“The elevator does not work” - agree, it’s not very nice to see such a sign at the entrance to the entrance. Even those who are light, and even more so if you are carrying a child or heavy shopping bags. What, besides a spoiled mood, does a non-working elevator threaten, and what are the ways to solve this problem?
Russian roulette
Often a faulty elevator can be very dangerous. For example, in Cherepovets, an accident with a two-year-old child nearly happened because of him. His father says that he was going for a walk with his son and was going to bring the stroller into the elevator. But before he could press the button, the device worked spontaneously. The elevator began to lower, clamping the stroller between the floor and the roof of the cab. By a lucky chance, rescuers were nearby, and the stroller was made in good faith. The child was not injured, but managed to get him out of the crumpled cradle with great difficulty.
It is after such incidents that, unfortunately, questions arise about why the elevator does not work, where to complain and to whom. Prior to this, the relevant authorities do not even think to solve the problem. Such negligent attitude to work, of course, should be punished, and the elevator - must be replaced.
But how really?
The lift industry itself is hopelessly outdated. Especially deplorable situation is in the regions. Even the elevators themselves ask residents to report any trifles related to a malfunction or suspicious operation of the device. After all, it’s better once again to check everything and eliminate minor problems than to be behind bars or to deal with the consequences of an emergency.
According to statistics, of all Moscow elevators, only a quarter is fully operational. Because of the crisis, more recently, the authorities simply did not have the opportunity to allocate funds for the repair of the elevator facilities, and existing mechanisms and structures simply exhausted their resources. After providing financial support in 2011, the situation in this industry improved, but only in the capital. In the regions, elevators still operate, as they say, to the limit. Many of them are over 25 years old. But the older any mechanism, the higher the likelihood of its failure.
Complain must be!
According to representatives of Moslift, complaints about the fact that the elevator does not work in the house are received regularly. Residents have many complaints: either the cabin stops abruptly, then it shakes violently during movement, then the doors open and close with force. And it is precisely these complaints, they say, that help solve such problems. Therefore, if you notice a malfunction, do not hesitate to immediately report it to the management company or dispatcher.
Elevators themselves are better off once again checking their site for safety than they will subsequently be prosecuted. So they are only happy with the claims of passengers. And the director of Moslift himself states: only an elevator, in which all checks and routine works are carried out on time, can be absolutely safe for movement.
Safety precautions and simple rules
In Russia, there is a special organization that deals with these problems, the Russian Elevator Association. In her opinion, one should either introduce control at the state level, or solve the arising difficulties through self-regulation of the industry. Finally, safety plays an important role and the ability to use the elevator correctly.
“Who doesn’t know this ?!” - you say. In fact, the passengers themselves are to blame for the fact that the elevator does not work. For example, they hold the door with their hands when closing - and this leads to a decrease in the set life. It is also forbidden to drive a stroller into the elevator with a child: their weight is not enough to trigger a fuse, and this can lead to an accident. It is best to take the child in his arms, and roll the stroller itself after they have entered the elevator. When you exit, you need to do the same actions, but in reverse order.
In a word, the elevator belongs to the category of potentially dangerous vehicles, and everyone must remember this.
How to recognize a malfunction?
Many factors can signal the poor state of the elevator mechanism. If you didn’t see the “Elevator doesn’t work” signs, but the cab suddenly started moving before pressing the button, this already indicates its malfunction. This means that the locking mechanisms are out of order, and in order to prevent accidents, it is worth immediately informing the dispatcher.
In no case should the elevator start moving before the doors close. Otherwise, the malfunction is subject to criminal punishment, and Rostekhnadzor will deal with the guilty. This is the last resort, it is they who, if necessary, will check the elevator - no one will cope better with this task.
Who should repair?
If the elevator does not work, where to call and write? In this case, contact the dispatcher of the service organization. Elevator repair can be done either by the local housing office or representatives of your cooperative, or by the partnership of the residents themselves. In any case, the declared malfunction should be eliminated as soon as possible - within 24 hours after the complaint was received. The elevator does not work, and on the calendar - a day off or a holiday? Call the emergency service of the city, it will definitely come to the rescue.
And if the problem was not solved?
Does the elevator still refuse to carry tenants, although it has already been several days after the application? Then, make a written complaint to the organization operating the farm. Utilities are required not only to keep public property clean, but also to carry out repairs as necessary.
The management company will also tell you why the elevator does not work. For example, the lifting mechanism has failed - an examination and replacement of all equipment will be required. Such issues are no longer resolved by the public utilities, but they are also required to inform you about them.
If your appeal in writing was left unattended, then contact the last resort - the Department of Rostekhnadzor. After all, it also happens that the management company promises to fix the elevator, and only stops its work and seals the cabin. This can last weeks or even months until tenants turn to Rostekhnadzor. And it’s better immediately to the prosecutor’s office.
How to file a written complaint?
So, the elevator does not work, you know where to go, but how to do it right? The main thing here is to state specific facts and give exact dates. When writing, it is advisable to avoid emotions and minor details. Otherwise, understanding the essence of your problem will not be easy.
A complaint about a broken elevator can be either individual or collective. But in any case, it should be competent and, if necessary, be supported by relevant documents.
Points that must be in the statement:
- Requisites. Here you indicate the address of the house, entrance number, as well as apartment numbers. You also write the details of the company you are contacting, indicate the name of its head. All this is the so-called cap, which is located in the upper right corner.
- Title. In this case, it is a complaint, claim or statement. Located in the center of the sheet.
- The essence of the problem. It is obvious: the elevator is not working, and no one is going to repair it in the near future. You can state your claims, backing them up with articles from the law on consumer protection.
- Norms and rules. They will also not be superfluous here - the norms that govern the implementation of all scheduled work related to the functioning of the elevator. For example, the date of its commissioning or the timing of the proposed repair work.
- Justification and request. It is necessary to clarify on the basis of what the management company should deal with this issue, as well as to state its request.
- Signature and date. If the complaint is made collectively, only tenants officially registered at this address can put their signatures.
- Applications They include documents with which you support your claim.
Prepare the application in duplicate. Let the first one be sent as intended, and the second one should be kept with you.
