handrail to drop onto the left foot of the injured.
  • Damage rating: None

Incident rating

Moderate