Picture yourself stuck in a windowless cubicle with its doors sealed shut and no mobile signal in sight. It’s an uncomfortable scenario that no one would wish to experience— an Elevator entrapment. The anxiety is intensified when someone is deaf, hard of hearing, or has a speech impairment.

Do you know that in Canada approx 1.1 incidents occur per million elevator journeys. These statistics call for elevator Monitoring to play a role in building safety and security in elevators.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has revised its elevator safety standards. The main objective is to develop a solution through video capability in all elevators that meets the needs of people with hearing or speech impairments, ensuring their safety during unanticipated events.

The importance of remote video surveillance in effectively implementing this updated guideline cannot be overemphasized enough. Sirix, a top-tier remote monitoring center, ensures a quick response to emergency alarms by effectively utilizing communication technologies suited to individuals with hearing and speech challenges.

You are about to dive into elevator monitoring: What exactly is it? We’ll also explore the legal obligations surrounding it.

Additionally, we’ll see the new guidelines by ASME and how these new regulations can be advantageous for individuals who are deaf or speech-impaired. 

You’ll understand how remote video monitoring is practical across various industries and how elevators are stepping up regarding safety and communication. Ultimately, this helps create a secure environment for your building and the elevators’ passengers!

Let’s uncover the real purpose and scope of elevator video monitoring:

What Is Elevator Monitoring?

Elevator video monitoring involves the installation of one camera and a touchscreen intercom connected to a remote video monitoring center.

When the remote monitoring center receives a call from a distressed individual, the remote operator immediately assesses the situation by using a non-verbal bidirectional communication method and examining the real-time video footage from inside the cabin.

It is a cutting-edge approach to address the updated ASME A17.1/CSA B44 2019 elevator safety and security standards.

Revised Safety Code for Elevators

By now, you probably understand the revised guideline’s significance, particularly for speech or hearing impaired individuals. The updated ASME elevator code proposes the inclusion of:

A Touchscreen Intercom:

ASME’s new guidelines suggest using a touchscreen intercom that facilitates two-way text messaging for non-verbal communication, intended for people with hearing and speech impairments. It also displays a message assuring that help is on its way, when appropriate.

A Camera

Video capability inside the elevator is also a new requirement. As such, a security camera must be installed to provide a complete view of the entire cabin floor.

Control center 

The ASME guidelines forbids routing elevator emergency calls to automated answering systems. Emergency calls must always be answered by authorized operators around the clock. These processes are better handled by a security operation center that has trained operators on board 24/7.

Before we dive deeper into this topic, you might be curious about whether cameras and recording are permitted inside elevators to begin with. Let’s find out what Canadian law has to say on the matter.

Are Elevator Cameras Legal in Canada?

In Canada, installing cameras in elevators is permissible to combat theft, vandalism, and other illicit activities, provided that the video surveillance adheres to the guidelines outlined in PIPEDA, the “Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act.” Here’s a summary of the legal requirements:

• Clear and visible signs notifying individuals that cameras are monitoring them should be displayed within the elevator.
  This acts as a deterrent to criminal behavior and respects the person’s right to personal information.
• It is important to have a justifiable reason for the surveillance. Safety and security are the only acceptable reasons. It cannot be done for arbitrary or unfair motives. 
• A strict policy should be in place to govern the duration for which footage is stored and the timing of its deletion.
• Only authorized individuals can view the footage for security purposes.
• Building owners and managers should seek legal advice to ensure that their surveillance practices comply with all applicable laws and regulations. 
• To ensure compliance with privacy regulations, cameras installed in elevators must have a valid business purpose and should not infringe upon an individual’s privacy. 

Consequently, elevator security cameras are considered lawful and can be employed within elevator spaces.

Now, you will get an overview of how the seamless integration of remote video monitoring with cameras and intercoms results in a robust elevator monitoring system.

Components of Elevator Monitoring Systems

1. The Pivotal Element of Elevator Monitoring : Security Cameras

You may be curious about what precisely the elevator is keeping an eye on and how many cameras are set up inside an elevator. So, in this section, we deal with all the queries related to elevator cameras:

Which Cameras Facilitate Elevator Monitoring?

Worldwide, the cameras installed within elevators are specifically designed for indoor use. Among these, the top choice is the dome camera due to its compact and inconspicuous design, making it easy to install discreetly within the elevator cabin.

These cameras offer a comprehensive 360-degree view, effectively capturing the entire cabin’s surroundings. They are typically mounted at a strategically recommended height of 8 feet for optimal coverage.

We have created a list of the five best elevator security cameras to consider:

• AXIS P3265-LVE Dome Camera
• Avigilon HFA Dome camera 
• Hikvision Ultra-low light Dome camera
• Hanwha Vandal Dome AI camera
• Dahua fixed focal dome camera.

How Many Cameras Are Installed, and Where Are They Located?

Elevators are small cabins, and one camera strategically affixed to one of the corners near the top of the elevator cabin is sufficient. This corner-mounted camera is ideal for elevators due to its ultra-wide angle lens, effectively eliminating potential blind spots.

2.  The Vital Element of Elevator Monitoring: Touchscreen Intercom

In elevators, a touchscreen is essential to facilitate two-way nonverbal communication with passengers, especially those who are hearing or speech impaired.

It enhances communication between passengers inside the elevator and remote security operators.

These touchscreens are interactive display panels integrated into the elevator’s control system. They offer passengers a range of options and features, including selecting their desired floor, controlling the elevator doors, and accessing the emergency CALL button.

One notable feature is the ability for passengers to respond to messages from operators by simply tapping “YES” or “NO” on the touchscreen, making communication quick and efficient.

Image courtesy of Commend

As you can see in the image above, this is one of the options of what the touchscreen interface may look like. 

When a remote operator receives an emergency call from the elevator and sends the message, “Are you trapped in the elevator?”,  the passenger inside the elevator has the option to press either “YES” or “NO” on the touchscreen to continue the conversation with the remote operator.

The operators will ask additional questions in a pre-defined sequence based on the  responses of the elevator passengers to accurately assess the situation and send the necessary assistance as quickly as possible.

Image courtesy of Commend

The image above illustrates the view that the remote operator has on their screen. As you can see, it provides a clear perspective of the entire elevator cabin, leaving no part unseen.

Additionally, the instructions on the screen are displayed with utmost clarity.

3. The Paramount Element in Elevator Monitoring: Remote Monitoring Center

Now, let’s delve into one of the most vital and intriguing aspects of elevator video monitoring: selecting a top-notch monitoring center. 

Since the remote operations center will respond to all alarms from your elevators, you want to find a reliable one with trained and vigilant operators.

Identifying what to consider when seeking the finest remote video monitoring center is paramount.

In this section, we’ve researched and compiled a few essential factors you cannot overlook when searching for a remote monitoring center:

Swift Response to Emergencies: 

It is better to look for a remote video monitoring center that operates around the clock. A top-notch remote center ensures that the dedicated operators are always alert and instantly respond to any alarms or emergencies that may arise within the elevators.

Their quick and efficient actions make a huge difference in ensuring the safety and security of passengers.

Clear and Articulate Communication:

In the event of an emergency or distress call from an elevator, the remote monitoring center’s operators should be skilled in communicating clearly and articulately.

They should use simple and short text messages, ensuring passengers receive assistance and information promptly. This communication is crucial, especially for individuals with hearing or speech challenges.

Strict Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures: 

The remote monitoring center should operate with a well-defined set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These procedures should be carefully developed through collaboration with the client before implementing the solution, guaranteeing that every emergency situation is managed precisely and efficiently.

This adherence to established protocols enhances the effectiveness of the response, making it a reliable safety net for elevator passengers.

Continuous Vigilance:

The remote monitoring center should never compromise your security and peace of mind. The operators should maintain round-the-clock vigilance over elevator activity, especially during emergency calls. 

Any potential security concerns or unusual situations should be quickly identified and dealt with. Moreover, operators should stay connected with passengers until the issue is resolved or help arrives on the scene, providing continuous support and assistance.

At its core, the remote monitoring center acts as the central hub for overseeing elevator operations. Sirix, a security command center is dedicated to ensuring security through rapid response and strict adherence to established protocols, aiming to offer every passenger a safe and secure elevator experience.

We have provided valuable insights into the industry leaders in our blog, Top 10 Live Video Monitoring Companies in Canada. Take a look at it.

How Elevator Monitoring Works?

Now, let’s take a real-life example of how emergency calls are handled with remote video monitoring. This detailed scenario will explain how a distressed passenger seeks assistance when the remote video monitoring operator steps in.

You will better understand how the necessary help is dispatched to the elevator, and when the emergency call concludes.

Scenario: A young woman with a speech impairment twists her ankle as she enters the elevator equipped with a remote video monitoring system linked to Sirix’s security operations center.

Step 1:

The young lady presses the emergency call button, and trained operators at Sirix’s remote security center immediately receive the call, along with the specific location and number of the elevator cabin.

Step 2:

An operator accesses the live video feed from the elevator cabin’s camera to confirm the emergency. Upon viewing, they observe the young woman visibly distressed, sitting on the floor.

Step 3:

The Sirix operator communicates with the passenger by sending text prompts on the touchscreen. The passenger replies by selecting “Yes” or “No” on the same screen.

Step 4:

The Sirix operator dispatches the necessary assistance based on the passenger’s response.

Step 5:

A message displays on the touchscreen indicating assistance is on the way. Soon after, aid arrives to assist the young woman.

Step 6:

All video footage, text exchanges, and audio recordings (when relevant) are archived in the client’s account for future reference.

What are the benefits of Elevator monitoring?

Enhanced Safety

Highly proficient operators excel in touchscreen communication and deliver flawless live video assessments with great accuracy. Thanks to these dedicated operators and round-the-clock support, you can rely on them to respond every day of the year. 

This ensures that the security of your condominium, shopping mall, or commercial building attains unprecedented levels of safety.

Highly Customized

Elevator video monitoring adheres to ASME standards as operators promptly intervene in real-time, and the emergency text prompts are finely tuned to each unique situation. 

Rest assured, this level of customization enhances efficiency and ensures top-notch performance.

Improved User Experience

This enhanced user experience pertains to seamless communication with the entrapped individuals in the elevator, specifically for the speech and hearing-impaired individuals.

Why Choose Sirix’s Elevator Video Monitoring Solution?

Despite the presence of advanced technology and the installation of elevator monitoring components, if situations are not handled effectively, all efforts become futile.

For several compelling reasons, selecting a reputable security operations center is crucial when considering elevator monitoring.

Mainly because it boasts a dedicated team of operators who maintain a vigilant presence around the clock, these operators undergo specialized training to handle emergencies effectively. 

Their technical proficiency enables them to swiftly assess live video feeds, allowing them to grasp the situation within mere seconds.

Moreover, they are well-versed in the specific standard operating procedures outlined by the client, ensuring that incidents are meticulously documented and stored for future reference. 

These operators are also fully aware that the required assistance must promptly reach the elevator, and they maintain a firm grasp on the situation until help arrives or the issue is resolved. 

How Elevator Video Monitoring Helps Different Industries?

Commercial Buildings

Numerous individuals enter and exit the commercial building, relying on elevators to navigate between floors. Providing them with exceptional customer service is paramount for long-term profitability and a positive reputation. Elevator video monitoring system is dedicated to ensuring the safety of every person.

Condos

Condominiums can sometimes face the challenge of unwelcome individuals loitering in elevators without a legitimate reason. Elevator video monitoring system elevates condo security to a whole new level by swiftly and efficiently responding to emergencies and security threats within the elevators.

Shopping Malls and Retail Centers

Shopping malls attract a substantial number of visitors seeking the ultimate shopping experience. As shoppers navigate between floors, elevator video monitoring guarantees their safe and efficient journey.

In case of emergencies, rapid response times provide an additional layer of security, ensuring safety even for elderly individuals or children who may ride the elevator alone.

Parking Garages

Certain buildings are situated in dimly lit and secluded areas, making them susceptible to security risks. To ensure the safety and security of individuals in such environments, as well as the swift delivery of emergency assistance, elevator video monitoring emerges as the optimal solution.

Transportation Hubs

Transportation hubs like airports and train stations experience a constant stream of travelers, with people swiftly moving on and off elevators. In this dynamic setting, ensuring elevator safety and protecting against theft and vandalism is paramount.

Elevator video monitoring systems enhance security and facilitate quick and efficient communication for travelers during emergencies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, elevator monitoring is a vital solution that addresses the safety and security of every elevator passenger, especially those with hearing or speech impairments during elevator emergencies. 

The updated ASME regulations underscore the importance of elevator video monitoring, and remote video surveillance, as exemplified by Sirix, plays a crucial role in its implementation. 

Elevator monitoring enhances safety across various industries, ensuring a secure and efficient journey for all passengers.

If you are ready to improve building safety and communication, contact us today to learn more about elevator monitoring solutions! 

FAQs

What is elevator video monitoring?

Monitoring elevator activity through video surveillance involves using cameras to observe what occurs inside elevator cabins. In certain structures, there are cameras that maintain continuous recording around the clock.

Meanwhile, in other cases, recording starts exclusively when someone activates the emergency call button. It’s crucial to note that the recording encompasses the entire incident, commencing from the moment the button is pressed until the matter is resolved. This footage is then securely stored in the client’s account for an extended duration.

Why Elevator Video Monitoring is Important?

Elevators, due to their mobility and the constant flow of people in and out, can be susceptible areas in buildings.

Video surveillance plays a vital role in discouraging criminal activities like theft and assaults, as it instills a perception of being watched and accountable.

These recorded videos are invaluable as evidence in investigations and for legal purposes.

Elevator video monitoring enables security personnel to promptly evaluate situations and respond to emergencies or distress calls occurring within elevators.

What are the benefits of elevator monitoring?

Video monitoring has been proven effective in deterring criminal activities. The presence of cameras can dissuade potential criminals, reducing the likelihood of incidents.

However, it is essential to complement video monitoring with other security measures to create a comprehensive security environment.

What is remote monitoring in elevators?

Remote monitoring in elevators refers to overseeing and managing elevator systems remotely when the distressed passenger in the elevator presses the call button. Only then does the remote operator access the real-time video, assess the situation and make an intervention.