Safeties Engaged as Corroded Steel Ropes Severed

Location: New Westminster

Regulated industry sector: Elevating Devices

Incident overview

An individual was temporarily trapped inside of an elevator at a retail business due to mechanical failure. Over time, the elevator’s steel ropes corroded without notice during routine maintenance. During the incident, the steel ropes severed while the elevator was traveling upwards. The overspeed governor tripped and type A safeties were engaged, stopping the elevator car movement. The individual inside the car reported minor injuries as they lost balance and fell onto their shopping cart.