Apologies, Repairs Follow Elevator Malfunctions

By Kendra Bobowick

Heavy with apologies were two representatives from KONE, the elevator and escalator company that installed the town hall’s new apparatus, as they met with the Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers on Monday.

Service Manager Jeff Jenkins faced a room full of concerned expressions on managers’ faces as he read from a letter from a KONE executive stating, “Please accept our sincere apologies for recent issues … please accept our apologies to individuals in the three instances…” Technicians believe they have successfully remedied the cause of malfunctions. The elevator is currently open for use.

Edmond Town Hall’s addition, completed in the spring, is intended to satisfy the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The construction included access alcoves leading to the elevator, outside walkways, and the new elevator. Since the elevator project received approval and opened to the public, however, three instances have already seen residents who required rescue by emergency personnel after becoming trapped in a stalled elevator.

On June 3, a group of 11 people were trapped in the elevator when it stopped moving between two levels of the building. There were no injuries in that incident. The building was crowded at that time with people who were watching a recital by Lathrop School of Dance students.

On August 29, nine people were trapped in the elevator when the device stopped moving while traveling between the basement level and the ground level. Six of the nine people who were trapped were handicapped adult clients of the organization Ability Beyond Disability. There were no injuries in the incident.

Friday, September 1, was the third and most recent incident trapping residents in the elevator.

Newtown firefighters responded to the incidents, and KONE technicians also responded and attempted to make repairs. Gate switches and weight sensors were determined to be the source of problems causing the elevator to stall. In early September, KONE technicians found that the hydraulic valve that functions as a weight sensor had been too small, therefore shutting down the elevator when it was carrying less than its rated maximum load of 2,500 pounds. KONE technicians installed a larger hydraulic valve that should accurately regulate the elevator.

Mr Jenkins addressed these repairs during Monday’s meeting.

He said, “A rupture valve tripped when traveling downward.” The valve has been replaced. Technicians have also “tested door safety valves,” explained Mr Jenkins.

He later explained that after the first occurrence, “We were surprised.” Approximately two months later, when the elevator again trapped occupants, Mr Jenkins recalled the incident saying, “When there was a second occurrence I knew something wasn’t right. I knew [the elevator] was near capacity and at that point we brought our test weights out.”

Continuing, he said, “We concluded it was the safety device valve, designed to activate when the flow exceeds a certain amount. We found we had the wrong one that was sized … too low.”

After listening to the men’s apologies, Board of Managers member Sandra Motyka thanked them for the letter.

Mr Jenkins spread his hands and said, “I wish there was more we could do. Our intent is to bring back trust in [KONE] and our service.”

Ms Motyka said, “You understand our situation … the whole idea is to help people who are handicapped, and they were [the ones who were] trapped.” She insisted that guarantees and warranties that began when the elevator was first approved for operation become retroactive.

“I can’t argue against that,” Mr Jenkins said. “If that’s what you want that’s only fair.”

Board Chairman Jay Gill also made a request.

“We have bills we don’t feel we should be responsible for,” he said. He referred to costs incurred because of the incidents.

“These invoices should all be credited as far as I am concerned,” Mr Gill said. The board of managers will not be expected to pay any of the bills ranging from $400 to $900.

The warranty will also be extended, said KONE Account Manager Bruce Silva.

Board members had no complaints with the agreements from KONE.

After the representatives left the meeting, Mr Gill said, “I was satisfied with what they had to say.”

Ms Motyka said, “You can’t ask for anything more than they say they are wrong.”