Elevator etiquette for staying healthy

To avoid the spread of microbes in elevators with traditional push buttons, it’s best not to touch the keys with your bare fingers. Opt instead for a gloved finger or use the end of a pencil or something similar to push the button.

If you need to use your bare hands, remember to wash them as soon as you can or use an alcohol-based hand-sanitizer.

If the elevator is already full, be patient and wait for the next one. Or consider taking the stairs instead. It’s best to travel in the elevator on your own or with just a few other people to limit the spread of diseases like the new coronavirus, which are transmitted through respiratory droplets.

If you are in an elevator with other people, try to stand at least one meter away from your fellow passengers. If you are in a crowded elevator, it’s polite to adopt the Finnish way and refrain from talking. If you have to cough or sneeze, turn away from others and use your sleeve or a handkerchief to prevent droplets from spreading.

It is always good practice to have elevator surfaces cleaned regularly. Encourage your facility manager to boost cleaning efforts so that elevator buttons, handrails, elevator car walls, doors and other surfaces, such as touch-screen panels, are cleaned regularly with the right types of disinfectant.

Media screens in and around elevators can be used to keep building occupants and visitors informed of any vital news, guidelines or developments concerning, for example, precautionary measures being adopted to limit the spread of the new coronavirus within the building or beyond. The KONE MediaScreen can be updated remotely.

Customers whose elevators and escalators have the KONE 24/7 Connected Services preventive maintenance system are able to keep track of any unexpected servicing needs to avoid equipment outages.